Most often, it affects the big toe, though it can also be found in the midfoot and ankle.

It may also produce painful bony growths in the foot called bone spurs (osteophytes). Eventually, if the cartilage wears down completely, bone will rub on bone, causing pain and stiffness and difficulty walking. The most common form of arthritis, OA occurs when cartilage in a joint gradually deteriorates from repeated use and stress. The major types of arthritis that affect the foot and ankle are: Osteoarthritis (OA) Over time, that can lead to pain, stiffness, and deformity in the foot and ankle. As the disease progresses, it may damage cartilage that lines the end of bones and helps cushion joints.

How Arthritis Affects Your FeetĪrthritis can affect any of the 33 joints in the foot and ankle. Regular exercise and stretching helps increase strength, improve flexibility, and reduce pain in all joints - whether they are in your knee and shoulder, or foot and ankle, says Cary Zinkin, DPM, podiatrist in Florida and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). One proven way to help ease symptoms of arthritis in the feet is with exercise, both general full-body exercises (such as walking) as well as specific stretches and moves that target the feet. And if your feet are affected by arthritis pain, the pain and stiffness caused by joint disease may make their job even tougher. It is home to a network of 28 bones, nearly three dozen joints, and more than 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments that are involved in every step you take, all while bearing the load of your body weight in motion. Your foot is a pretty complex piece of machinery.

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