5 Main Types of Foot and Ankle Arthritis

Arthritis isn't a single disease, but an umbrella term for a variety of conditions that cause joint inflammation. And since your feet and ankles contain over 30 joints, they're a common target. Today, we at Goldsmith Podiatry will go over the 5 main types of arthritis found in the feet and ankles.

Osteoarthritis

This is the most common form of arthritis overall. We often call it wear-and-tear arthritis because it's caused by the gradual breakdown of cartilage. In the foot and ankle, this can happen from a combination of age, previous injuries (think of an old sprain or fracture that didn't heal perfectly), or just years of repetitive stress. Your big toe, ankle joint, or midfoot are all susceptible.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is different in that it is autoimmune, or in other words, your body attacks your own joints and wreaks widespread inflammation. In this case, it’s not you who breaks down your joints, it’s your own internal system.

How can you tell it’s RA? Arthritis elsewhere, and symmetrical symptoms affecting both feet. Over time, this inflammation can lead to deformities like bunions and hammertoes if not treated.

Gout

Gout is perhaps the easiest to detect, with sudden, painful big toe attacks. It's caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals that form in a joint, which can build up quickly by consuming certain drinks like alcohol.

Psoriatic Arthritis

What does psoriasis have to do with arthritis? A lot. Psoriatic Arthritis can affect any joint, but the feet and ankles are common targets.

Beyond joint pain and swelling, this form can also cause inflammation where tendons and ligaments attach to the bone, such as in the Achilles tendon or plantar fascia. A tell-tale sign is dactylitis, where a whole toe can swell up quite large.

Post-Traumatic Arthritis

Physical trauma, that is. This type of arthritis isn't a separate disease but a direct consequence of a past injury. A previous ankle fracture, severe sprain, or other foot trauma, for example, can damage the joint cartilage. Years later, that damage can lead to chronic pain and stiffness in that specific joint and make it feel like arthritis has set in.

Your feet are more than just your foundation—they're messengers of your overall health. If you notice any of the symptoms above, don’t wait. Contact Goldsmith Podiatry today at (212) 877-1002 to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Howard Goldsmith, Dr. Rosanna Troia, or Dr. Kristina T. Ruff. We're here to help you stay one step ahead of foot-related health problems—because healthy feet support a healthy you.