Arthritis has the ability to affect all joints, including in your feet and ankles. Arthritis in the feet and ankles might make it difficult to walk and perform other daily activities. There is currently not a cure for arthritis, but our podiatrist in Bolingbrook can provide you with treatment options to make your arthritis manageable.

Your Body’s Anatomy

There are 28 bones in the foot alone as well as 30 joints that work together to create a wide range of motion. Articular cartilage covers many of these joints to they glide smoothly over one another and don’t produce friction. A thin lining called the synovium produces extra lubrication as well. If any portion of this lubrication process is off, it can lead to arthritis.

The three main types of arthritis in the feet and ankles include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and posttraumatic arthritis.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis occurs when the joint wears away over time. The pain and stiffness slowly get worse over time. It results in bone rubbing on top of bone, which can result in bone spurs. Risk factors contributing to the development of osteoarthritis include obesity and family history.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Although rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can impact multiple joints throughout the body, it oftentimes starts with joints in the feet and ankles. It is a symmetrical disease, meaning that typically the same joints are affected on both sides of the body. RA is an autoimmune disease, meaning that the immune system attacks its own healthy synovium tissues. The disease is not inherited, but it is believed that some people have genes making them more susceptible to developing the disease.

Posttraumatic Arthritis

This may develop after an injury such as a dislocation or fracture that damages the surface of the joint. It may even develop years after the initial injury occurred, and it causes the cartilage between the joints to wear away.

Arthritis Symptoms

It is important to be aware of the early symptoms of arthritis so that you know when to visit our podiatrist in Bolingbrook. They include:

• Pain when moving
• Pain that increases with activity
• Tenderness when joint pressure is applied
• Swelling, warmth or redness around the joint
• Increased pain and swelling in the morning or after a period of rest
• Difficulty walking  

Treatment Options

Nonsurgical treatment options include modifying your lifestyle, physical therapy, canes, braces, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). If the nonsurgical treatment options do not work, surgical treatment can help provide relief.

Please contact our podiatrist in Bolingbrook if you are suffering from symptoms of arthritis.