Foot & Ankle Arthritis Treatment in Kalamazoo, MI

Reduce Pain, Improve Mobility, and Regain Your Confidence

Arthritis in the foot or ankle can make even the simplest daily tasks painful—walking, standing, or climbing stairs may feel stiff and uncomfortable. Whether due to aging, injury, or autoimmune disease, arthritis causes inflammation and breakdown of joint cartilage, leading to pain and limited motion over time.

At Kalamazoo Foot Surgery, we help patients manage arthritis with both non-surgical and surgical solutions. Our goal is to relieve your pain, preserve joint function, and help you stay mobile and independent.

Common Causes of Foot and Ankle Arthritis

Arthritis can affect any joint in the foot or ankle. You may be more prone to developing it if you:

• Have a history of foot or ankle injuries or surgeries
• Have a family history of arthritis or autoimmune disease
• Are over the age of 50
• Are overweight, which puts extra pressure on joints
• Have a job or lifestyle that involves long hours on your feet
• Have certain conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout

Symptoms of Arthritis in the Foot or Ankle

Patients with arthritis often report:

• Stiffness or limited range of motion in the foot or ankle
• Swelling around the joint
• Pain that worsens with activity or after rest
• Tenderness or aching at specific joints
• A grinding or popping sensation during movement
• Changes in foot shape or alignment (such as a collapsing arch)

Symptoms may develop slowly or appear after an injury.

Diagnosis

When you visit Kalamazoo Foot Surgery for arthritis-related concerns, we will:

• Review your symptoms and medical history
• Perform a hands-on physical exam of the affected joint(s)
• Assess your gait, balance, and overall joint function
• Order imaging (such as X-rays, CT scan, or MRI) to evaluate joint damage

Accurate diagnosis helps us identify which joints are affected and which treatments will be most effective.

Types of Arthritis We Treat

There are several forms of arthritis that can affect the foot and ankle:

• Osteoarthritis – Wear-and-tear arthritis that develops over time
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – An autoimmune condition that attacks joint lining
• Post-Traumatic Arthritis – Arthritis that develops after injury or surgery
• Gout – Caused by uric acid buildup, leading to sudden joint pain
• Psoriatic Arthritis – Linked to psoriasis, this form may affect toes or tendons
• Hallux Limitus/Rigidus – Arthritis of the big toe joint, limiting motion

Treatment Options for Foot & Ankle Arthritis

While arthritis can’t be reversed, we can help reduce inflammation, slow progression, and relieve your symptoms with a customized plan.

Nonsurgical Treatments

Most patients improve with conservative options, such as:

• Custom orthotics or supportive shoes to reduce joint pressure
• Anti-inflammatory medications (oral or topical)
• Corticosteroid injections for temporary pain relief
• Activity modification and physical therapy
• Weight management strategies
• Bracing or ankle-foot orthoses (AFO) to support unstable joints
• Regenerative medicine options such as PRP or amniotic injections

Surgical Options

If pain persists or arthritis severely limits your mobility, surgery may be considered. Procedures may include:

• Joint debridement – Removal of damaged tissue from the joint
• Arthrodesis (joint fusion) – Fusing bones to eliminate painful movement
• Joint replacement (arthroplasty) – Replacing damaged cartilage and bone
• Osteotomy – Realigning bones to relieve pressure on affected joints

We’ll discuss the risks and benefits of each option and develop a surgical plan only if needed.