You wake up in the morning and take your first step, only to feel a dull ache radiate through your feet. As the day progresses, that discomfort grows into stiffness and swelling, especially around your ankle joints. Walking, standing, and even resting can become frustratingly painful. If this sounds familiar, you may be living with osteoarthritis of the feet or ankles—a progressive condition that affects millions of people but often goes undiagnosed until the pain becomes impossible to ignore.
At Annapolis Foot & Ankle Center, we understand how deeply foot and ankle pain can affect your quality of life. Our holistic approach means we don’t just treat the joint—we consider your whole health and lifestyle. Let’s explore what causes osteoarthritis, how it presents, and the steps you can take to manage it.
What Causes Osteoarthritis in the Feet and Ankles?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is often described as “wear and tear” arthritis. It develops gradually as the cartilage that cushions your joints begins to break down, leading to bone-on-bone friction, inflammation, and joint damage. But while aging is a major factor, it's far from the only cause.
Risk Factors That Make Foot Arthritis More Likely
Several contributing factors increase your likelihood of developing foot and ankle OA:
- Natural aging process. Cartilage wears down over time, and joints in the feet are especially vulnerable because they bear your full body weight.
- Obesity and excess weight. Carrying extra weight puts added stress on joints, especially the weight-bearing ones in the feet and ankles.
- Genetic predisposition. If osteoarthritis runs in your family, you may be more likely to develop it yourself.
- Previous joint injuries. Sprains, fractures, or dislocations—especially if untreated—can disrupt joint structure and lead to early-onset OA.
- Occupational strain. Jobs that involve prolonged standing, walking on hard surfaces, or repetitive foot movements increase your risk.
Osteoarthritis doesn’t appear overnight. But once it begins, it can steadily worsen without proper management.
Osteoarthritis Symptoms That Shouldn't Be Ignored
Osteoarthritis symptoms in the feet and ankles can start subtly and gradually intensify. If you're unsure whether your discomfort is due to OA or something else, here are some signs to watch for:
- Persistent pain. You may feel aching, throbbing, or sharp pain in your foot or ankle, especially during or after movement.
- Stiffness. It can be hard to move your foot or ankle, particularly after sitting for a while or waking up in the morning.
- Swelling. You might notice ongoing inflammation around the joint that doesn't go away even with rest.
- Tenderness. Pressing on the affected joint may cause noticeable pain or discomfort.
- Reduced range of motion. You may find it difficult to flex, rotate, or put weight on your joint like you normally would.
- Grinding or popping. You could feel a sensation of bone rubbing against bone or hear audible noises coming from the joint.
Many patients try to “push through” the discomfort until it interferes with work, walking, or sleep. But the earlier you seek care, the more options you have.
How an Annapolis Foot Doctor Diagnoses Osteoarthritis
Diagnosing osteoarthritis involves more than just a physical exam. Your podiatrist will take a full history, ask about your symptoms, and likely order imaging studies to confirm the extent of the joint damage.
- X-rays. These show joint space narrowing, bone spurs, and cartilage loss.
- Physical exam. The podiatrist will evaluate your gait, joint alignment, and pain points.
- Medical history. Your past injuries or trauma, family history, and lifestyle habits help clarify your risk level.
At Annapolis Foot & Ankle Center, we take a comprehensive approach. We look beyond the joint to consider your mobility, wellness goals, and daily routine before recommending treatment.
Managing Osteoarthritis of the Feet and Ankles
There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but there are highly effective ways to manage symptoms and improve your mobility without immediately resorting to surgery.
Nonsurgical Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis
Your doctor may recommend any of the following conservative methods to start your treatment plan:
- Lifestyle changes. Adjusting activities to reduce joint stress can ease daily discomfort. This includes avoiding high-impact exercises and prioritizing low-impact movements, such as swimming or cycling.
- Weight management. Even modest weight loss can significantly reduce pressure on your feet.
- Custom orthotics. Specially designed shoe inserts help align the foot properly and reduce strain on arthritic joints.
- Supportive footwear. Shoes with good arch support and cushioning are essential for reducing joint stress.
- Physical therapy. Targeted exercises improve strength, balance, and range of motion.
- Anti-inflammatory medications. NSAIDs or topical pain relief can reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Steroid injections. In some cases, corticosteroid injections offer temporary but effective pain relief.
When Conservative Care Isn’t Enough: Surgical Treatment for Osteoarthritis
Patients with advanced osteoarthritis may need surgical options to restore function. These procedures are typically considered only after nonsurgical methods have failed to provide relief:
- Arthroscopy. This minimally invasive procedure cleans out damaged tissue and smooths the joint.
- Joint fusion (arthrodesis). This surgery stabilizes the joint by fusing bones together, eliminating motion and pain.
- Joint replacement. In rare cases, your doctor may recommend ankle replacement for end-stage OA.
Your podiatrist will discuss all available options and help determine whether surgery is appropriate for your situation and lifestyle.
Living with Osteoarthritis: A Holistic Approach to Care
Living with osteoarthritis can be frustrating, but it doesn’t have to control your life. At Annapolis Foot & Ankle Center, we focus on more than just relieving your pain. We help you develop sustainable strategies to maintain your health and mobility in the long term.
- Comprehensive evaluations. We look at the whole picture, including gait, posture, and general wellness.
- Collaborative care. We work closely with physical therapists, primary care physicians, and other specialists to provide integrated care.
- Emotional support. Chronic pain can significantly impact your mental health, and we take the time to understand how foot pain affects your life.
Reshaping What Relief From Osteoarthritis Looks Like
Osteoarthritis of the feet and ankles doesn’t just make walking uncomfortable—it can take away your independence, your favorite activities, and your sense of ease. But with early intervention, a tailored treatment plan, and support from a caring podiatrist, it’s possible to stay active and pain-free.
At Annapolis Foot & Ankle Center, we help patients navigate life with osteoarthritis by combining clinical expertise with compassion. Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been living with joint pain for years, the right approach can make all the difference.
