10 Symptoms of Arthritis

8. Symptoms of Arthritis in the Foot and Ankle

Each foot has more than 30 joints that help with a wide range of movement. Arthritis generally occurs in the joints that meet other parts of the foot or ankle: the joint of the big toe and the foot bone, the joint where the shinbone meets the ankle, or the three joints involving the heel bone and the inner and outer mid-foot bones. A combination of symptoms alerts the physician to possible arthritis of the foot and ankle. The joints are tender, especially if someone applies pressure. They may swell and become stiff and painful, especially in the morning or after sitting or resting. Vigorous activity leads to flare-ups. Sometimes the arthritic pain in the feet and ankles develops slowly, over time, but the onset may be sudden.