Arthritis in the feet can significantly affect your mobility and quality of life, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness that make even simple movements challenging. Understanding the causes of arthritis in your feet is key to preventing and managing this condition.
Below, we explore the common causes of foot arthritis.
Understanding the Causes of Foot Arthritis

1. Osteoarthritis: Wear-and-Tear on Your Joints
Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent form of arthritis and results from the gradual breakdown of cartilage, the cushioning material between your joints.
- Aging: Cartilage naturally deteriorates with age, making osteoarthritis more common in older adults.
- Joint Overuse: Activities that involve repetitive motion, prolonged standing, or impact on the feet can speed up cartilage wear.
- Previous Injuries: Fractures, sprains, or joint trauma can lead to early-onset osteoarthritis in the feet.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Autoimmune Impact
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the joint lining, causing inflammation and joint damage.
- Genetic Predisposition: A family history of RA increases the likelihood of developing the condition.
- Systemic Impact: RA often affects smaller joints, including those in the feet, leading to swelling, pain, and deformities.
3. Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Long-Term Effects of Injuries
Post-traumatic arthritis can develop after an injury to the foot or ankle, even years later.
- Joint Damage: Fractures and dislocations can compromise cartilage health, leading to long-term joint degeneration.
- Repetitive Trauma: Overuse injuries, common in athletes or active individuals, can contribute to this type of arthritis.
Types of Arthritis That Affect Your Feet
1. Gout: A Painful Type of Arthritis in the Big Toe
Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, often affecting the big toe.
- Diet and Lifestyle: High-purine diets (rich in red meat, seafood, and alcohol) can trigger gout attacks.
- Kidney Function: When the kidneys fail to excrete enough uric acid, levels build up and cause joint inflammation.
2. Psoriatic Arthritis: Skin and Joint Inflammation
Psoriatic arthritis occurs in some individuals with psoriasis, a chronic skin condition.
- Joint Inflammation: It leads to swelling and pain in the toes, often accompanied by skin symptoms like scaling.
- Immune System Role: Like RA, psoriatic arthritis is autoimmune in nature.
3. Reactive Arthritis: A Response to Infection
Reactive arthritis develops as a response to an infection in another part of the body, such as the urinary or gastrointestinal tract.
- Bacterial Infections: These trigger inflammation in joints, including those in the feet.
- Temporary or Chronic: While some cases resolve, others can lead to long-term joint issues
Contributing Factors to Foot Arthritis
1. Obesity and Joint Stress
Carrying extra weight increases the stress on your feet and ankles, accelerating cartilage wear and increasing the risk of arthritis.
2. Age and Joint Degeneration
As we age, the risk of arthritis increases due to the natural degeneration of cartilage and decreased joint flexibility. Regular exercise and joint care can help slow this process.
3. Genetics and Family History
Some forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout, have a genetic component. If arthritis runs in your family, you may have an increased risk of developing it.
Preventing and Managing Foot Arthritis

While not all causes of foot arthritis are preventable, certain steps can help reduce your risk and manage symptoms:
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Reducing joint stress can slow cartilage breakdown.
- Wear Supportive Footwear: Shoes that provide proper cushioning and arch support can protect your joints.
- Stay Active: Low-impact exercises like swimming or yoga can improve joint health without overstressing them.
- Seek Professional Help: Early treatment can help slow arthritis progression and alleviate pain.
Struggling with foot pain or stiffness? At Leading Edge Podiatry, our experts specialize in diagnosing and treating arthritis in the feet. Don’t let discomfort hold you back—schedule an appointment today and take the first step toward pain-free mobility! Call us at 08 7120 6063 or book online now!