What Is Arthritis in the Foot?

Degenerative arthritis is a condition that slowly wears away joints. These are the areas where bones meet and move. At first, you may notice that the affected joint seems stiff. It may even ache. As the joint lining (cartilage) breaks down, the bones rub against each other, causing pain and swelling. Over time, small pieces of rough or splintered bone (bone spurs) develop, and the joint’s range of motion becomes limited. But movement doesn’t have to cause pain. In most cases, the pain from arthritis can be eased with medical care. If needed, surgery may be done.

The big-toe joint

When arthritis affects your big toe, your foot hurts when it pushes off the ground. Arthritis often appears in the big-toe joint along with a bony bump at the side of the joint (bunion) or a bone spur on top of the joint.

Other joints

When arthritis affects the rear or midfoot joints, you feel pain when you put weight on your foot. Arthritis may affect the joint where the ankle and foot meet. It may also affect other joints nearby.