Quick answer: Foot and ankle arthritis is inflammation and wear of the joints that causes pain, stiffness, and swelling — most often osteoarthritis, but also rheumatoid and post-traumatic types. It can’t be “cured,” but it’s very manageable: custom orthotics and bracing, anti-inflammatory measures, cortisone injections, and — for advanced joints — minimally invasive procedures, joint-preserving surgery, or fusion. At Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell and Bloomfield Township, we build a plan to keep you moving. Call (810) 206-1402.
★ 4.9-star rated by Michigan patients on Google · Board-certified surgeons · Same-week appointments
Foot & Ankle Arthritis Treatment in Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI
Arthritis in the feet and ankles is common and often progressive, but the right plan can dramatically reduce pain and keep you active for years before — or instead of — surgery.
What is foot & ankle arthritis?
Arthritis is the breakdown of cartilage and inflammation within a joint. In the foot and ankle it commonly affects the big-toe joint, midfoot, and ankle. The main types are osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear), rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune disease that attacks joints), and post-traumatic arthritis (after a prior injury or fracture).
Symptoms
- Joint pain and stiffness, often worse in the morning or after rest
- Swelling and warmth around a joint
- Reduced range of motion; pain with activity
- Difficulty with shoes or walking on uneven ground
Treatment options
Conservative care (first-line)
- Custom orthotics & bracing — offload and stabilize the arthritic joint. (See custom orthotics.)
- Supportive/stiffer-soled footwear to limit painful motion.
- Anti-inflammatory measures and activity modification.
- Cortisone injections — can substantially reduce pain and inflammation in a flared joint.
When procedures are considered
For joints that fail conservative care: minimally invasive options, joint-preserving surgery (such as cleaning out spurs/cheilectomy for big-toe arthritis), and — for severely damaged joints — fusion, which reliably eliminates pain by stabilizing the joint. We match the procedure to the joint, your activity level, and the severity.
Rheumatoid vs. osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is mechanical wear of specific joints; rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disease that often affects multiple joints symmetrically and needs coordination with your rheumatologist. We manage the foot/ankle component and protect the joints from deformity and pressure wounds.
Why patients choose Balance Foot & Ankle
Dr. Tom Biernacki, Dr. Carl Jay, and Dr. Daria Gutkin are board-certified and rated 4.9 stars by Michigan patients on Google. We exhaust effective conservative options first and, when surgery is warranted, choose the approach that best preserves your function.
Visit us — two Michigan offices
Balance Foot & Ankle — Howell
4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843
Livingston County · (810) 206-1402
Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–4:30 PM · Free on-site parking
Balance Foot & Ankle — Bloomfield
43494 Woodward Ave, Suite 208, Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
Oakland County · (810) 206-1402
Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–4:30 PM · Serving Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham, Troy & West Bloomfield
Request your arthritis evaluation →
Frequently asked questions
Can foot and ankle arthritis be cured?
There’s no cure for the cartilage loss itself, but pain and function are very manageable. Orthotics, bracing, injections, and (when needed) surgery can keep you active and comfortable for years.
What does arthritis in the foot feel like?
Typically deep joint pain and stiffness — often worse in the morning or after rest — with swelling, reduced motion, and pain that increases with activity.
What are the best treatments for foot arthritis?
Start with custom orthotics/bracing, supportive footwear, anti-inflammatory measures, and cortisone injections. Procedures (joint-preserving surgery or fusion) are added only if conservative care doesn’t control symptoms.
How is rheumatoid arthritis of the foot different from osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is mechanical wear of specific joints; rheumatoid arthritis is autoimmune, often affecting multiple joints symmetrically and requiring coordination with a rheumatologist. We manage the foot/ankle component of both.
When should I see a podiatrist for arthritis?
When joint pain limits walking or footwear, isn’t controlled by basic measures, or is progressing. Early management protects the joint and delays or avoids surgery.
How effective are cortisone injections for foot arthritis?
They can meaningfully reduce pain and inflammation in a flared joint, often as part of a broader plan. Duration varies, and we’ll discuss how often they’re appropriate.
What is recovery like for fusion surgery?
Fusion reliably relieves pain by stabilizing a severely arthritic joint; recovery involves a period of protected weight-bearing and several months for the bone to fully heal. We give you an individualized timeline.