Foot & Ankle Arthritis in New Orleans
Foot and ankle arthritis is the progressive breakdown of cartilage within the joints of the foot or ankle. Cartilage normally allows bones to glide smoothly during movement. When that protective layer deteriorates, the joint becomes inflamed, stiff, and painfulAs cartilage thins, joint space narrows. In advanced stages, bones may begin to rub directly against one another — commonly referred to as “bone-on-bone.” This leads to swelling, decreased motion, and difficulty with walking or push-off.
Arthritis may develop gradually over time (degenerative osteoarthritis), or it may follow an injury such as a fracture, ligament tear, or joint instability. This is known as post-traumatic arthritis and can develop years after the original injury.
Because the foot and ankle bear full body weight with every step, even mild joint degeneration can significantly affect mobility and quality of life.
Often called hallux rigidus, arthritis in this joint causes stiffness and pain during push-off.
Degeneration in the arch joints may cause dorsal swelling and aching with prolonged standing.
Ankle arthritis can follow fractures or chronic instability and often leads to progressive stiffness and swelling.
This joint below the ankle may develop arthritis after trauma, affecting side-to-side movement.
Reduced joint motion, especially in the morning or after periods of rest.
Discomfort during standing, walking, or push-off due to cartilage loss within the joint.
Around the affected joint, particularly after prolonged walking or standing.
Limited ability to bend or move the joint normally as arthritis progresses.
A feeling of joint friction or mechanical catching caused by uneven cartilage surfaces.
Sensitivity to pressure directly over the arthritic joint.
Pain or irritation when wearing certain footwear due to joint enlargement or bone spurs.
Difficulty walking long distances or remaining on your feet for extended periods.
Accurate diagnosis begins with a focused clinical evaluation, including assessment of joint motion, alignment, stability, and areas of localized tenderness. Because the foot and ankle function under load, weight-bearing X-rays are essential to evaluate joint space narrowing, bone spur formation, deformity, and overall structural alignment.
When symptoms are disproportionate to X-ray findings, or when soft tissue involvement is suspected, advanced imaging such as MRI or ultrasound may be used to evaluate cartilage integrity, tendon pathology, and surrounding joint structures.
A precise diagnosis allows treatment to be tailored to the stage and location of arthritis — rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.
Treatment is guided by the severity of joint degeneration, the specific joint involved, and your long-term functional goals. Whenever possible, care begins with joint preservation strategies designed to reduce inflammation, improve mechanics, and slow progression of cartilage loss.
Initial treatment may include custom orthotics to reduce joint stress, shoe modifications to optimize biomechanics, targeted anti-inflammatory strategies, and bracing or short-term immobilization when indicated. For many patients, these measures provide meaningful symptom relief and improved mobility.
For appropriate candidates, regenerative and biologic therapies may be incorporated to further support the joint environment. Depending on the stage and location of arthritis, treatment may include platelet-rich plasma (PRP), amniotic tissue injections, biologic matrices, and structured offloading protocols designed to protect healing tissue.
These approaches are intended to support joint preservation and improve function — and in selected patients, may help delay the need for surgical intervention.
For appropriate candidates, regenerative therapies may help reduce inflammation, improve joint lubrication, and support cartilage preservation. These treatments are designed to influence the biologic environment of the joint — not simply suppress symptoms.
Depending on the stage and location of arthritis, treatment may include:
In addition to biologic therapies, treatment plans may include:
Each component is selected to support joint stability, reduce inflammation, and preserve mobility.
In advanced cases of hallux rigidus or severe joint degeneration, surgical intervention — including metatarsophalangeal (MPJ) procedures, joint fusion, or reconstructive correction — may be required when conservative and regenerative treatments no longer provide adequate relief.
Surgical decisions are made carefully, with a focus on restoring long-term function and structural stability.
Whether you are seeking conservative care, regenerative therapies, or surgical guidance, a personalized evaluation is the first step toward protecting long-term joint function.
Call or text our office using the links below, or complete the contact form to request your consultation.
Call Us: (504) 897-3627
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