Generally termed as an inflammation of one or more joints, leads to pain and stiffness in the concerned joints. This particularly affects the small joints of the foot and ankle.
Osteo arthritis is a destructive or “wear and tear” arthritis where the cartilage in between the bone surface wears off and the protective layer between the bones is lost and frayed. This leads to reduction in joint spaces and increase in friction and bone to bone contact.This rubbing between the bones leads to formation of osteophytes and eventually loose bodies.
Symptoms for arthritis range from pain ,swelling, difficulty in walking and eventually joint stiffness.
Diagnosis can be made by physical examination and history taking as well as with the help of xrays,CT scan and/or MRI.
Arthritis can be prevented by conservative treatments like lifestyle modification, physiotherapy and protective footwear.
Chronic long standing cases demand surgical intervention like debridement and fusion of the bones.