What is Arthritis?

Osteoarthritis also known as degenerative arthritis is a loss of or wearing down of cartilage in a joint. Cartilage is located at the ends of bones and functions to cushion these bones. When cartilage is lost, symptoms develop that can limit the ability to participate in activities of daily living. This cartilage can be lost due to damage from a previous trauma, from overuse and increased pressure on the joint, or from wear due to an abnormal structure or deformity in the foot and/or ankle.

In the foot and ankle, osteoarthritis most commonly occurs in the joints of the big toe, midfoot, and ankle.