Foot & Ankle Arthritis is Treatable!

As someone who diagnoses and treats arthritis on a daily basis, I’m often surprised by one common reaction I hear from patients after they receive this particular diagnosis. It’s not uncommon for someone to say, “That’s terrible news! I’ve heard there’s nothing that can be done for arthritis!” 

I always take a moment to reassure them: arthritis is far from a hopeless condition. In fact, it’s highly treatable. While it’s true that arthritis is a chronic condition that usually worsens over time, there are effective ways to manage it that range from conservative, non-surgical care to advanced surgical techniques. When properly treated, patients can often return to the activities they enjoy. 

Foot and ankle arthritis can result from a variety of causes. The most common is osteoarthritis, or "wear and tear" arthritis, which tends to develop gradually over time. Other types include post-traumatic arthritis, which can occur after an injury, and those caused by inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or gout. Regardless of the cause, symptoms typically include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, reduced range of motion, and sometimes a grinding or popping sensation with movement. 

When someone is diagnosed with arthritis, the first step in treatment is basically always conservative. For most patients, we can manage symptoms without surgery for quite some time. Understanding what is causing the arthritis is key. A thorough biomechanical examination can expose certain weaknesses or instabilities that may be causing increased wear within a joint. There also may be an undiagnosed systemic condition causing it. Many patients can benefit from custom or over-the-counter orthotic devices that support the affected joints and redistribute pressure during walking. Proper footwear makes a significant difference as well. 

Medications can also play a valuable role. There are oral and topical medications that can help reduce both pain and swelling. For more persistent symptoms, a corticosteroid injection into the joint can provide substantial relief. These injections can be repeated occasionally, depending on the patient’s response and if they are undergoing similar treatment in other joints throughout the body.   

If conservative treatments no longer provide adequate relief, surgical options are available. I plan on doing further posts about specific therapies and surgical techniques available for different joints throughout the foot and ankle, as these procedures vary depending on the joint involved. 

One of the most rewarding parts of my work is helping patients who come in feeling discouraged because arthritis is keeping them from the activities they love, whether that’s hiking, snowboarding, running, or simply being active with family and friends. Many believe they’ll have to give these things up for good, and it’s incredibly meaningful to help them realize through evidence-based management that isn’t always the case. Seeing someone return after treatment, back to doing what brings them joy, is why I do what I do. And while I’m always grateful when patients express appreciation, I’m quick to remind them (and myself) that this is the power of science and medicine at work! With the right approach, we can often restore not just movement, but quality of life. 

Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to treating foot or ankle arthritis. Every patient is different, and treatment should be tailored to your specific symptoms, underlying causes, lifestyle, and goals. The good news is that there are effective options, and we’re here to guide you through them. 

If you've been told there's "nothing that can be done" for your arthritis, it may be time for a second opinion. With the right treatment strategy, it’s entirely possible to live an active, comfortable life, even with arthritis!