Footnotes / Blog

Is Osteoarthritis Causing Pain In Your Feet?

Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative joint disease or “wear and tear” arthritis, is the most common chronic condition affecting the joints. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joints breaks down, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

The most common symptoms of osteoarthritis include:

• Stiffness: Particularly noticeable in the morning or after resting.
• Pain: Often in the affected joint(s), especially with movement.
• Swelling: Particularly after physical activity.
• Bony Prominences: Many patients notice bony lumps that can be felt through the skin at the affected joints.

What Causes Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage covering the ends of bones at the joints begins to wear away, causing pain and inflammation. Several factors increase the risk of developing OA:

• Genes: A family history of osteoarthritis increases the likelihood of developing the condition.
• Trauma: Joint injuries, whether past or recent, raise the risk of OA.
• Obesity: Extra weight places more strain on the joints, particularly the weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips.
• Age: As we age, the wear and tear on joints naturally increases, making osteoarthritis more common in older adults.

Diagnosing Osteoarthritis

A thorough clinical examination and patient history are essential in diagnosing OA. Diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, may be used to identify bony changes associated with the condition. On X-ray, signs of OA include:

• Joint Mice: Tiny pieces of bone floating within the joint space.
• Bony Proliferation: Extra bone growth around the joint.

Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis

While osteoarthritis cannot be reversed, it can be managed effectively with a combination of conservative and more invasive treatments.

Conservative Treatments

• Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and Tylenol can help manage pain and inflammation.
• Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises to strengthen muscles and improve joint flexibility can alleviate symptoms.

Invasive Treatments

When conservative treatments are no longer effective, more invasive options may be necessary.

• Cortisone Injections: Steroids injected into the joint can provide temporary relief from pain and swelling. However, these injections should be limited to 3-4 per year to avoid weakening the surrounding ligaments and tendons.
• Joint Replacement: In cases of severe damage, joint replacement surgery removes the damaged joint surface and replaces it with a prosthetic to restore joint function.
• Joint Fusion: In smaller joints or when joint replacement isn’t an option, a joint fusion procedure can eliminate painful motion by permanently fusing the affected bones.

Seek Expert Care for Osteoarthritis

If you are experiencing symptoms of osteoarthritis in your feet or ankles, the licensed podiatrists at Innovative Foot & Ankle can provide expert care and personalized treatment options. We have four convenient locations across Northern New Jersey, including:

• Essex County
• Union County
• Hudson County
• Bergen County