Arthritis refers to inflammation or swelling of one or more joints. Arthritis can affect any joint in the body. There are more than 100 conditions that can cause arthritis of the joint, around the joint or affect other connective tissues. In the foot arthritis can range from normal wear and tear in the form of osteoarthritis or can be associated with inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis or rheumatoid.
In the foot arthritic changes are common and can present as pain that occurs during motion, tenderness to a joint, swelling, redness, warmth, stiffness and difficulty walking. Arthritic changes vary from person to person depending on a multitude of factors ranging from the pathophysiology of the arthritis to the activity levels and foot structure of the person affected. Often times foot deformities such as bunions, hammertoes and flat feet destabilize joints increasing wear and tear.
Treatment for foot arthritis includes special shoes, activity modification, oral pain medication such as anti-inflammatories and physical therapy. Sometimes arthritis can be treated with corticosteroid injections and in severe cases surgery may be necessary to alleviate pain and restore function.