Treatment of Foot and Ankle Arthritis in Schaumburg, IL
Foot & Ankle Arthritis
Arthritis is a condition that causes joint inflammation, swelling, and pain. The condition occurs when the lubricating cartilage in the joint wears away, leaving irregular cartilage and bone to rub against bone, causing pain. This condition is common in people over the age of 50, but it can start at a younger age. Several diseases can result in arthritis, but trauma and rheumatoid disease are the most common causes in the ankle.
If you’re living with arthritis, our board-certified foot and ankle surgeon is here to help you find the relief you deserve:
Don't let foot and ankle arthritis limit your mobility. Our team is here to assess your condition and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you find relief. Request an appointment today and take the first step towards pain-free movement.
What is Foot and Ankle Arthritis? How and Why It Happens
Arthritis in the foot and ankle happens when the cartilage in your joints wears down, causing bones to rub together. This leads to pain, stiffness, and swelling, which can make walking or standing difficult.
The most common types of foot and ankle arthritis are:
- Osteoarthritis: Caused by the gradual wear and tear on your joints over time.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disease where your body attacks its own tissues.
- Post-traumatic Arthritis: Develops after an injury like a fracture or dislocation.
Other risk factors include:
- A family history of arthritis: If your parents or siblings have arthritis, you may be more likely to develop the condition due to genetic predisposition.
- Obesity: Carrying excess body weight increases the strain on your joints, particularly weight-bearing joints like those in your feet, which can accelerate cartilage deterioration.
- Demanding physical activities: Jobs or sports that involve repetitive and excessive stress on your feet can increase your risk of developing arthritis over time.
Foot & Ankle Surgeon at BOS
Meet the podiatric foot and ankle surgeon who diagnoses and treats foot and ankle arthritis, including joint fusion and ankle replacement for patients across the Barrington Orthopedic Specialists network.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Causes Arthritis of the Foot & Ankle?+
- Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Previous trauma is the single most common cause of ankle arthritis. Such injuries include previous fractures, joint dislocations, or severe ankle sprains, which can occur years before arthritis begins. These injuries can cause permanent damage to joint cartilage surfaces that help cushion joints. Over time, the damage worsens, leading to joint inflammation, swelling, and pain.
- Rheumatoid and Inflammatory Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own joints. Rather than protecting the joints, the body produces substances that cause inflammation and destruction. Nearly 90 percent of individuals with RA develop symptoms in the foot or ankle, starting in the toes and gradually progressing to the rear portion of the foot and ankle.
Other inflammatory types of arthritis that can affect the foot and ankle include:
- Gout
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Lupus (SLE)
- Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)
- Reactive arthritis (formerly called Reiter’s syndrome)
What Are The Symptoms of Arthritis of the Foot & Ankle?+
The most common symptoms of arthritis in the foot and ankle include:
- Pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints
- Difficulty walking, especially in the ball and sole of the foot
- Deformities such as corns, bunions, hammer toes, or claw toes
- Shifting of bones in the joints, leading to a collapsed foot arch
- Increased pain and difficulty in mobility as the condition progresses
What Are The Treatment Options For Arthritis of the Foot & Ankle?+
Some conditions associated with arthritis, such as hammer toes, may be corrected through surgery. In cases where joints have severe arthritic changes, the most successful surgical option is joint fusion.
Joint Fusion (Arthrodesis)
Fusion is commonly performed on the big toe, heel, midfoot, and ankle. In this procedure:
- The joint's cartilage is removed
- The joint is locked in place using plates, screws, or a rod through the bone
- This creates a solid bone, reducing motion but improving pain and function
Total Ankle Replacement (Arthroplasty)
In select patients, complete ankle replacement with an artificial joint may be an option to restore function while relieving pain.
How Can I Schedule an Appointment With a Podiatric Foot & Ankle Surgeon Near Me?+
We offer the best, least invasive, and least aggressive options to relieve your pain and symptoms so you can get back to the life you love. Barrington Orthopedic Specialists Foot & Ankle Care Center has convenient locations in Bartlett, Buffalo Grove, Elk Grove Village, and Schaumburg.