Symptoms of foot arthrosis
Arthrosis of joints in the foot most frequently affects the upper ankle joint, the joint of the big toe or the tarsal joints. Arthritis of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe is also known as hallux rigidus. The symptoms are usually felt in the immediate vicinity of the affected joint and initially manifest themselves as pain.
In the early stages of this disease, the pain usually occurs only in phases and especially after heavy strain, such as after long periods of walking or jumping. After a certain period of rest, the pain usually improves again until it is completely free of symptoms. In addition to the pain, which is usually described by those affected as pressure pain, swelling of the affected joint can also occur.
In a later stage of the disease, however, the complaints may persist, i.e. they may not recede at all or not completely. As a result, the function of the affected joint and thus the mobility of the entire foot may already be restricted. It is also possible that the pain manifests itself as so-called start-up pain.
This pain occurs after a longer period of rest and then improves with movement. If the joint cartilage continues to deteriorate as a result of arthrosis, the pain also occurs at rest, which is why those affected often tend to adopt a relieving posture, which can be accompanied by incorrect loading. This, in turn, can lead to further deformities/reductions of the foot or the surrounding musculature, which can ultimately result in a worsening of the functionality of the lower extremity. In the worst case, the entire foot can become stiff.
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