What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis in the feet?
Foot and Ankle Arthritis Symptoms
- Tenderness when you touch the joint.
- Pain when you move it.
- Trouble moving, walking, or putting weight on it.
- Joint stiffness, warmth, or swelling.
- More pain and swelling after you rest, such as sitting or sleeping.
What does arthritis in the foot feel like?
Pain is most likely the first noticeable symptom of arthritis. You may feel a general pain in the toes or only the big toe. People describe it as ranging from a deep, achy feeling to a sharper, stabbing sensation when they try to move.
How is osteoarthritis of the foot treated?
To help relieve symptoms, the surgeon may begin treating osteoarthritis with one or more of the following nonsurgical approaches: Oral medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, are often helpful in reducing the inflammation and pain.
Is walking good for arthritis in the feet?
Walking is one of the most important things you can do if you have arthritis. It helps you lose weight or maintain the proper weight. That, in turn, lessens stress on joints and improves arthritis symptoms. Walking is simple, free and almost everyone can do it.
What is osteoarthritis in the feet?
What is osteoarthritis of the foot and ankle? Osteoarthritis (os-tee-o-arth-ri-tis) is the most common type of arthritis. It mostly affects the hands, knees, hips and spine, but it can happen in any joint in the body, including the feet and ankles. A joint is a part of the body where two or more bones meet.
Why is my osteoarthritis so painful?
Osteoarthritis causes the cartilage in a joint to become stiff and lose its elasticity, making it more susceptible to damage. Over time, the cartilage may wear away in some areas, greatly decreasing its ability to act as a shock absorber. As the cartilage wears away, tendons and ligaments stretch, causing pain.
Does soaking feet help arthritis?
Soaking your aching feet may feel like a luxury you don’t have time for but if you’ve got arthritis in your feet, it’s one of the best things you can do, Dr. Solomon says. The warm water eases pain and reduces swelling while the magnesium in the salt helps relax your muscles.
What do you need to know about osteoarthritis in feet?
Early diagnosis and treatment help people with foot osteoarthritis manage their symptoms. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease. Cartilage, which serves as a protective cover and cushion for the ends of the bones that form a joint, gradually wears down.
What happens if you have arthritis in your feet?
A diagnosis of arthritis does not necessarily mean that your quality of life will decrease. By seeking treatment early and taking an active role in the management of your arthritis, you can control the pain and limit damage to your joints. Left untreated, however, arthritis can eventually lead to foot and ankle deformities.
Who is at risk for developing foot osteoarthritis?
People with flat feet or high arches are at greater risk for developing foot osteoarthritis. 1 When diagnosing foot osteoarthritis, your doctor must differentiate osteoarthritis from other types of arthritis. The doctor will consider your medical history and your description of the symptoms.
What causes osteoarthritis of the foot and ankle?
Sometimes osteoarthritis develops as a result of abnormal foot mechanics, such as flat feet or high arches. A flat foot causes less stability in the ligaments (bands of tissue that connect bones), resulting in excessive strain on the joints, which can cause arthritis. A high arch is rigid and lacks mobility,…
What are the most common causes of osteoarthritis?
The single most common cause of osteoarthritis is aging, as use of the joint over many years is likely to lead to breakdown of cartilage. Osteoarthritis develops most often in people over age 50. Family history.
Is there a cure for osteoarthritis?
There is no cure for osteoarthritis. However, treatment is available to help manage your condition. Most osteoarthritis treatment focuses on four main goals: Managing symptoms, such as decreasing stiffness and swelling and providing arthritis pain relief.
Can orthotics help arthritis in my feet?
Custom foot orthotics are a great conservative treatment option for arthritis of the feet. While one should not expect orthotics to ‘cure’ their arthritis, they can reasonably expect to receive pain relief while potentially slowing the arthritic process.
What are the best shoes for osteoarthritis?
Try flexible walking shoes. Flat walking shoes that have a bit of flex to the sole are ideal for people who suffer from osteoarthritis in their knees. Unlike shoes with heavy soles, these will not cause unnecessary strain on your knee joint.