- Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists PC (ONS)

Osteoarthritis, or arthritis of the foot, as with other joints in the body, develops with aging and may also be a result of joint wear-and-tear. The cartilage on the ends of bones that cushions the joints as they move, becomes worn over time. Eventually, joints may become damaged to the point where they are swollen, inflamed and painful.

Sometimes, if a joint has been injured in early years, even if treated properly, osteoarthritis may develop in the future. A severe sprain, torn ligament or broken bone may all contribute to the development of arthritis, long after the initial injury.

Arthritis Symptoms

The most common symptoms of arthritis in the foot include pain and stiffness, swelling and a loss of mobility. Walking may become difficult due to soreness.
X-rays of the foot may reveal changes in the spacing between bones. An MRI may show varying degrees of damage to the cartilage.

Treatment

Medications are used to treat arthritis symptoms but cannot restore joint cartilage or reverse damage. Anti-inflammatory medications are commonly used to reduce pain and swelling.

If anti-inflammatory medications do not control pain, steroidal injections into the joint may be used.

Sometimes, physicians prescribe the use of orthotics; special pads, arch supports or other inserts for the shoe.

A physical therapy or home exercise program may also be helpful. For patients who are overweight, weight loss can be very beneficial. Painful feet will be less sensitive if they have less weight to carry.

If conservative treatments are unsuccessful and the patient has great difficulty with simple activities such as walking or climbing stairs, surgery may be considered. The type of surgery depends on the type and location of the arthritis. The primary surgeries performed for arthritis of the foot and ankle are:

• Arthroscopic surgery may be used to clean the joint area by removing damaged tissue and any bone spurs. A small instrument called an arthroscope, which has a miniaturized camera, is inserted into a joint so that the surgeon can look directly inside. Tiny instruments are then used to clean the joint of debris and bone spurs.
• A joint fusion may be done in more severe cases. This surgery is done to weld the bones together to eliminate any motion in the joint. Pins, plates and screws, or rods are used to secure the bones until they heal together.

Recovery

Post operative pain is treated with pain relievers while in the hospital and after the patient has gone home or to a rehabilitation facility. The foot will be placed in a cast. Crutches, a walker, or a wheelchair will need to be used for several weeks or until the doctor feels it is safe to walk independently. Elevating the foot above the heart is important to help reduce swelling.

Full recovery from foot surgery usually takes four to nine months. A several month-long physical therapy program is key to regain strength in the foot and restore range of motion. Most patients return to daily activities within a few months.