Ankle/Foot Arthritis

Arthritis is inflammation of a joint(s) in our body, and although there are many forms, osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the more common forms.  OA is the process of wearing down of the lining (articular cartilage) of the articulating surfaces of the bones.  When the smooth lining is gone, the bones will rub on one another, and can cause pain, swelling and loss of motion. Biomechanical dysfunction can often lead to abnormal wearing of said lining, breaking it down more quickly, and leading to dysfunction. This can be caused by muscle imbalances, and tightness in soft tissue structures.  OA in the ankle/foot can occur in any joint, with the most common being the talocrural (ankle) joint, the metatarsophalangeal (base of the big toe) joint, and joints of the remaining toes.  Physical therapy with not change the arthritis, but it can help to reduce the symptoms associated with it, and improve biomechanics to slow progress.

Associated Symptoms:

  • Pain
  • Joint stiffness
  • Reduced range of motion
  • Swelling
  • Observable deformity
  • Pain with walking

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