services
Foot & Ankle Arthritis
Arthritis is a common, yet painful disease that causes joint inflammation in the body. Though it can affect any joint, many people have arthritis of the foot and ankle, where tiny joints are responsible for supporting the body’s weight and absorbing shock. Arthritis causes the joints to swell and become inflamed, leading to severe pain. Often, a person with advanced stages of arthritis will experience sensations of bone rubbing on bone as the cartilage deteriorates and results in bone spurs.
Did you know there are more than 100 types of arthritis? Many of them can affect the joints of the foot and ankle, causing pain and stiffness. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 52 million adults – 1 in 5 – have been diagnosed with some form of arthritis in the U.S. Of those, many suffer from debilitating foot and ankle pain that makes even the simplest everyday tasks like walking or exercising much more complicated.
Total Ankle Replacement
Total ankle replacement (or ankle arthroplasty) is a surgical treatment for people with osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease in which the articular cartilage (the tough but flexible tissue covering the ends of the bones) gradually wears away.
In most cases, ankle osteoarthritis is related to a previous ankle injury and is termed, post-traumatic arthritis. X-rays, CT scans and MRI imaging help determine the severity of the ankle cartilage damage. In a normal ankle, the articular cartilage creates the appearance of a symmetric joint space between the three bones making up the ankle joint (the tibia, fibula and talus). As the articular cartilage wears away, the joint space decreases progressing to bone on bone contact indicative of arthritis.
Foot & Ankle Arthritis
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes foot and ankle arthritis?
A person can develop foot and ankle arthritis as a result of many different causes or ‘triggers’. For example, osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease in which the cartilage surrounding a joint slowly wears down. Injuries can also cause the disease to develop, resulting in posttraumatic arthritis. Another type of arthritis – rheumatoid arthritis – is an autoimmune condition that causes the body’s immune system to attack the tissues of the joint. Though the disease is not believed to run in families, certain people – particularly those who are obese – are at a heightened risk of developing it.
What are the symptoms of foot and ankle arthritis?
A person with foot and ankle arthritis will have varying degrees of symptoms depending on how advanced the disease is. However, this condition typically causes stiffness and pain when walking or standing, as well as tenderness when pressure is applied to the joints. The joint may also swell or become warm to the touch, and in many cases it is worse in the mornings or when participating in vigorous activity.
How will an orthopedic surgeon treat foot and ankle arthritis?
There are many different ways of treating foot and ankle arthritis. Though there is no cure, the focus is often on symptom management and slowing the progression of the disease. At our office, we emphasize a non-surgical and minimally invasive approach, which may include lifestyle modifications, orthotics and the use of advanced and alternative therapies. For more information about foot and ankle arthritis treatment, contact our office to schedule a consultation.
