Preuss Podiatry treats foot and ankle arthritis for patients in Louisville, KY and Floyds Knobs, IN, from big toe joint pain and gout to total ankle replacement.
Arthritis can affect any joint in the foot or ankle. Arthritis causes destruction of the joint leading to joint pain and swelling. A swollen foot or ankle can greatly inhibit daily activity.
Signs of foot and ankle arthritis
- Pain and stiffness, often worse in the morning or after rest
- Swelling around a joint
- Less motion, such as a big toe that won’t bend
- A bump or bone spur on top of the foot or toe
- Pain that makes walking, standing or exercise harder
Diagnosing joint pain and swelling
During your appointment, x-rays can be obtained to evaluate the extent of arthritis in the foot and ankle. A treatment plan including compression, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, steroid injections, custom orthotics, or shoe modifications may be needed. In more severe cases, surgical intervention can be performed. Surgery can often involve joint replacement or joint fusion.
Common types of arthritis in the feet include osteoarthritis (wear and tear), arthritis after an old injury such as an ankle fracture, rheumatoid arthritis and gout.
Hallux rigidus (big toe arthritis)
Are you someone experiencing pain to your big toe joint? Do you feel a click or pop when trying to bend your big toe? Does your big toe joint have decreased motion? If answering yes to the above questions, you may be someone that is suffering from hallux rigidus. Hallux rigidus is when inflammation and joint degeneration from arthritis affects the big toe joint. This results in a stiff toe joint, joint pain, and joint swelling.
Treatment options include custom orthotics which can help to support the arch and limit motion to the big toe joint. Change in shoe gear can also help reduce pain. Medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories can help decrease swelling and pain and slow the destruction the arthritis can cause. When conservative measures fail, surgical intervention is necessary. Surgery can include joint replacement or even joint fusion depending on the severity of the arthritis at the big toe joint.
Total ankle replacement
The podiatrists at Preuss Podiatry are highly trained in total ankle replacement surgery. Total joint replacement can help to restore mobility of the joint allowing the function of the joint to improve.
In a total ankle replacement, the worn surfaces of the ankle joint are replaced with an implant. Unlike an ankle fusion, which stops the joint from moving, a replacement is designed to keep motion in the ankle. Your surgeon will explain whether replacement or fusion is the better choice for you.
Gout
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by excess uric acid, which forms crystals near a joint and can leave a joint of the foot red, hot and swollen. Learn more about gout treatment.
Schedule an appointment
Call Preuss Podiatry today to schedule an appointment at a location nearest to you, with three locations in Louisville, KY and one in Floyds Knobs, IN.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can arthritis in the foot be treated without surgery?
Often, yes. Orthotics, shoe changes, medication and injections help many patients. Surgery is considered when these stop working.
What is the difference between ankle fusion and ankle replacement?
A fusion joins the bones so the joint no longer moves. A replacement uses an implant to keep motion. Each has benefits, and your surgeon will help you decide.
Is gout in the foot an emergency?
It is not usually an emergency, but it is very painful and should be seen quickly. A hot, swollen joint with fever needs urgent care.
