Foot and Ankle Arthritis

What is foot and ankle arthritis?

Arthritis means that a joint has become inflamed or worn. In the foot and ankle, it can affect one joint or several. Osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis, and arthritis after an old injury can all cause pain and stiffness.

Common symptoms

• Aching or sharp joint pain
• Stiffness after rest or in the morning
• Swelling around a joint
• Reduced motion or difficulty walking on uneven ground
• A grinding feeling or change in joint shape

Pain from a tendon, gout, a stress injury, or a nerve can sometimes feel like arthritis.

Why it happens

Cartilage may wear with age, injury, joint alignment, or years of stress. Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions involve the immune system. A prior fracture or severe sprain can lead to arthritis years later.

How we evaluate arthritis pain

We identify which joint is painful and assess motion, alignment, swelling, and walking. Weight bearing X-rays often show joint space and bone changes. Blood tests or advanced imaging may be suggested when an inflammatory condition or hidden injury is possible.

Treatment options

Treatment depends on the joint, the cause, and how much the symptoms affect daily life. Options may include:

• Supportive shoes or activity changes
• Custom orthotics or a brace
• Medication or a joint injection when appropriate
• Physical therapy
• Weight management support when relevant
• Surgery when pain remains limiting despite nonsurgical care

The goal is to reduce pain, preserve useful motion when possible, and keep you active safely.

When to schedule an appointment

Schedule care if joint pain keeps you from normal walking, worsens over time, or is accompanied by repeated swelling. A hot, red, very painful joint needs prompt evaluation.

Frequently asked questions

Does arthritis always require surgery?

No. Many people manage symptoms with shoes, support, medication, injections, and activity changes.

Can an old ankle injury cause arthritis?

Yes. Damage to cartilage or joint alignment after an injury can lead to post traumatic arthritis later.

Will walking make it worse?

Appropriate activity is often helpful, but the type and amount should match the joint and the stage of arthritis.

How to prepare for your appointment

Bring your usual walking or athletic shoes and any prior imaging. Note where the pain begins, which activities affect it, whether an injury occurred, and what treatments you have already tried.

Related care

You may also want to explore diagnostic ultrasound, bracing and walking boots, and shockwave therapy.

Foot and ankle care close to home

Signature Foot and Ankle provides personalized care at our Boynton Beach and Loxahatchee offices. Call 561 203 9285 or request an appointment online.