Is this arthritis, and what can be done about it?
My foot and ankle joints feel stiff and achy, especially in the morning. They’re swollen, painful, and sometimes even seem to be changing shape.
Clinical Overview
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, degenerative joint condition that often affects the foot and ankle—leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and sometimes deformity. OA can be exacerbated by previous injuries, improper foot mechanics, or repetitive stress.
Dr. Joseph's Expertise Statement
Osteoarthritis represents one of the most challenging chronic conditions affecting the foot and ankle. This degenerative joint condition progressively breaks down cartilage, leading to persistent pain, morning stiffness, joint swelling, and potential deformity over time.
Understanding that OA can be significantly exacerbated by previous injuries, improper foot mechanics, and repetitive stress patterns, we develop comprehensive management strategies that address both immediate symptom relief and long-term joint preservation.
Osteoarthritis: More Than Just Wear and Tear
Osteoarthritis represents one of the most challenging chronic conditions affecting the foot and ankle. This degenerative joint condition progressively breaks down cartilage, leading to persistent pain, morning stiffness, joint swelling, and potential deformity over time.
Understanding that OA can be significantly exacerbated by previous injuries, improper foot mechanics, and repetitive stress patterns, we develop comprehensive management strategies that address both immediate symptom relief and long-term joint preservation.
My Treatment Philosophy
What I’ve learned is that foot and ankle OA can be significantly exacerbated by previous injuries you might have forgotten about, improper foot mechanics you’re not even aware of, and repetitive stress patterns from your daily activities. That’s why my treatment strategies address all these contributing factors.
