Arthritis affects millions of Americans, and your feet and ankles are particularly vulnerable to this condition. Each foot contains 33 joints, and your ankles bear the full weight of your body with every step. When arthritis develops in these areas, it greatly impacts your mobility and quality of life.
Trust in the quality care provided by our skilled podiatry team at Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle in Caldwell and Meridian. We’ll help you understand the early warning signs of foot and ankle arthritis and offer treatment solutions before the condition worsens. Here’s what you should know.
Do You Have Joint Pain That Won't Go Away?
This is the most obvious sign of arthritis. Unlike the temporary soreness that follows an intense workout or a long day on your feet, arthritic pain tends to linger and intensify over time.
You might notice a dull ache in your big toe joint, midfoot, or ankle that becomes more pronounced with activity. The pain may start as mild discomfort but gradually increase, especially after periods of rest. Many of our patients describe the sensation as a deep, throbbing pain that seems to radiate from within the joint itself. Here are some other signs of arthritis affecting your foot and ankle joints:
- Morning stiffness. Pay attention to how your feet feel when you first wake up. Arthritis often causes significant morning stiffness that can last 30 minutes or longer after you start moving. Your joints may feel frozen in place, requiring several minutes of careful movement before they loosen up enough to walk normally.
- Pain with weather changes. Some individuals with foot arthritis or ankle arthritis report increased pain during cold or rainy weather. While scientists don't fully understand this connection, many patients find their symptoms predictably worsen when barometric pressure drops.
Is There Swelling Around the Joints?
Acute inflammation associated with this condition causes fluid to accumulate in and around the joints, creating visible swelling. Pay close attention to:
- Persistent puffiness. Unlike temporary swelling from a sprained ankle or overexertion, arthritic swelling tends to be chronic. The puffiness may fluctuate in severity but rarely disappears completely without treatment. You might notice the swelling is worse at the end of the day or after prolonged periods of standing.
- Difficulty wearing shoes. As inflammation progresses, you may struggle to wear shoes that previously fit well. The extra bulk around your joints makes it challenging to slide your feet into dress shoes, and pressure from footwear worsens your discomfort.
Another Early Sign of Foot and Ankle Arthritis? Limited Range of Motion
Whether you have rheumatoid arthritis, injury-related arthritis, osteoarthritis developed over time, or frequent gout flare-ups, these conditions gradually reduce the ability to move your feet and ankles through their full range of motion. This restriction happens because damaged cartilage and inflamed tissues prevent the joint from flexing and extending properly.
You might find it increasingly difficult to point your toes, flex your ankle upward, or rotate your foot from side to side. Walking up stairs becomes challenging when your ankle won't bend adequately, and you might also notice changes in your gait as you unconsciously compensate for the stiffness.
Some people with arthritis experience unusual sensations when moving their joints. You could hear clicking, grinding, or popping sounds as rough cartilage surfaces rub together. These audible signs often accompany a grating feeling that can be both unsettling and uncomfortable.
When to Consult Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle
Don't wait until the pain becomes unbearable or joint damage becomes severe. If you're experiencing any combination of the above symptoms of foot and ankle arthritis, it's time to schedule an evaluation. Early intervention helps slow the progression and allows you to maintain your active lifestyle.
The specialists at Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle offer comprehensive evaluations to diagnose foot and ankle arthritis accurately. Through physical examination, imaging studies, and discussion of your symptoms, we’ll determine the type and severity of arthritis affecting your joints and recommend appropriate treatment options such as:
Remember, foot and ankle pain is never normal. Your joints are trying to tell you something important, and listening to those signals by seeking professional podiatry care makes all the difference in maintaining your mobility and comfort for years to come.