Arthritis of the Foot, Ankle and Toes

What is arthritis of the foot, ankle and toes?

Arthritis literally means “inflamed joint” and refers to a group of conditions that damage or irritate joints. Your feet and ankles contain more than 30 joints that work together to support your weight and movement. When these joints become stiff, swollen or painful, even simple activities like walking or standing can feel difficult.

At Novant Health, we understand how frustrating foot or ankle pain can be when it limits your daily life. Our foot and ankle specialists focus on identifying the source of your symptoms and helping you find lasting relief.

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Anatomy of the ankle and foot, showing ligaments, tendons, and bones, labeled for clarity.

Anatomy of the foot and ankle joint

The ankle connects three bones — the tibia, fibula and talus — while the foot includes many smaller joints that provide flexibility and balance. Smooth cartilage cushions the ends of these bones so they move easily against one another. Arthritis gradually wears down this cartilage, leading to pain, swelling and reduced motion.

Osteoarthritis develops over time as cartilage breaks down.

Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system attacks the joint lining.

Post-traumatic arthritis may develop after an injury such as a fracture or severe sprain.

Any of these conditions can affect the ankle, midfoot or toes and may eventually cause. stiffness, deformity or difficulty walking.

Even minor injuries can increase the risk of arthritis later on, which is why early evaluation is important.

Overview

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the joint involved and the severity of arthritis, but may include:

Aching or throbbing joint pain, often worse with activity or at night
Stiffness after rest or when first standing
Swelling, warmth or tenderness around the joint
Reduced range of motion in the ankle or toes
Difficulty walking, climbing stairs or fitting into shoes

Symptoms may come and go at first, but without treatment they can worsen over time.

Causes

Several factors can contribute to ankle, foot or toe arthritis, including:

Prior injury or fracture that damages joint cartilage
Repetitive stress from standing, walking or high-impact activities
Genetic factors or autoimmune conditions
Joint alignment issues, such as flat feet or bunions
Inflammatory conditions like gout or psoriatic arthritis

Diagnosis

Your foot and ankle specialist will review your symptoms, medical history and activity level. Diagnosis may include:

A physical exam to assess joint movement, tenderness and alignment
X-rays to evaluate cartilage loss, joint narrowing or bone spurs
Advanced imaging or lab tests if inflammatory arthritis is suspected

We’ll explain your results clearly so you understand your condition and treatment options.

Why treatment matters

Most people begin with non-surgical care, tailored to their needs and lifestyle. Treatment may include:

Activity modification and supportive footwear
Anti-inflammatory or pain-relief medications
Custom orthotics or bracing to reduce joint stress
Steroid injections to relieve pain and inflammation

If symptoms persist or arthritis is advanced, surgery may be recommended to improve comfort and function. Depending on the joint and severity, options may include minimally invasive procedures, joint fusion to stabilize painful joints, or reconstructive surgery to restore alignment and relieve pressure.

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We offer leading-edge treatments for most foot and ankle conditions, treating many with medications, bracing and injections.

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Take the next step

Our board-certified specialists are here to help you heal. They can often diagnose the problem in one visit and get you started with a personalized treatment plan. We offer a wide variety of treatment options.