Here at our Cincinnati-area podiatry offices, we see a lot of people with stiff, painful, even deformed joints in their feet. This includes conditions like bunions and hammertoes, as well as rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions.

Few conditions are as frustrating as arthritis in the feet and ankles. You know that you need to exercise and stay active to maintain your health and mobility (and even to improve your arthritis symptoms), but your body actively opposes you with each painful step.

There are many popular misconceptions across countless areas in our world. For example:

• Marie Antoinette never said “let them eat cake.” (The term was coined by a political writer and philosopher when Antoinette was only nine years old.)
• Napoleon Bonaparte wasn’t short. (The French emperor was actually around 5’7”, which was slightly above average for a Frenchman at the time.)
• Twinkies do not last forever. (They have a shelf life of 45 days…but we recommend making better dietary choices anyhow.)

Another common misconception is the notion that arthritis is a single disease. In reality, there are over 100 different forms of arthritis and arthritis-related diseases (according to the Arthritis Foundation). The commonality between all of these types is the simple fact they cause pain and inflammation in joints. In fact, the word “arthritis” literally means “joint inflammation.

You’ve probably noticed a lot of common medical conditions—including those that affect the feet and ankles—end in the same four letters: ITIS. Think about it:

• Plantar fasciitis

• Achilles tendinitis

• Calcaneal bursitis

• Arthritis

And those are just the feet and ankles. I’m sure you could think of plenty more that affect other areas of the body. Meningitis, conjunctivitis, bronchitis, hepatitis … you get the idea. 

Arthritis is a common disease that causes joint pain, stiffness, immobility, and swelling.  Arthritis is actually a term for a group of over 100 diseases that affect the muscle and skeletal system, particularly the joints.  Arthritis alters the cartilage in joints.  Cartilage is a very tough, shock absorbing material that covers the ends of many of our bones.  The cartilage forms a smooth surface and allows the bones in our joints to glide easily during motion.  Arthritis can cause the cartilage to wear away.  Loss of the protective lining can cause painful bone on bone rubbing.  Arthritis can be quite painful and disabling.  While this may be tolerated with medications, therapy, other modalities, and lifestyle adjustments, there may come a time when surgical treatment is necessary.