Foot and Ankle Osteoarthritis

There are many different types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common form; it develops from normal wear-and-tear as people age. The foot and ankle are prone to osteoarthritis since each foot has 28 bones and 30 joints.

Most typically osteoarthritis develops at these joints:

• Where the ankle and shinbone meet
• Where the big toe and foot bone meet
• Joints involving the heel bone, inner mid-foot bone and outer mid-foot bone

Symptoms of osteoarthritis of the foot and ankle include:

• Stiffness or swelling of joints
• Tenderness or pain
• Difficulty moving or walking

You can care for foot and ankle osteoarthritis by wearing proper shoes and doing foot stretches and exercises to keep feet strong and flexible. However, this condition needs to be treated by a physician. Suggested treatments may include:

• Steroid medication
• Pads or arch support
• Physical therapy
• Pain relievers

Image by Quinn Dombrowski. Hard Day?. (2011). Flickr.