Osteoarthritis
Get Relief from Joint Pain and Stiffness
If joint pain or stiffness in your feet or ankles makes everyday activities difficult, you may be dealing with osteoarthritis, a common degenerative condition caused by the breakdown of cartilage in your joints. At Eastside Podiatry PLLC, our specialists help you understand your condition, provide effective treatments, and guide you toward better mobility so you can get back to doing what you love.
Osteoarthritis Q & A
What is a Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and often shows up in the feet and ankles. If you’re living with joint pain, stiffness, or swelling, simple daily activities—like walking, climbing stairs, or even standing—can start to feel difficult. At Eastside Podiatry, we help you find relief so you can stay mobile and enjoy life with less pain
Osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative arthritis, reflecting its nature to develop as part of the aging process. As the most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis affects millions of Americans. Some people refer to osteoarthritis simply as arthritis, even though there are many different types of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis appears at various joints throughout the body, including the hands, feet, spine, hips and knees. In the foot, the disease most frequently occurs in the big toe, although it is also often found in the midfoot and ankle.
Causes of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis often develops over time as the cartilage that cushions your joints wears down. Past injuries, repeated stress, or even the way your feet are shaped (like flat feet or high arches) can increase your risk. Sometimes, it’s simply part of the natural aging process.
An injury may also lead to osteoarthritis, although it may take months or years after the injury for the condition to develop. For example, osteoarthritis in the big toe is often caused by kicking or jamming the toe or by dropping something on the toe. Osteoarthritis in the midfoot is often caused by dropping something on it or by a sprain or fracture. In the ankle, osteoarthritis is usually caused by a fracture and occasionally by a severe sprain.
Sometimes osteoarthritis develops as a result of abnormal foot mechanics, such as flat feet or high arches. A flat foot causes less stability in the ligaments (bands of tissue that connect bones), resulting in excessive strain on the joints, which can cause arthritis. A high arch is rigid and lacks mobility, causing a jamming of joints that creates an increased risk of arthritis.
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
- Pain or stiffness in the joint
- Swelling around the joint
- Trouble walking or bending the joint
- Bone spurs that cause shoe discomfort or blistersRecognizing these symptoms early allows us to create a plan that helps you stay active and prevent further damage.
Diagnosing Osteoarthritis
To diagnose osteoarthritis, we start with a careful exam of your foot and ankle—checking for swelling, mobility, and pain. We may also take X-rays to see how advanced the condition is. Our goal is to give you clear answers and a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle.
Nonsurgical Treatment
To help relieve symptoms, the surgeon may begin treating osteoarthritis with one or more of the following nonsurgical approaches:
Oral medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, are often helpful in reducing the inflammation and pain. Occasionally, a prescription for a steroid medication is needed to adequately reduce symptoms.
Orthotic devices. Custom orthotic devices (shoe inserts) are often prescribed to provide support to improve the foot’s mechanics or cushioning to help minimize pain.
Bracing. Bracing, which restricts motion and supports the joint, can reduce pain during walking and can help prevent further deformity.
Immobilization. Protecting the foot from movement by wearing a cast or removable cast-boot may be necessary to allow the inflammation to resolve.
Steroid injections. In some cases, steroid injections are applied to the affected joint to deliver anti-inflammatory medication.
Physical therapy. Exercises to strengthen the muscles, especially when osteoarthritis occurs in the ankle, may give the patient greater stability and may help him or her avoid injury that might worsen the condition.
When Is Surgery Needed?
When osteoarthritis has progressed substantially or has failed to improve with nonsurgical treatment, surgery may be recommended. In advanced cases, surgery may be the only option. The goal of surgery is to decrease pain and improve function. The foot and ankle surgeon will consider a number of factors when selecting the procedure best suited to the patient’s condition and lifestyle.
Faq...
A podiatrist will perform a physical exam and may order imaging tests such as:
– X-rays to assess joint space and bone changes
– MRI or ultrasound for soft tissue evaluation
– Gait analysis to identify biomechanical issues
Treatment is focused on relieving pain and improving function. Options include:
– Custom orthotics to redistribute pressure
– Supportive footwear with cushioning and arch support
– Anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroid injections
– Physical therapy and stretching exercises
– Activity modification and weight management
– In advanced cases, surgical intervention
– Maintain a healthy weight
– Wear supportive shoes
– Avoid high-impact activities
– Stretch and strengthen foot and ankle muscles
– Get regular podiatric checkups
You should see a podiatrist if you experience:
– Persistent foot or ankle pain
– Difficulty walking or standing
– Joint stiffness that limits daily activities
– Swelling or deformity in the foot