Osteoarthritis of the foot and ankle 

As you age, your chance of developing osteoarthritis, which is caused by wear and tear, increases. 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.

 

Symptoms of foot and ankle osteoarthritis often include:

• Tenderness or pain

• Reduced ability to move, walk, or bear weight

• Stiffness in the joint

• Swelling in the joint

 

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