What is foot & ankle osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis, specifically of the foot and ankle, is a common disease that affects the cartilage and bones located in the foot and ankle joints.
What causes foot & ankle osteoarthritis?
Foot and ankle osteoarthritis is typically caused by a combination of factors, including:
- Age
- Previous joint injuries
- Repetitive stress
- Obesity
- Genetics
- Joint abnormalities
What are the symptoms of foot & ankle osteoarthritis?
Symptoms of osteoarthritis often come and go early on, but gradually become more persistent. While they can feel different from person to person, the common signs include:
- Pain or tenderness in or around the foot or ankle joint
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting for a while
- Swelling around the affected joint
- Difficulty walking, standing, or bearing weight
- A grinding or clicking sensation when you move the joint
- Reduced range of motion
- Bone spurs (small bony growths that can develop around the joint)
How is foot & ankle osteoarthritis diagnosed?
In diagnosing foot and ankle osteoarthritis, your doctor will examine your foot and ankle to check for signs of arthritis in the joints, which include swelling and tenderness, a crackling or popping sound during movement. Prior foot and ankle sprains or surgeries in that general area can lead to arthritis in the foot and ankle.
Bunions and hammertoe are also physical changes that can occur with foot and ankle osteoarthritis.
Your doctor may also ask you to stand and walk to further evaluate your gait and the alignment of your foot as it relates to the rest of your body. Further diagnostic imaging may be ordered to further paint a picture of the visible changes occurring in the affected region as a result of the osteoarthritis, with an x-ray being the likely first route in terms of advanced imaging.
What are treatment options for foot & ankle osteoarthritis?
Fortunately, there are several options for treatment that your healthcare provider may explore if they suspect you to be suffering from foot and ankle osteoarthritis, including:
- Over-the-counter pain medications
- Physical therapy to improve the strength, stability, and overall joint function of the affected area
- Orthotics or supportive devices to further reduce pressure on the affected joints.
- In more serious cases, corticosteroid injections are used to further combat inflammation and pain.
In the most severe instances, surgery may be needed to repair or replace damaged joints.
Last Medically Reviewed on April 29, 2026.