Osteoarthritis of the Ankle & Foot
Los Angeles
Understanding Ankle & Foot Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the gradual breaking down of the cartilage in a joint. Each foot and ankle has 28 bones and 33 joints, any one of which could be affected. Because osteoarthritis is caused by wear and overuse of a joint, athletes, and people of any age, can develop this painful condition.
What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease that develops slowly over a long term. As most sports activities rely heavily upon the use of the feet, signs of the disease should be addressed as soon as they are noted.
- Pain in the joint during or after intense sports activity or even normal movement.
- Morning stiffness. Pain in the feet when getting out of bed or getting up to go to the bathroom.
- Stiffness after periods of inactivity, such as watching a movie or eating in a restaurant or going on a car trip.
- Joint sensitivity. Applying light pressure to the area produces discomfort or pain.
- Loss of range of motion. Is it hard or impossible to flex your foot through its normal range of motion? Does normal flexing cause pain?
- Joint feels like it is grating or grinding when in motion. It might also chronically pop or crackle.
How can osteoarthritis be treated?
Osteoarthritis does not currently have a cure and is often managed with conservative approaches. If traditional interventions are not successful, consideration can be made to supplement the joints with therapies such as biologics. Surgery is often considered if non-surgical means are not effective.
options for Ankle & Foot Joints
First line approach. Activity modifications, weight loss, strength training, increased flexibility, footwear and orthotics are often considered. Topical and oral anti-inflammatory medications, oral supplements, mechanical stimulation (e.g. shockwave, tecar, laser) may also be considered.
Injections. Direct application into the joint may be considered with an injection. Common considerations may involve: corticosteroid, hyaluronic acid, platelet rich plasma, autologous protein concentrate, stem cell therapies.
Surgery. Surgery may be indicated if non-surgical approaches are unsuccessful. Joint fusions and possibly joint replacement surgery can be helpful. A consultation with a foot and ankle orthopedic specialist is advised to discuss the available options.