Joint Preservation Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Foot

What It Is: Osteoarthritis of the foot is a degenerative condition that affects the joints, most commonly in the midfoot, hindfoot, or toes, and is characterized by the gradual wearing away of the protective cartilage.
Symptoms: Over time, this wear leads to stiffness, pain, swelling, and decreased range of motion in the affected joints. Individuals may be more at risk if they have certain biomechanical foot issues, excess body weight, or a history of foot injuries.
Treatment: focuses on reducing pain and preserving joint function, often starting with conservative approaches such as physical therapy, appropriate footwear, orthotics, and anti-inflammatory medications. In more advanced cases, interventions like corticosteroid injections, regenerative medicine, or surgery might be recommended to improve mobility and manage persistent pain.