If you’re experiencing foot pain, ankle pain, swelling, or stiffness, arthritis may be the underlying cause. Arthritis is one of the most common conditions affecting joint health, and it can significantly impact your ability to walk, exercise, and complete everyday activities.
At Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists of Arizona in Chandler, Arizona, our team provides expert evaluation and treatment for arthritis and other joint conditions affecting the feet and ankles. Alex Stewart, DPM, FACFAS and Antonius Su, DPM diagnose the cause of your symptoms and develop a treatment plan designed to relieve pain and restore mobility. To learn more, visit www.advancedfootankle.com or call (480) 963-9000.
Arthritis is a widespread condition that affects an estimated 24% of adults in the United States. The term “arthritis” does not refer to a single condition—it describes a group of disorders that cause joint inflammation, leading to symptoms like pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced movement.
Although arthritis can occur in any joint, it is particularly disruptive when it affects the feet and ankles. These joints support body weight and absorb impact throughout the day. When arthritis develops in the foot or ankle, it can cause progressive discomfort and limit your ability to stay active.
Two of the most common forms of arthritis include:
There are also other forms of arthritis that may affect the feet—such as gout, reactive arthritis, and septic arthritis—each with different causes and treatment needs.
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and is often called “wear-and-tear” arthritis. It develops when the cartilage within a joint gradually breaks down over time.
Cartilage is a firm yet smooth tissue that cushions the ends of bones and allows joints to glide easily. When cartilage wears away, bones can begin rubbing against each other. This can lead to:
Osteoarthritis usually develops slowly over time. Many patients notice mild foot or ankle pain at first, which gradually worsens with walking, standing, or exercise.
Osteoarthritis is often linked to long-term joint stress and may be worsened by several risk factors, including:
Osteoarthritis is most common in people over age 50, but younger adults can develop it too—especially if they have a history of sports injuries or repetitive impact activities.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder. Instead of protecting the body, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissue, causing chronic inflammation and progressive damage.
RA can affect joints throughout the body, but it commonly impacts the small joints in the feet, which can cause pain with walking and standing. In some cases, foot and ankle symptoms may be one of the earliest signs of rheumatoid arthritis.
Because rheumatoid arthritis is systemic and inflammatory, it requires early diagnosis and a coordinated treatment plan to reduce long-term joint damage.
Yes. In addition to osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, other forms of arthritis can affect the feet and ankles, including:
Because symptoms overlap, an evaluation from a foot and ankle specialist is important for accurate diagnosis.
Arthritis symptoms can vary based on the type and severity of your condition. Common symptoms include:
Many patients also change how they walk to avoid discomfort. Over time, compensating for pain may contribute to knee, hip, or back issues.
If these symptoms are affecting your daily life, it is important to schedule an evaluation as soon as possible.
At Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists of Arizona, diagnosing arthritis starts with an in-depth evaluation. Alex Stewart, DPM, FACFAS and Antonius Su, DPM will perform a physical exam, review your medical history, and evaluate your symptoms and joint function.
Depending on your condition, diagnostic testing may include:
If you’d like to schedule a diagnostic evaluation, call: 480-960-9000 or visit our appointment page here: Book an appointment online: https://www.advancedfootankle.com/contact-us
Arthritis treatment depends on the type of arthritis, severity of symptoms, and how much joint damage is present. The goal is to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, improve mobility, and help patients return to daily activities with less discomfort.
Your personalized treatment plan may include:
Anti-inflammatory medications may be recommended to reduce pain and swelling. Certain inflammatory arthritis conditions may require additional medication management.
Foot and ankle therapy can help improve:
Custom orthotics are one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for foot arthritis. Orthotics can reduce stress on painful joints by improving alignment and redistributing pressure while walking.
Learn more about our orthotic solutions here:
Custom Orthotics
Footwear guidance, activity modifications, and supportive care can all reduce daily joint strain. Many patients experience meaningful improvement by combining supportive shoes with orthotics.
In severe cases, arthritis may cause significant pain and loss of function despite conservative care. At that point, surgical options may be considered to restore stability and reduce pain.
If you want to learn more about our surgical approach and services, visit:
Foot & Ankle Services
You should schedule an appointment if you have:
Early treatment helps prevent arthritis from progressing and may reduce the likelihood of long-term joint damage.
If you're experiencing symptoms, don’t wait—call Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists of Arizona at (480) 963-9000 for an evaluation.
If you are dealing with arthritis pain in the feet or ankles, our team is here to help. Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists of Arizona proudly provides arthritis evaluation and treatment to patients in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, and surrounding areas.
To schedule your visit: