Osteoarthritis of foot & ankle- symptoms, diagnosis, treatment

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis, or "wear-and-tear" arthritis, is the most common type of arthritis. Also known as degenerative joint disease or age-related arthritis, osteoarthritis is more likely to develop as people age. Inflammation and injury to the joint cause a breaking down of cartilage tissues, resulting in pain, swelling, and deformity. The changes in osteoarthritis usually occur slowly over many years, though there are occasional exceptions.

How does osteoarthritis affect the foot and ankle?

Each foot has 28 bones and more than 30 joints. The following are the most common foot joints affected by osteoarthritis:

• The joint where the ankle and shinbone meet
• The three joints of the foot that involve the heel bone, the inner mid-foot bone, and the outer mid-foot bone
• The joint of the big toe and foot bone

What are the symptoms of foot and ankle osteoarthritis?

Symptoms of foot and ankle osteoarthritis often include the following:

• Tenderness or pain
• Reduced ability to move or walk
• Stiffness in the joint
• Swelling in the joint

How is foot and ankle osteoarthritis diagnosed?

The diagnosis of foot and ankle osteoarthritis most likely will involve the following:

• A medical history in which the doctor asks questions about when and where the pain began
• A test called a gait analysis in which the doctor measures your stride and the way you walk
• X-rays
• • Bone scans
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

  How is foot and ankle osteoarthritis treated?

  Foot and ankle osteoarthritis can be treated in many ways. Nonsurgical methods to treat foot and ankle arthritis include:
  • Steroid medications injected into the joints
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling in the joints
  • Pain relievers
  • Pads or arch supports
  • Canes or braces to support the joints
  • Inserts that support the ankle and foot
  • Physical therapy
  • Nutritional supplements
  • Weight control

  Are there any tips about foot care that can help with osteoarthritis?

  The most essential element of foot care for people with foot and ankle osteoarthritis is to wear shoes that fit properly and feel comfortable. The following are things to look for in finding a comfortable shoe:
  • Shoes shaped like your foot
  • Shoes that have support -- for example, no slip-on shoes
  • Rubber soles to provide more cushioning
  • Flexibility
  • Proper fit -- ask the salesperson to help you with this
  • Exercise can help keep your feet pain-free, strong, and flexible. Exercises that can be good for your feet include:

    • Achilles stretch -- With your palms flat on a wall, lean against the wall and place one foot forward and one foot back. Lean forward, leaving your heels on the floor. You can feel the pull in your Achilles tendon and your calf. Repeat this exercise three times, holding for 10 seconds on each repeat.
    • Big-toe stretch -- Place a thick rubber band around your big toes. Pull the big toes away from each other and toward the other toes. Hold this position for five seconds and repeat the exercise 10 times.
    • Toe pull -- Place a rubber band around the toes of each foot, and then spread your toes. Hold this position for five seconds and repeat the exercise 10 times.

    • Are there surgical treatments for foot and ankle osteoarthritis?

      More than one kind of surgery may be required to treat foot and ankle osteoarthritis. Your doctor can select the kind of surgery that is best for you, depending on the extent of your arthritis. The following are some of the surgical options for foot and ankle osteoarthritis:
      • Arthroscopic surgery -- This kind of surgery can help in early stages of arthritis. In arthroscopic surgery, an arthroscope (a small instrument about the size of a pencil) is inserted into a joint. The instrument projects an image onto a monitor that is viewed by a surgeon. The surgeon can then use tiny forceps, knives, and shavers to clean the joint area. Arthroscopic surgery can help to remove any foreign tissue or bony outgrowths (spurs) that are present in the joint.
      • Fusion surgery -- This kind of surgery, also called arthrodesis, involves fusing bones together with the use of rods, pins, screws, or plates. After healing, the bones remain fused together.
      • Joint replacement surgery -- This kind of surgery involves replacing the ankle joint with artificial implants and is used only in rare cases.