If you notice chronic foot pain, stiffness, and difficulty with everyday activities like walking or standing, you may be showing signs of foot arthritis. For an expert evaluation, you can rely on Allyson Otten, DPM, at Kettle Moraine Podiatry in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. Dr. Otten diagnoses foot arthritis and provides evidence-based care to improve joint function and protect your quality of life. Call the office today or schedule a foot arthritis appointment online to get started.

What is foot arthritis?

Arthritis is joint inflammation and degeneration that can develop due to wear-and-tear or the passage of time. 

Because your feet contain more than 30 joints that work together to support movement and balance, arthritis in your foot can significantly affect your toes, midfoot, ankle, or joints near the heel, impacting your mobility. 

The most common type is osteoarthritis, which develops when your joints’ protective cartilage wears down. Other forms of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition that attacks the joints, and post-traumatic arthritis, which may develop after a foot injury such as a fracture or severe sprain.

What are the symptoms of foot arthritis? 

You may notice:

• Ongoing foot pain
• Stiffness, particularly in the morning
• Swelling
• Aching pain along your arch
• Tenderness
• Redness
• Warmth
• Significant swelling in multiple joints
• Reduced flexibility
• Difficulty moving your toes and foot joints comfortably

As arthritis progresses, your joints may become enlarged or deformed, making it harder to wear shoes or maintain balance. 

Without proper treatment, foot arthritis can gradually interfere with your mobility and daily activities. You may even alter the way you walk to avoid pain, which can place additional stress on other parts of your body, such as your knees, hips, and lower back.

How is foot arthritis treated? 

Dr. Otten focuses on reducing your pain, improving joint stability, and helping you maintain your mobility. Your personalized care plan may include:

Conservative care

You may benefit from conservative treatments such as supportive footwear, custom orthotics, and arch support to reduce pressure on painful joints. Anti-inflammatory medications, icing, and activity modifications may also help manage your symptoms. 

Therapies

Physical therapy and stretching exercises can improve flexibility and strengthen the surrounding muscles for better support. 

Injections

In some cases, Dr. Otten may recommend cortisone injections to reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief.

Surgery

If you have severe arthritis that doesn’t respond to conservative care, Dr. Otten can discuss your surgical options. 

You don’t have to live with persistent foot pain, stiffness, or swelling. Dr. Otten can diagnose the cause and tailor a treatment plan to relieve your symptoms and protect your quality of life. Call Kettle Moraine Podiatry or book online to schedule your foot arthritis appointment today.