Are stiff, swollen, or painful joints holding you back from the activities you love? Arthritis is one of the most common causes of joint pain in the foot and ankle, and it can make walking, standing, or even wearing shoes a daily struggle. If you’ve been searching for answers or wondering about the best arthritis doctor near me, the good news is that we here at Ankle and Foot Centers of Nashville have a solution tailored to your needs!
What Is Arthritis?
Arthritis is not just one condition but a group of disorders that cause inflammation, stiffness, and damage to the joints. The most common types include:
Osteoarthritis – The most common type, often called “wear-and-tear arthritis,” which develops gradually as cartilage inside the joint wears down. Commonly affected joints include the big toe or the ankle, but all joints in the foot and ankle can be susceptible to breakdown.
Rheumatoid Arthritis – An autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, leading to painful inflammation. Over time, it can damage cartilage and bone, sometimes causing deformity if untreated.
Psoriatic Arthritis – Linked to psoriasis, this autoimmune form can cause joint pain along with skin and nail changes. Like rheumatoid arthritis, it can lead to long-term damage if not properly managed.
While each type of arthritis has a different cause, they all share one thing in common: without treatment, they can limit mobility and reduce your quality of life.
Conservative Treatment Options for Arthritis
Not every case of arthritis requires surgery. Many patients find relief with conservative arthritis treatments that reduce pain and improve function.
Not every case of arthritis requires surgery. Many patients find relief with conservative arthritis treatments that reduce pain and improve function.
· Alternative Shoe Gear & Custom Inserts – Proper footwear and supportive orthotics can cushion painful joints, improve alignment, and reduce pressure. For many people with arthritis foot pain or ankle arthritis, this simple change can make a huge difference.
· Medications & Steroid Injections – Anti-inflammatory medications may ease swelling, while corticosteroid injections can provide stronger, targeted pain relief. These injections can calm inflammation and restore function for weeks to months, though repeated use may weaken tissues over time.
· Lifestyle Adjustments – Low-impact exercise, stretching, and weight management help reduce stress on painful joints and improve mobility. Small changes often add up to lasting improvements in comfort and flexibility.
Surgical Treatment Options
When conservative care is no longer enough, surgical procedures can often provide lasting relief. Two common options are joint fusion and joint replacement surgery.
Joint Fusion – This surgery permanently joins the bones of a joint so they no longer move against each other. While this eliminates pain, it also removes motion from the joint. Fusion is often recommended for joints in the foot and ankle where stability is more important than mobility.
Joint Replacement – In this procedure, the damaged joint surfaces are removed and replaced with an artificial implant. The goal is to restore mobility and relieve pain. Joint replacement is more common in larger joints and has the benefit of preserving motion.
Determining if you’re a good candidate for fusion vs. joint replacement is dependent on many factors which include, but are not limited to, the patient’s age, lifestyle, comorbidities, and the specific joint affected.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
You don’t have to live with arthritic pain in your feet or ankles forever. Whether you’re just beginning to notice stiffness or you’ve been struggling with severe pain for years, we at Ankle and Foot Centers of Nashville have solutions available to help.
Our team specializes in arthritis foot and ankle treatment, offering everything from custom inserts and conservative care, to advanced surgical options like joint fusion and joint replacement.
Schedule an appointment today and take the first step toward moving comfortably, reducing pain, and getting back to the activities you love.