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Ankle & Foot Arthritis

ICD 10 - M19.079

Arthritis is a broad description term used to categorize conditions consisting of dysfunctions of the joints. Close to 50% of the elderly in their 60s and 70s have arthritis of the foot and ankle, but not all are symptomatic. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis. Another type, but less common is rheumatoid arthritis. Patients that have had broken bones, torn ligaments and sprains are more likely to develop arthritis in those past affected areas. Gout and hallux rigidus are other forms of arthritis covered in greater detail in their respective study pages. Autoimmune disorders may also lead to arthritis.

Symptoms:

Osteoarthritis:

• Pain, stiffness and swelling near the joint
• Increased pain during active movement of the joint
• Signs of increased strain and repetitive wear of the joint during movement
• Possible bone spur at the joint

Rheumatoid Arthritis:

• Prior diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis not relevant to the foot
• Pain, stiffness and swelling near the joint
• Increased pain during active movement of the joint
• Collapse of the arch in the midfoot
• Coindications with bunions and clawtoe
• Misalignment of the bones and joints in the foot
• Swelling and inflammation of the synovium or synovial lining

Diagnosis:

In diagnosing and differentiating between different forms of arthritis, the clinician will examine the biomechanics of the foot, review the history of the symptoms, observe for symptoms and possibly order X-rays to observe for cartilage loss or changes in the morphology of the joints.

Treatment:

NSAIDs may be useful in reducing inflammation and slow down cartilage damage. Physical therapy and orthotics are useful non-invasive treatments that can be used to further slow down any damage around the joints by relieving forces and strains in the area. Steroid and cortisone shots are useful for delivering anti-inflammatories. Surgery may be considered in advanced arthritic cases for patients that have not received previously positive treatment by nonsurgical methods.

Sources:

https://footcaremd.org/conditions-treatments/ankle/arthritis-of-the-foot-and-ankle
https://www.foothealthfacts.org/conditions/osteoarthritis-of-the-foot-and-ankle 
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/arthritis-of-the-foot-and-ankle/ 
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis-of-the-foot-and-ankle/