Arthritis is often associated with the hands, knees, or hips, but with 26 bones and 33 joints in each foot, your feet are frequently the first place arthritis manifests. For our patients in Portland and across Southern Maine, foot arthritis can make walking on our coastal terrain or enjoying a stroll through the Old Port a painful ordeal. At Maine Foot and Ankle Specialists, Dr. Jules Bodo, DPM, AACFAS, DABPM, provides expert diagnosis and advanced treatment for the various forms of arthritis that impact your mobility.
Understanding the Types of Foot Arthritis
While there are over 100 different types of arthritis, three primary forms most commonly affect the feet and ankles. Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time. Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, often starting in the small joints of the toes. Lastly, Post-Traumatic Arthritis can develop years after a significant injury, such as a severe fracture or ankle sprain, causing the joint to wear out prematurely.
Identifying Common Symptoms and Affected Areas
The symptoms of foot arthritis vary depending on which joint is affected, but common signs include persistent pain, stiffness (especially in the morning), swelling, and a decreased range of motion. Many patients notice these symptoms at the base of the big toe, a condition known as hallux rigidus, which can make push-off during walking very difficult. You may also feel a deep ache in the midfoot or instability in the ankle joint. Over time, the body may try to compensate for the loss of cartilage by growing bone spurs, which can cause visible bumps and make wearing shoes uncomfortable.
Advanced Diagnostic Approaches
Dr. Bodo utilizes a combination of clinical expertise and modern technology to determine the stage and type of your arthritis. During your visit to our Portland, ME, office, we may perform a comprehensive gait analysis to see how the pain is changing the way you walk. We also utilize weight-bearing X-rays to see how your joints react to the stress of your body weight. This allows us to see the joint space, the gap between bones. A narrowed gap is a hallmark sign that cartilage has been lost, and seeing the exact location of the damage is vital for creating a personalized treatment plan.
Personalized Treatment and Management Strategies
At Maine Foot and Ankle Specialists, our goal is to keep you active while minimizing the need for invasive surgery whenever possible. We offer a wide range of conservative treatments, including custom orthotics to redistribute pressure away from painful joints, specialized footwear recommendations, and targeted physical therapy. For more persistent pain, Dr. Bodo may utilize ultrasound-guided injections to deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly to the source of the discomfort. If conservative measures are exhausted, Dr. Bodo’s advanced surgical training allows him to offer options like joint fusion or joint replacement to restore stability and eliminate pain.
Reclaim Your Active Maine Lifestyle
Living with arthritis doesn't have to mean living on the sidelines. Whether you are dealing with the early stages of stiffness or chronic joint pain, early intervention is the best way to preserve your joint health. Dr. Bodo and our team are dedicated to providing the specialized care you need to keep your feet healthy and your life in motion.
Is foot or ankle stiffness making it difficult for you to stay active? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Jules Bodo at our Portland, ME, office to discuss a comprehensive arthritis management plan by calling (207) 910-5454.