collapseNavigating Foot & Ankle Osteoarthritis
This condition is a degenerative joint disease, and is often called “wear-and-tear” arthritis, as opposed to rheumatoid arthritis, which is an auto-immune disorder. Please call us 314-207-7280 to request a consultation about this treatable condition.
About Foot Osteoarthritis
Recognizing the Symptoms
Common signs include:
- Aching, tenderness, or stiffness after activity
- Limited range of motion or “grinding” in the joint
- Swelling and inflammation, especially at the ankle
- Difficulty bearing weight or walking normally
- Bony growths or visible deformity around the joint
If these symptoms persist, it’s time to schedule a professional foot and ankle evaluation.
Why It Develops
- Prior ankle or foot injuries such as fractures or sprains
- Flat feet or high arches that stress joints unevenly
- Repetitive strain from work or athletics
- Improper footwear (heels or stiff soles)
- Age-related cartilage wear or excess weigh
Our doctors can evaluate the condition and find the cause of the osteoarthritis.
Treating Foot Osteoarthritis
Non-Surgical Care
We start with personalized, conservative treatments:
- Custom orthotics and properly fitted shoes
- Targeted physical therapy and activity modification
- Joint supports and anti-inflammatory therapy
- Weight-management and shoe-wear counseling
These strategies often slow progression and can reduce symptoms significantly.
Minimally Invasive Surgery: Ankle Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy can treat selected causes of ankle joint pain, including certain cartilage injuries, impingement, scar tissue or loose bodies. It is not a general solution for every case of arthritis or chronic ankle pain.
Important Note: Bunions and Arthritis
Did you know? Chronic bunions (hallux valgus) can lead to or worsen osteoarthritis in the big toe joint. When the joint becomes misaligned, it places uneven stress on cartilage, causing it to wear down faster and eventually become arthritic.
Our surgeons evaluate every arthritis case for underlying deformities like bunions or flat feet—so that surgical correction not only relieves pain, but also helps prevent future joint damage.
Why Patients Choose Feet for Life
Schedule a Consultation Today
- Specialized expertise: Board-certified foot and ankle surgeons with over 30 years of combined experience
- Comprehensive care: Both conservative and surgical options under one roof
- Convenient locations: University City/Clayton and Chesterfield Valley
- Virtual consults available: Perfect for out-of-town patients
- Modern techniques: Emphasis on minimal downtime and long-term function
We’re proud to be among the Midwest’s top-ranked centers for advanced podiatric surgery and non-surgical care.
Take the first step toward relief. Call 314-207-7280 or request an appointment or click here. If you’re outside the St. Louis area, book a virtual consultation to discuss your options with Dr. Horwitz directly.
