What Is Arthritis in the Foot?

Arthritis is a general term for inflammation in and around your joints. More than 100 diseases go by the term arthritis, with the foot housing at least 30 different kinds. When it occurs, pain, stiffness, and swelling are its primary characteristics.

Arthritis of the foot is one of the most common types of arthritis. Any of the different types can make it difficult to walk and perform your regular daily activities. To diagnose foot arthritis, a combination of a detailed medical history, physical test, and radiologic examination is necessary.

Arthritis can be either acute or chronic and is generally progressive. Although there is no cure for arthritis, there are many treatment options available. These treatment options slow down the progression of the disease and ease symptoms. With proper treatment, you can manage your pain, stay active, and continue to do what you enjoy most.



Summary of Important Points

• Arthritis refers to inflammation in and around the joints, especially in the foot and ankle.
• Pain, stiffness, and swelling are the characteristic symptoms of foot arthritis.
• Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is associated with aging.
• Diagnosis involves subjective history taking, an objective examination or test, as well as a radiographic examination.
• Foot arthritis can be treated either conservatively or via surgery. While conservative treatment will slow the progression of the disease and relieve symptoms, surgery will address the cause and bring a cure.

Symptoms of Arthritis in the Foot

The specific symptoms of arthritis in the foot will vary depending on which joint is affected. As for general symptoms, you can expect to see the following:

• Tenderness or pain. Onset can be gradual or sudden, and the pain can be relieved or worsened by activity. There may also be pain with motion.
• Swelling, warmth, and redness.
• Joint stiffness.
• Functional limitation (reduced ability to walk).

Causes and Risk Factors of Arthritis in the Foot

Risk factors for all types of arthritis are joint injury, obesity, overuse, genetics, and anatomic factors like joint shape and structure, foot shape and structure, etc.

Different types of arthritis have different causes. Some causes include:



Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis occurs due to the degeneration of the cartilage in the joint. This degeneration can be due to heredity, obesity, joint overuse, body mechanics, diabetes, aging, menopause, etc.



Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

RA is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks healthy joint tissue. Risk factors for RA include genetic history, smoking, and being overweight. It is also more common for females and older individuals to develop RA.



Gout

Gout is caused by the accumulation of uric acid in the bloodstream. This in itself can be caused by kidney problems, obesity, high blood pressure and/or diabetes, genetic history of gout, drinking too much beer or spirits, and eating a lot of red meat, offal, and seafood.



Conservative Treatments for Arthritis in the Foot

While there is no cure for arthritis, there are several effective treatments to relieve the pain and prevent or limit disability. The initial line of management is conservative, no matter the kind of arthritis. It includes:



Lifestyle Modification

It may be necessary to reconsider areas related to your diet, weight, and activities. For example, you’ll need to minimize any activity that worsens your symptoms, manage your weight, reduce the intensity of activities, and switch from high impact activities to low impact activities.



Use of Over-The-Counter Drugs

Over-the-counter drugs and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen help to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Likewise, steroid medication may be injected into the joints to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.



Ice or Heat?

Both ice and heat can provide pain relief. Ice leads to vasoconstriction of the blood vessels in the surrounding area leading to reduced swelling and inflammation, reducing pain.

Heat, on the other hand, relaxes the muscles and increases blood flow. This relieves pain, reduces spasms and joint stiffness, and promotes healing. While ice is better for the acute presentation of arthritis, heat is better for the chronic presentation of arthritis.



Physical Therapy

A physiotherapist will prescribe a series of range of motion exercises to increase strength and mobility. Take care to follow the prescription of the therapist as going overboard can lead to more foot pain.



Custom Orthotics

From a brace to a shoe insert or even a custom-designed shoe, custom orthotics relieve pain and discomfort. They offer more comfort and stability than regular shoes can provide. Examples of custom orthotics include ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) and shoe inserts.



Proper Footwear

Ensure your footwear fits properly and is adequately cushioned. A good shoe should provide adequate arch and heel support. It should also have thick soles, cushioning, and shock absorption. Also, avoid high heels and footwear with narrow toe boxes. Using this, you can prevent the occurrence of deformities and limit the progression of the disease.



Can Arthritis in the Foot Be Treated or Prevented Without Surgery?

As previously discussed, foot arthritis can be treated without surgery, howbeit conservatively. If you’re looking for a lasting cure, surgery is the preferred method to treat foot arthritis.

Depending on the type of foot arthritis, your doctor will choose the most relevant kind of surgery required to improve your condition. Some of the available surgical options for foot arthritis include arthroscopy, arthrodesis, fusion surgery, and joint replacement surgery.



Should You See a Doctor for Arthritis in the Foot?

If you suspect you have developed foot arthritis, consult a doctor, rheumatologist, or podiatrist. Your doctor will consider your medical history and pain, and formulate the best treatment plan for you based on the intensity and severity of the symptoms.