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Foot And Ankle Arthritis

Foot And Ankle Arthritis is usually caused by four common diseases: Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, traumatic arthritis & Gout. Which one do you have?

 

 

Skip To Treatment:

The Complete Foot & Ankle Arthritis Guide.

 

 

How To Diagnose Foot & Ankle Arthritis?

There are 4 major causes of foot and ankle arthritis:

1)Osteoarthritis.

  • This is the classic “wear and tear” arthritis.
  • It results it the breakdown of cartilage due to overuse and then bone on bone rubbing.
  • It occurs in middle aged people and gets worse with age.
  • It usually only occurs in people >40-50 years old.
  • It feels fine at rest.
  • Feels worse with activity.
  • Usually just the big toe joint.

Diagnosis:

  • History & Physical.
  • Foot X-rays.

 

2)Rheumatoid Arthritis.

  • This is a genetic autoimmune disorder.
  • It is a system wide disease.
  • The immune cells attack the cartilage throughout the hands and feet.
  • Pain is worse with rest.
  • Pain gets better with activity.
  • Usually both hands and feet (many joints) are effected.

Diagnosis:

  • History & Physical.
  • Foot X-rays.
  • RF factor.
  • Blood tests.

 

3)Traumatic Arthritis.

  • Essentially the same symptoms & presentation as osteoarthritis.
  • Can occur at any age due to joint trauma.
  • This means broken bones and damaged ligaments around a joint.
  • A severe break in a weight bearing joint almost guarantees arthritis.
  • This includes the big toe, heel & the ankle.

Diagnosis:

  • History & Physical.
  • Foot X-rays.

 

4) Gout.

  • Uric acid crystals deposit in the bit toe joint.
  • More common after a night of dehydration or alcohol drinking.
  • More common after eating heavy protein.
  • Pain for 1-2 days that needs to be controlled.
  • Needs Ice, NSAIDs or Steroids.
  • Extreme pain during rest & activity.
  • Almost always the big toe joint.

Diagnosis:

  • History & Physical.
  • Foot X-rays.
  • See if symptoms go away after treatment.
  • Blood test for uric acid levels.
  • Tap the joint for evidence of crystals (very painful)

 

 

There are a few other minor types of arthritis like septic arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Visit our Foot Arthritis page for these:

The Complete Foot & Ankle Arthritis Guide.