Foot arthritis is a condition that can affect the joints and tissues of the foot, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and decreased mobility. There are several types of arthritis that can affect the foot, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis that affects the foot. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joints of the foot breaks down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. Risk factors for developing osteoarthritis of the foot include age, genetics, previous foot injuries, and repetitive stress on the foot joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that can affect the joints of the foot and cause inflammation, pain, and swelling. Gout is a type of arthritis that is caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints of the foot, leading to sudden, severe pain and swelling.
Treatment for foot arthritis may include a combination of medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes. Common medications for arthritis include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Physical therapy can help to improve foot and ankle range of motion, strengthen the muscles of the foot, and reduce pain and inflammation. Lifestyle changes may include wearing supportive shoes, using orthotic inserts, and avoiding activities that cause repetitive stress on the foot.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat foot arthritis. Common surgical procedures for foot arthritis include joint replacement, fusion, and arthroscopy. Joint replacement involves removing the damaged joint and replacing it with an artificial joint. Fusion involves fusing the bones of the joint together to eliminate motion and reduce pain. Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses a small camera to visualise and treat joint problems.