Foot Degenerative Arthritis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Arthritis is one of the leading causes of disability in the United States, affecting more than 58 million adults. While most people associate it with knees or hands, the foot and ankle are also commonly affected by arthritis, often with a far greater impact on daily life. Every step puts pressure on the joints in your feet, and when those joint surfaces start to break down, even simple activities like walking to the mailbox or standing at work can become painful.

Among the different types of arthritis, osteoarthritis is the most common, and it often develops in the foot joints, most commonly affected, such as the big toe, midfoot, and ankle joint. Over time, the protective cartilage in the joint begins to wear away, leading to joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.

At Urgent Foot Care, we understand how challenging arthritis of the foot can be. The good news is that advances in both nonsurgical treatment and surgical options give patients more choices than ever before. By learning the symptoms, causes, and treatment options available, you can take proactive steps to protect your mobility and overall foot health.

What Is Degenerative Arthritis of the Foot?

Degenerative arthritis of the foot, more commonly known as osteoarthritis, is the most common form of arthritis that affects the joints in your feet and ankles. It belongs to a group of conditions often referred to as degenerative joint disease. Unlike inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis, degenerative arthritis develops gradually as the protective cartilage in the joint begins to wear away.

In a healthy joint, cartilage acts as a smooth, shock-absorbing cushion between the ends of bones. As this cartilage thins or deteriorates, the bones lose their natural buffer and begin to rub directly against each other. This constant friction leads to joint pain and stiffness, reduces range of motion, and may cause new bone growths known as bone spurs. Because the process is progressive, the condition usually worsens over time, making walking or standing increasingly difficult.

In the foot and ankle, osteoarthritis is the most common form of degenerative disease, but different types of arthritis may affect the area, including:

• Post-traumatic arthritis: It develops after an old injury, like a fracture or severe ankle injuries.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: It is an inflammatory arthritis where the immune system mistakenly attacks bone and cartilage.
• Psoriatic arthritis: It is linked to psoriasis and can also affect the foot and joints, most commonly affecting the ankle or toes.

Degenerative arthritis can occur in many parts of the foot, but some areas are more prone than others. The big toe joint, also called the first metatarsophalangeal joint, is a frequent site of osteoarthritis of the foot and often becomes stiff and swollen, limiting movement. The midfoot joints, which form the arch, are another common location, especially in people with a history of repetitive stress or previous injury. The ankle joint is also vulnerable, particularly after severe ankle injuries, where post-traumatic arthritis may develop years after the original damage.

Because the foot contains more than 30 joints, damage in even one area can disrupt the balance and mechanics of the entire foot. As cartilage in the joint continues to deteriorate, patients often notice progressive pain and swelling, a reduction in their natural range of movement, and, in some cases, visible deformities. 

If left untreated, arthritis in the foot can change the way a person walks, place added stress on surrounding joints, and significantly reduce overall foot health.

The Foot Joints Most Commonly Affected

The joints of the foot are complex, with dozens of small bones working together. Some joints in your feet are more commonly affected by arthritis, especially where weight and pressure are highest.

These include:

1. Big toe joint (first metatarsophalangeal joint): Often develops painful bone spurs and stiffness.
2. Midfoot joints: These connect the arch bones and are prone to osteoarthritis of the foot.
3. Ankle joint: The hinge that supports walking; injuries here can lead to post-traumatic arthritis or ankle pain.

When arthritis affects these areas, it can cause pain with movement, limit your range of motion, and sometimes even change the way your foot looks or functions.

Arthritis symptoms vary depending on the type of arthritis and which foot or ankle joint is involved. But some common symptoms include:

• Pain and stiffness in the affected joint, especially after rest
• Swelling around the foot joints is most commonly affected
• Decreased range of movement or difficulty bending the ankle joint
• Bone spur development that may make your symptoms worse
• Feeling that the joint surfaces grind or lock during movement
• Changes in your feet, including deformities in the big toe or arch collapse

These symptoms can build slowly. People with osteoarthritis often notice minor foot pain at first, which worsens over time as the cartilage in the joint continues to wear away.

What Causes Degenerative Arthritis in the Foot?

The development of degenerative arthritis in the foot is usually the result of several contributing factors rather than a single cause. One of the most common is simply aging. As people get older, the cartilage in the joint naturally begins to thin and wear down. This gradual process explains why osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis seen in the feet and ankles. As the cushion between the ends of bones disappears, the joint surfaces become rough, leading to pain and stiffness.

Previous injuries are another frequent cause. Even when fractures or severe sprains appear to heal, they may leave lasting damage to the bone and cartilage. Years later, this can develop into post-traumatic arthritis, a form of degenerative disease that is especially common in individuals who have experienced repeated ankle injuries.

Other key contributors include:

• Genetics: Some people inherit a tendency for cartilage to wear out more quickly than average.
• Inflammatory conditions: Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis can damage both cartilage and soft tissues around the affected joint, leading to pain and swelling.
• Excess body weight: Carrying extra pounds puts added pressure on the joints most commonly affected, accelerating cartilage breakdown.
• Repetitive stress: Jobs or activities that require long hours of standing, walking, or running place ongoing strain on the joints of the foot, which may eventually cause arthritis to develop earlier than expected.

Because the foot and ankle absorb so much force with every step, these factors often combine over time. The result is a slow but steady progression of joint damage that can limit mobility, increase discomfort, and make daily activities difficult. 

Recognizing these causes is an important step toward diagnosis and treatment, as it helps patients and physicians work together to protect long-term foot health.

How Urgent Foot Care Handles Your Foot Arthritis Case

At Urgent Foot Care, every patient who comes in with arthritis in the foot or ankle receives personalized, step-by-step care. Because arthritis is inflammation and degeneration of the bone and cartilage, it requires both precise evaluation and a tailored plan that fits the patient’s lifestyle, health, and severity of symptoms.

The process begins with a thorough assessment. Your podiatrist will review your medical history, listen to your symptoms, and perform a detailed examination of the affected joint. Imaging such as X-rays or MRI may be used to identify changes in the joint surfaces, confirm the presence of bone spurs, or measure how much cartilage in the joint has worn away. If an inflammatory arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis is suspected, lab work may also be recommended.

Once the condition is properly diagnosed, treatment moves forward in a staged, patient-centered way.

Nonsurgical Treatment Options

Most cases are first managed with conservative methods designed to reduce pain and improve the range of motion. These may include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen are used to relieve pain and swelling
• Custom orthotic devices or shoe inserts to cushion the joints most commonly affected and improve alignment.
• Specialized footwear with extra cushion to absorb shock and protect joint surfaces.
• Physical therapy programs to strengthen the foot and restore range of movement.
• Injections, including corticosteroids, to calm irritation in the affected joint.

These approaches can significantly relieve symptoms and help slow the progression of degenerative arthritis.

Surgical Treatment Options

When joint pain and stiffness remain severe despite conservative measures, surgical options may be discussed. Depending on the location and severity of the damage, procedures may include:

• Arthroplasty, also known as joint replacement, which may involve a partial or total ankle replacement or replacement of the big toe joint.
• Fusion (arthrodesis), which permanently joins the bones of the affected joint, eliminating pain by stopping motion in that area.
• Debridement, which cleans the joint to remove loose fragments of damaged bone and cartilage that cause pain.

The choice of procedure depends on the type of arthritis, the joints in your feet that are most affected, and the patient’s overall health goals.

We Also Have Continuous Care and Support

Treatment doesn’t end after the first visit. Patients receive ongoing support to manage arthritis symptoms, prevent complications, and maintain long-term foot health. Guidance may include lifestyle recommendations, weight management strategies, or activity modifications to prevent further damage and avoid making symptoms worse.

At Urgent Foot Care, the goal is not only to relieve pain but also to help you stay active, independent, and comfortable in your daily life.

Mitigating Living with Foot Arthritis (Osteoarthritis)

Being diagnosed with arthritis in the foot does not mean giving up an active or fulfilling lifestyle. While there may not be a complete cure for arthritis, there are many ways to relieve symptoms, protect the affected joint, and maintain overall foot health. The goal is to minimize discomfort, improve mobility, and preserve independence.

One of the most important strategies is learning how to adapt daily routines. Choosing the right footwear makes a significant difference. Supportive shoes with extra cushion and wide toe boxes reduce pressure on the big toe and other joints most commonly affected. Custom orthotic devices or high-quality shoe inserts can further protect the joint surfaces and improve alignment, reducing stress that may otherwise cause pain or worsen stiffness.

People with osteoarthritis often find that small lifestyle adjustments make a big difference in their comfort. Here are some strategies to manage daily life:

• Use shoe inserts or cushioned footwear to reduce pain.
• Avoid high-impact activities that make your symptoms worse.
• Stretch daily to maintain your range of movement.
• Apply ice packs after activity to limit pain and swelling.
• Consider supportive braces or wraps for unstable foot or ankle joints.

Lifestyle choices matter just as much as medical care. Carrying extra weight places stress on the joints of the foot, so maintaining a healthy body weight can slow the progression of osteoarthritis. Regular low-impact exercise, such as swimming or cycling, helps preserve range of movement without overloading the joints in your feet. Stretching the calves, ankles, and toes can also ease pain and stiffness while supporting long-term flexibility.

Daily self-care practices can further help manage symptoms:

• Apply cold packs after activity to decrease pain and swelling.
• Use warm compresses or baths to loosen stiffness before walking.
• Pace your activities to avoid prolonged standing or walking that may make your symptoms worse.
• Consider assistive devices, such as canes or braces, when joints feel unstable.

Finally, ongoing communication with a foot specialist is very important for recovery. Arthritis is a progressive condition, and symptoms can change over time. Regular check-ins at Urgent Foot Care ensure that treatment options are adjusted as needed, whether that means updating orthotic supports, modifying medications, or exploring advanced procedures like arthroplasty or ankle replacement.

When To See A Foot Specialist

If you experience ongoing foot pain, joint stiffness, or changes in your ability to walk, it’s time to see a specialist. Arthritis in the foot is progressive, and early diagnosis and treatment can help preserve the cartilage in the joint and keep you active longer.

Degenerative arthritis of the foot can be life-changing, but it doesn’t have to mean living with constant joint pain. By understanding the symptoms of osteoarthritis, recognizing risk factors, and exploring the full range of treatment options available, you can take control of your foot health.

Don’t wait until arthritis pain limits your life. If you suspect arthritis in the foot, contact Urgent Foot Care today for expert evaluation and treatment. With the right care, you can relieve pain, protect your joints, and step forward with confidence.