Foot Arthritis Treatment in Los Angeles

What is Foot Arthritis?

Foot arthritis is a condition that occurs when the cartilage in the foot's joints breaks down, leading to ongoing pain, swelling, and stiffness. The foot has more than 30 joints, and arthritis can affect any of them. When the protective cartilage that cushions the bones wears away, the bones begin to rub against each other, causing discomfort and restricting movement.

Arthritis in the foot can develop due to age, injury, repetitive stress, or underlying conditions such as autoimmune diseases. It is a progressive condition, meaning symptoms often worsen over time if left untreated. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to maintaining mobility and reducing pain.

Types of Foot Arthritis

There are several types of arthritis that can affect the foot, including:

• Osteoarthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease): The most common form, caused by wear and tear over time.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack the joints, often affecting both feet symmetrically.
• Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Develops after an injury, such as a fracture or sprain, which damages the cartilage.
• Gout: A type of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, often affecting the big toe.
• Psoriatic Arthritis: A condition associated with psoriasis that leads to joint inflammation and pain.

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Understanding Arthritis Locations in the Foot

Midfoot Arthritis

The middle of the foot is often called the “midfoot.” It is composed of the joints between the long bones (metatarsals), the cuneiform bones, and the cuboid bone, and between the cuneiform bones and the navicular bone. Any of these joints can become arthritic. Major sprains of the foot can lead to a fracture or dislocation of the midfoot joints. This is often called a Lisfranc dislocation. Left untreated, these fracture-dislocations can lead to significant midfoot arthritis.

Subtalar Joint Arthritis

The subtalar joint is located under the ankle joint, below the ankle bone. It is the joint between the ankle bone (talus) and the heel bone (calcaneus). This joint provides the inward (inversion) and outward (eversion) movement of the rearfoot. This joint is directly involved in determining the height of the arch. The movement of the subtalar joint affects the movement of the rest of the foot joints. Damage and arthritis to this joint can cause severe pain and difficulty with walking and other activities.

Talonavicular Arthritis

Signs and Symptoms of Foot Arthritis

Recognizing the symptoms of arthritis early can help prevent further joint damage and improve long-term mobility. Here are the most common signs to watch for:

• Pain in the foot, especially when walking or standing for extended periods
• Swelling and tenderness around the joints
• Stiffness and reduced range of motion
• A feeling of warmth in the affected joints
• Development of bone spurs, which can cause bony enlargements
• Increased discomfort in the morning or after periods of inactivity

Causes of Arthritis

Arthritis can develop in any of these joints over time from direct trauma or microtrauma. It can result from a fracture of the bone or a fracture through the cartilage. Poor foot positions or improper movement of the joints can also cause arthritis.

• Sports injury
• Midfoot or rearfoot sprains
• Direct trauma to the joint
• Fractures of the bone and joint
• Joint infection
• Repetitive microtrauma to the joint
• Flat foot type

Diagnosing Foot Arthritis

Dr. Soomekh, the best podiatrist in Los Angeles, will determine the type of arthritis and the appropriate course of treatment through the following:

• A thorough history of your symptoms
• A thorough clinical examination of the lower extremities
• Gait analysis
• In-office digital X-rays
• In-office three-dimensional CT scan to determine the relationships of the joints

Treatment Options for Foot Arthritis

Non-Surgical Treatments

For mild to moderate arthritis, conservative treatments may help manage symptoms and slow progression:

• Medication: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain and swelling
• Ice therapy: Reduces inflammation and discomfort
• Custom orthotics: Support proper foot alignment and reduce stress on joints
• Physical therapy: Strengthens muscles and improves joint function
• Custom bracing: Provides stability and pain relief
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy: Uses the body's own healing factors to reduce inflammation
• Stem cell therapy: Promotes tissue regeneration and long-term pain relief

Surgical Treatments

If arthritis progresses and significantly impacts mobility, surgical intervention may be necessary, such as:

• Joint fusion (arthrodesis): Fuses the bones of the joint to eliminate movement and pain
• Joint replacement (arthroplasty): Replaces the damaged joint with an artificial one
• Debridement: Removes bone spurs and damaged tissue to improve function

Managing Foot Arthritis for Long-Term Relief