Foot & Ankle Arthritis
Your feet have 33 joints each. When arthritis affects those joints, every step reminds you. Stiffness in the morning, swelling after activity, and pain that gradually limits what you can do — it's one of the most common reasons patients over 50 come to see Dr. Wokasien.
Symptoms
- Morning stiffness in the foot or ankle that eases after moving around
- Swelling around one or more joints, especially after activity
- Aching pain that's worse after standing or walking
- Reduced range of motion in the affected joints
- Visible joint enlargement or deformity over time
- Pain that varies with weather changes
Who Gets It
Osteoarthritis is most common in adults over 50 as cartilage wears down from decades of use. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that can affect people at any age, typically targeting joints symmetrically. Post-traumatic arthritis develops in a joint that was previously injured — an ankle that was broken or badly sprained years ago can develop arthritis even in younger patients.
Austin's retiree population — including the substantial Sun City Georgetown community — is active. Many patients in their 60s, 70s, and beyond want to keep hiking Barton Creek, playing pickleball, and walking Lady Bird Lake. The goal of treatment is to preserve that mobility, not just manage symptoms.
Treatment
Arthritis can't be reversed, but it can be managed well. Dr. Wokasien focuses on preserving mobility and reducing pain:
- Custom orthotics to support affected joints and improve alignment
- Footwear recommendations for maximum comfort and stability
- Anti-inflammatory strategies for pain management
- Joint injection therapy for acute flare-ups
- Activity guidance — staying active matters, but the right activities matter more
- Surgical options when conservative care has been exhausted
The goal isn't to eliminate arthritis. It's to keep you walking, keep you active, and keep pain from running your schedule. That takes ongoing management from a doctor who understands the condition and your feet.
When to Call
Call (512) 250-0444 to schedule. Saturday mornings are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is foot arthritis the same as arthritis elsewhere in the body?
The underlying disease processes are the same, but the foot and ankle have unique structural complexity — 33 joints per foot — that makes treatment nuances different. A podiatrist with specific foot and ankle expertise understands how those joints interact and which ones drive symptoms in your particular case.
Can I still exercise with foot arthritis?
Yes — and you should. Low-impact activity like swimming, cycling, and walking on flat surfaces maintains joint mobility and reduces stiffness. High-impact activities like running on hard surfaces may need to be modified. Dr. Wokasien helps patients find the right balance between staying active and protecting damaged joints.
Do joint injections help?
For acute flare-ups, yes. Cortisone injections reduce inflammation quickly and can provide weeks to months of relief. They're not a long-term solution on their own but are an effective tool for managing significant flares while other treatments work.
What shoes are best for arthritic feet?
Stability and cushioning are the priorities. Shoes with a firm heel counter, rocker sole (which reduces pressure on stiff joints during the push-off phase), and adequate toe box room work best for most arthritic feet. Dr. Wokasien gives specific recommendations based on which joints are affected.
When does foot arthritis require surgery?
Surgery — typically joint fusion or replacement — is considered when pain is severe, conservative treatment hasn't helped, and quality of life is significantly affected. Dr. Wokasien performs these procedures at four Austin-area hospitals. He'll be direct with you about realistic expectations and recovery.
My ankle was badly sprained years ago. Could that cause arthritis now?
Yes. Post-traumatic arthritis develops in previously injured joints, sometimes years after the original injury. A severe ankle sprain, fracture, or ligament tear can alter joint mechanics in ways that accelerate cartilage breakdown. If your old ankle injury is causing new problems, an evaluation makes sense.
What's the connection between flat feet and arthritis?
Flat feet alter how forces distribute across the foot and ankle, often increasing stress on specific joints over time. This can accelerate arthritis development in those joints. Custom orthotics that correct alignment can reduce that excessive loading — one reason they're a core part of arthritic foot management.