Osteoarthritis of the Foot and Ankle Joints

Osteoarthritis causes the joints to wear down over time. This causes the bones to rub against each other and damages joints.

Many patients experience increased joint pain and swelling after sitting or sleeping. Doctors believe that this may be due to changes in the levels of hormones and cytokines in the body.

Although it can occur at earlier or later ages, osteoarthritis is most common in women over the age of 45.

There are non-surgical and surgical treatment options for osteoarthritis of the foot or ankle. Surgical treatment options include arthroscopic surgery, joint replacement surgery and fusion surgery. Non-surgical treatments include anti-inflammatory drugs, steroid injections, weight control and physical therapy.

Osteoarthritis of the foot most commonly occurs in the big toe. It can also occur in the ankle, feet, hands, hips, knees and spine.