ARTHRITIS OF THE FOOT AND ANKLE

A number of conditions may destroy the normal joint and cause “arthritis.”

The most common type, osteoarthritis, results from the "wear and tear" damage to joint cartilage (the soft tissue between joint bones) that comes with age The result is inflammation, redness, swelling and pain in the joint. Osteoarthritis progresses slowly and the pain and stiffness it causes worsens over time. Other causes of joint deterioration can be Rheumatoid arthritis and post-traumatic arthritis.  Post-traumatic arthritis can develop after an injury to the foot or ankle. This type of arthritis is similar to osteoarthritis and may develop years after a fracture, severe sprain, or ligament injury.

TREATMENT

Nonsurgical Treatment:

1) Pain relievers and Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs, such as ketoprofen, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) and naproxen (Aleve), may ease pain and inflammation.
2) Shoe inserts (orthotics), such as pads or arch supports
3) Custom-made shoe, such as a stiff-soled shoe with a rocker bottom
4) An ankle-foot orthosis (AFO)
5) A brace or a cane
6) Physical therapy and exercises
7) Weight control or nutritional supplements
8) Corticosteroids – and injection with a steroid/cortisone to the area may also help reduce pain and inflammation. However, not all patients get full relief from this and the injection can be quite painful.

Surgical Management:

When nonsurgical treatments are unable to control pain, surgery may be required.  The choice of surgery will depend on the type of arthritis, the impact of the disease on the joints, and the location of the arthritis. Sometimes more than one type of surgery will be needed. 

The type of surgery may include arthroscopy, arthrodesis (fusion of the joints), or arthroplasty (joint replacement).

To find out more information on Arthritis of the Foot and Ankle, please visit the Orthopaedic connection website of American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.