Osteoarthritis
Living with osteoarthritis can make everyday movement difficult—especially when it affects your feet, toes, or ankles. At Stride Footcare, we help people manage joint pain, maintain mobility, and stay active with tailored podiatry care designed to support your lifestyle.
What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis. It’s caused by wear and tear of the cartilage that cushions your joints. As this cartilage breaks down, bones may rub together—leading to pain, stiffness, and inflammation. In the feet, osteoarthritis commonly affects the big toe joint, midfoot joints, and the ankles. We cannot reverse osteoarthritis but we can slow down the progression of it getting worse and manage pain.
Common Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
Pain during or after activity
Stiffness, especially in the morning
Swelling or tenderness in the joints
Difficulty with balance or walking
A grinding or clicking feeling in the joint
Joint enlargement or bony bumps
Change in alignment of your big toe (Bunions)
What Causes Osteoarthritis?
Age – Most common in people over 45
Previous injuries – Like fractures, sprains, or dislocations
Joint overuse – Jobs or activities with repetitive foot motion
Foot mechanics – Flat feet or high arches
Genetics – A family history of osteoarthritis
Obesity – Extra load on joints speeds up wear