Arthritis of the Foot & Ankle
Arthritis: Managing Degenerative Joint Pain in the Foot & Ankle
Arthritis in the foot and ankle can significantly compromise mobility, comfort, and overall quality of life. Whether stemming from wear and tear (osteoarthritis), inflammatory types (e.g., rheumatoid), or trauma-related degeneration, joint pain in the feet requires careful, patient-specific management. At Dr. Michele Selsor’s Pinellas Park clinic, we specialize in diagnosing arthritic conditions and offering multimodal relief.
Types & Mechanisms
Mechanisms
Osteoarthritis (degenerative): Gradual breakdown of cartilage in joints due to wear, age, or abnormal stress.
Post-traumatic arthritis: After injuries (fractures, ligament damage) alter joint alignment or mechanics.
Inflammatory arthritis: Autoimmune or systemic conditions (e.g. rheumatoid, gout) can affect foot/ankle joints.
Secondary arthritis: Linked to biomechanical deformities, obesity, or chronic instability.
Common Symptoms
Joint pain, stiffness, swelling, crepitus (grating sensations).
Reduced range of motion.
Difficulty walking, climbing steps, or bearing weight.
Joint deformities over time.
Diagnostic Approach
History & exam
- Onset, pattern (morning stiffness, flare vs chronic pain).
- Palpation, joint line tenderness, range-of-motion tests.
- Gait and alignment analysis.
Imaging & lab tests
- Weight-bearing X-rays to assess joint space narrowing, osteophytes.
- Advanced imaging (MRI, CT) for cartilage, soft tissue, bone edema.
- Laboratory work (inflammatory markers, uric acid, rheumatoid panels) when indicated.
Treatment & Management
Nonsurgical interventions
1
- Activity modification and load reduction.
- Anti-inflammatory or analgesic therapies.
- Custom orthotics or joint-unloading braces.
- Physical therapy (strength, range-of-motion, stabilization).
- Injections: corticosteroids, Visco supplementation, biologics (as appropriate).
Surgical options
2
- Joint debridement or realignment procedures.
- Arthrodesis (fusion) to relieve pain by eliminating the joint.
- Arthroplasty (joint replacement) in select joints.
- Reconstruction in post-traumatic or complex cases.
Rehabilitation & long-term care
3
- Gradual return to function with weight management.
- Use of assistive devices or supportive footwear.
- Ongoing monitoring and joint health maintenance.
Local & Practice Strengths
- Dr. Selsor’s practice in Pinellas Park provides access to imaging and specialist referrals in the Tampa Bay area drmicheleselsor.com.
- In Florida, active lifestyles and warm climate can aggravate arthritis symptoms — especially when walking on uneven surfaces or engaging in recreational sports.
- We emphasize early intervention to preserve joint health and prevent progression.
If joint pain, stiffness, or swelling is limiting your mobility, schedule a consultation. Our team will personalize a plan to slow arthritic progression, reduce discomfort, and maintain your quality of life.