Osteoarthritis (deforming osteoarthritis) is one of the most common joint diseases that affects millions of people. The very name “deforming osteoarthritis” defines its development - the gradual thinning and destruction of cartilage tissue, the development of inflammatory reactions, the formation of bone growths (osteophytes).
Under certain circumstances, various human joints are susceptible to the disease, including the joints of the feet, which provide movement and cushioning when walking and allow you to feel comfortable in any kind of activity. Under the influence of osteoarthritis, the joints of the feet show painful symptoms and complex degenerative changes.
- Affection of the joints of the toes causes deformation and thickening of the joints (formation of ossicles), which makes it difficult to bend them and causes severe pain when walking;
- Ankle joint damage leads to limited movement of the foot and pain when bending and turning the foot. Which makes it difficult to perform even simple daily tasks;
- Heel joint damage is chronic pain and discomfort.
Illinois Foot & Ankle Clinic, led by a podiatric surgeon Dr. Alex Yanovskiy, DPM, offers state-of-the-art diagnostic techniques and customized treatment plans for deforming osteoarthritis of the feet. Trust your foot health to the professionals.
Types of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis of the feet is capable of manifesting itself in different forms of arthritis - psoriatic and rheumatoid arthritis (RA in feet).
Psoriatic arthritis of the foot
- An inflammatory joint disease that often develops in people with a chronic skin condition (psoriasis). It can affect various joints in the foot, including the ankle and small joints of the toes, causing severe pain, swelling and inflammation. In some cases, it leads to deformity of the toes and limited mobility. A distinctive feature is the simultaneous lesion of tendons and ligaments, which provokes the development of inflammatory processes in places where tendons and ligaments attach to bones (enthesitis). It is often combined with psoriatic plaques on the feet.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- An autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks its own tissues, including the joints. Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis causes symmetrical joint damage, meaning the inflammation affects both feet at the same time. RA of the feet leads to chronic inflammation that can destroy articular cartilage, bone, and soft tissue around the joints. The disease is characterized by pain, swelling, morning stiffness, and joint deformity.
Causes of Osteoarthritis
It is difficult to say which cause of deforming osteoarthritis prevails. There is a number of risk factors that together contribute to accelerating its development, including:
- Age-related wear and tear of cartilage tissue
- Genetic predisposition
- Excessive weight
- Fractures, dislocations, ligament sprains
- Increased stress on the joints
- Diseases with metabolic disorders (psoriasis, Wilson's disease)
- Congenital joint anomalies
Knowing the provocative factors of the development of osteoarthritis will allow you not only to effectively treat this disease but also to take measures to prevent it.
Symptoms and Signs
In order to seek medical help and start treatment in the early stages of the disease, it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of the disease in time.
Let's consider the main symptoms of arthritis in the joints of the foot.
- Big toe: formation of an ossicles (hallux valgus).
- Other toes: deformity of the toes (hammer toes, claw toes).
- Heel: pain in the heel, especially on exertion.
- Ankle joint: swelling, limited mobility, pain with movement.
If you notice any of the above symptoms, it is recommended to see a specialist. Early diagnosis and treatment will help reduce pain, restore joint mobility, and prevent disease progression.
Diagnostics: Understanding the Condition
In order to accurately diagnose osteoarthritis of the foot, Illinois Foot & Ankle Clinic performs a comprehensive patient evaluation that consists of several steps.
Collection of anamneses: interviewing the patient about the nature of pain (intensity, localization, duration), stiffness, swelling, past injuries, presence of chronic diseases.
Physical examination: evaluation of gait, examination of the foot for deformities, redness, swelling, determination of soreness and limitations in movement.
Instrumental diagnosis
- Radiography: assessment of joints and detection of degenerative changes.
- Ultrasound, MRI: help detect early changes in the joints.
Laboratory tests
- Blood tests: to determine the level of inflammatory markers, rheumatoid factor, type and stage of the disease.
Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis
Illinois Foot & Ankle Clinic under the direction of Dr. Alex Yanovskiy, DPM offers various treatment options for deforming osteoarthritis of the feet, according to the stage of the disease and the degree of joint damage.
Conservative treatment
Drug therapy: medications are prescribed to relieve pain, inflammation and repair cartilage tissue - non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, chondroprotectors, topical anti-inflammatory agents (gels, ointments).
Physical therapy:
- specially designed exercises, strengthening muscles and improving joint mobility;
- massage sessions - to improve blood circulation and relieve muscle tension.
Orthopedic means:
- special shoes with supinator’s and individually selected insoles - for proper distribution of body weight and reducing pressure on the affected joints;
- foot braces - to maintain the joints in the correct position.
Surgical treatment
When conservative treatments fail, surgical intervention may be necessary. Depending on the case, Illinois Foot & Ankle Clinic may offer one of the following types of surgery:
- Arthroscopy: a minimally invasive procedure that removes damaged cartilage or sanitizes the joint through small incisions.
- Osteotomy: surgical correction of the shape of the bones to reduce stress on the affected joint.
- Arthrodesis: surgery to fuse the bones in a joint to eliminate pain caused by bone friction.
For expert care and a path back to a full, active life, reach out to Illinois Foot & Ankle Clinic — we're always here to help you.