Treatment of Foot and Ankle Arthritis
Arthritis is a condition that causes joint inflammation, swelling, and pain. The condition occurs when the lubricating cartilage in the joint wears away, leaving irregular cartilage and bone to rub against bone causing pain. This condition is common in people over the age of 50, but can start at younger ages. Several diseases can result in arthritis, but trauma and rheumatoid disease are the most common causes in the ankle.
Rheumatoid and Inflammatory Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system turns against itself. Rather than working to protect the joints, the body actually produces substances that cause joint inflammation and destruction. RA is a long-term disorder that causes inflammation of multiple joints and surrounding tissue throughout the body. Of those individuals who suffer from RA, nearly 90 percent develop symptoms at the ankle or foot. In most cases, these symptoms initially appear in the toes and then involve the rear portion of the foot and ankle.
Other inflammatory types of arthritis that can affect the foot and ankle and deserve mention include gout, psoriasis, lupus (SLE), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and Reiter’s syndrome.
Arthritis of Foot and Ankle FAQ
What Causes Arthritis of the Foot & Ankle?
Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Previous trauma is the single most common cause of ankle arthritis. Such injuries include previous fractures, joint dislocations, or severe ankle sprains, which can occur years before arthritis begins. These injuries can cause permanent damage to joint cartilage surfaces that help cushion joints. Over time, the damage worsens, leading to joint inflammation, swelling, and pain.
Rheumatoid and Inflammatory Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own joints. Rather than protecting the joints, the body produces substances that cause inflammation and destruction. Nearly 90 percent of individuals with RA develop symptoms in the foot or ankle, starting in the toes and gradually progressing to the rear portion of the foot and ankle.
Other inflammatory types of arthritis that can affect the foot and ankle include:
- Gout
- Psoriasis
- Lupus (SLE)
- Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)
- Reiter’s syndrome
What Are The Symptoms of Arthritis of the Foot & Ankle?
The most common symptoms of arthritis in the foot and ankle include:
- Pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints
- Difficulty walking, especially in the ball and sole of the foot
- Deformities such as corns, bunions, hammer toes, or claw toes
- Shifting of bones in the joints, leading to a collapsed foot arch
- Increased pain and difficulty in mobility as the condition progresses
What Are The Treatment Options For Arthritis of the Foot & Ankle?
Some conditions associated with arthritis, such as hammer toes, may be corrected through surgery. In cases where joints have severe arthritic changes, the most successful surgical option is joint fusion.
Joint Fusion (Arthrodesis)
Fusion is commonly performed on the big toe, heel, midfoot, and ankle. In this procedure:
- The joint's cartilage is removed
- The joint is locked in place using plates, screws, or a rod through the bone
- This creates a solid bone, reducing motion but improving pain and function
Total Ankle Replacement (Arthroplasty)
In select patients, complete ankle replacement with an artificial joint may be an option to restore function while relieving pain.
How Can We Help You?
We offer the best, least invasive, and least aggressive options to relieve your pain and symptoms so you can get back to the life you love. Barrington Orthopedic Specialists Foot & Ankle Care Center has convenient locations in Bartlett, Buffalo Grove, Elk Grove Village, and Schaumburg.