Arthritis

Arthritis is a common condition affecting various joints in the foot and ankle, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. In particular, arthritis can impact key areas such as:

– Ankle: Arthritis in the ankle joint causes pain, swelling, and difficulty walking, often due to cartilage wear and tear, trauma, or inflammation.

– Subtalar Joint: Located below the ankle, arthritis here leads to pain and instability, especially when walking on uneven surfaces.

– Talonavicular Joint: Arthritis in this joint, part of the midfoot, affects the arch and flexibility of the foot, leading to pain and difficulty in standing or walking.

– Midfoot: The collection of joints in the middle of the foot can also suffer from arthritis, resulting in pain, deformity, and issues with foot balance.

– 1st MTP Joint (First Metatarsophalangeal Joint): Arthritis in the big toe joint is common and can cause pain during walking or wearing shoes, leading to a stiff or painful “bunion-like” condition.

Proper diagnosis and treatment, including physical therapy, orthotics, medications, or surgery, can help manage symptoms and improve mobility.