Arthritis occurs when there is swelling and inflammation of the joints in the body. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), the foot is especially prone to arthritis because it contains 33 joints. Arthritis in the feet can eventually affect the way you walk and change the physical structure of the foot, so it is important to recognize the symptoms of arthritis and see your doctor immediately if you are experiencing them. Even though there is more than one type of arthritis, the symptoms for each are very similar.
Swelling
One of the first symptoms of arthritis in the feet is swelling. The swelling is caused by inflammation of the tendons between the structure of the joints. According to the APMA, swelling occurs most often in rheumatoid arthritis, as RA is often caused by inflammatory disease. The swelling is in the tissues near the joints as well and not just in the structures between them.
Pain
Pain often gives us the first indication that something is wrong in the body, especially in the feet. Often we overlook foot pain, assuming we've been on our feet too much. While that may be the case, it could also be arthritis. In rheumatoid arthritis, the inflammation in the tissues and between the joints puts pressure on the foot, to the point where it feels as if they are being squeezed. In osteoarthritis, pain is caused by overuse or "wear and tear" of the ligaments between the joints. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons states that this breakdown of the ligaments is what causes the pain and sometimes inflammation.
Stiffness
When one feels intense pain and stiffness in the joints of the feet, the first reaction is to avoid the pain by staying off of them. This lack of use can cause the muscles to become stiff. Stiffness can also be a result of the inflammation between the joints, which can restrict the range of movement. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons reports that the pain and stiffness can often start slowly, but it can get progressively worse with time, especially in osteoarthritis. .
