4 Types of Arthritis That Affect Your Feet and Ankles (and How to Manage Them)

May is National Arthritis Awareness Month in the United States, so our team of podiatry specialists at Neuhaus Foot and Ankle thought it would be a good time to discuss how arthritis can affect your feet and ankles.

At least 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. has an arthritis diagnosis, and we suspect this number is even higher since many cases go undiagnosed. With more than 100 different types of arthritis, millions of Americans are dealing with joint pain and inflammation every day.

At Neuhaus Foot & Ankle, we help patients throughout Mount Juliet and across Middle Tennessee manage arthritis-related foot and ankle pain so they can stay active and mobile.

Since our focus is on feet and ankles, let’s take a closer look at the most common types of arthritis that affect your lower extremities.

Osteoarthritis (Wear-and-Tear Arthritis)

Each of your feet contains 28 bones and more than 30 joints, not including your ankles, which are also major weight-bearing joints.

With constant use, it’s no surprise that osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the leading causes of foot and ankle arthritis.

Often referred to as a wear-and-tear condition, OA occurs when the protective cartilage in your joints breaks down over time. This leads to bone-on-bone friction, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (Autoimmune Arthritis)

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common autoimmune forms of arthritis, affecting about 1.5 million Americans.

With RA, your immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of your joints.

It often begins in smaller joints, like those in your feet, before progressing to larger joints such as your ankles, knees, and hips.

RA can lead to:

• Joint deformity
• Chronic inflammation
• Reduced mobility over time

Post-Traumatic Arthritis

If you’ve had a previous injury to your foot or ankle, such as a fracture, sprain, or dislocation, you may be at risk for post-traumatic arthritis.

This form of arthritis develops when an injury causes premature wear and tear on the joint.

Even years after the initial injury, you may experience:

• Pain during movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness

Gout (Inflammatory Arthritis)

Gout is another common form of arthritis that affects more than 9 million Americans.

It occurs when uric acid builds up in the body, forming sharp crystals in the joints.

Gout most often affects the big toe, and symptoms can come on suddenly, including:

• Intense pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Warmth in the joint

Managing Arthritis in Your Feet and Ankles

While there’s no cure for arthritis, there are many effective ways to manage symptoms and maintain mobility.

Treatment options may include:

• Custom orthotics to support joint alignment
• Anti-inflammatory treatments
• Footwear recommendations to reduce pressure
• Lifestyle adjustments to protect your joints

Early intervention is key to slowing progression and reducing long-term discomfort.

Take the Next Step Toward Pain Relief

Arthritis in your feet and ankles can significantly impact your quality of life, but the right care can make a meaningful difference.

At Neuhaus Foot & Ankle, we provide personalized treatment plans for patients in Clarksville and throughout Middle Tennessee to help reduce pain and improve mobility.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment and explore your treatment options.