Understanding Osteoarthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Comprehensive Treatment Options

What is Osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of adults in the United States alone. It is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the protective cartilage cushioning the ends of bones wears down over time. This leads to bone-on-bone contact, resulting in pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of mobility. While OA can affect any joint in the body, it most frequently impacts the knees, hips, spine, hands, and feet—with the big toe joint, midfoot, and ankle being particularly vulnerable in the lower extremities.

At Laguna Woods Podiatry Group, Dr. Neda Arjomandi, a board-certified podiatrist, provides expert diagnosis and personalized treatment plans to help patients manage osteoarthritis and return to their daily activities with reduced pain and improved joint function.

What Causes Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis develops when the cartilage in the joint gradually deteriorates, and the surrounding bone begins to change. The cause is multifactorial and may include:

• Age-related wear and tear: The risk of OA increases with age as cartilage naturally breaks down.

• Previous joint injury: Past trauma or surgery to a joint increases the risk of developing OA.

• Repetitive stress: Jobs or sports involving repetitive motion can accelerate joint damage.

• Obesity: Excess body weight puts additional stress on weight-bearing joints, especially in the feet and knees.

• Genetic predisposition: OA may run in families due to inherited joint abnormalities or metabolic traits.

• Joint misalignment or deformities: Structural issues can lead to uneven pressure distribution and quicker joint breakdown.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

OA symptoms usually develop slowly and worsen over time. You may experience:

• Persistent joint pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest

• Stiffness, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity

• Swelling and tenderness around the affected joint

• Reduced flexibility or range of motion

• A grating sensation or popping sound when moving the joint

• Bone spurs, or extra bits of bone that form around the joint

In the foot and ankle, OA can make standing, walking, and wearing shoes increasingly uncomfortable. It often impacts the first metatarsophalangeal joint (big toe), the midfoot joints, and the subtalar or ankle joint.

Diagnosing Osteoarthritis

If you’re experiencing persistent joint pain, particularly in your feet or ankles, a podiatrist can diagnose OA through:

• Clinical examination: Dr. Neda Arjomandi assesses joint function, alignment, and signs of inflammation.

• X-rays: To visualize joint space narrowing, bone spurs, and other bony changes.

• MRI or ultrasound: In complex cases, imaging may be used to evaluate soft tissues like cartilage and ligaments.

• Joint aspiration (arthrocentesis): Fluid is drawn from the joint to rule out infection or other inflammatory conditions like gout.

Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis

While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, there are many effective treatments to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. At Laguna Woods Podiatry Group, Dr. Arjomandi takes a comprehensive, personalized approach to managing OA.

Conservative Treatment Options:

1. Lifestyle Modifications – Weight loss, gentle low-impact exercise (e.g., walking, swimming, yoga) to reduce joint stress.

2. Physical Therapy – Custom-tailored exercises to strengthen muscles, improve range of motion, and protect joints.

3. Orthotics and Supportive Footwear – Custom orthotic inserts and specialized shoes to relieve pressure on affected joints and improve foot mechanics.

4. Pain Management – Over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen, or topical pain relievers to reduce inflammation.

5. Steroid Injections – Corticosteroid injections into the joint to reduce severe inflammation and pain.

6. Assistive Devices – Canes, braces, or ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) to offload pressure and provide joint support.

Advanced and Surgical Treatments:

When conservative treatments fail to provide relief, surgical intervention may be considered:

• Joint fusion (arthrodesis): Permanently fusing bones in a painful joint to eliminate motion and pain.

• Joint replacement (arthroplasty): Partial or total replacement of the joint with an artificial implant.

• Debridement or realignment procedures: To remove damaged cartilage or correct joint misalignment.

Dr. Arjomandi will help you determine the best course of action based on your symptoms, activity level, and treatment goals.

Osteoarthritis in the Feet and Ankles

OA in the lower extremities can significantly affect your mobility and quality of life. Common problems include:

• Big toe arthritis (hallux rigidus): Limits the ability to push off while walking.

• Midfoot arthritis: Can make standing and walking painful, especially on uneven surfaces.

• Ankle arthritis: May cause stiffness, swelling, and difficulty with stairs or prolonged standing.

As a foot and ankle specialist, Dr. Neda Arjomandi is uniquely trained to manage OA in these complex joints using both conservative and surgical approaches tailored to each patient's needs.

Tips for Managing Osteoarthritis Long-Term

Managing OA is a lifelong process, but these strategies can help maintain your joint health:

• Stay active with joint-friendly exercises

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Wear supportive shoes and orthotics

• Apply cold packs for swelling or heat packs to relieve stiffness

• Avoid repetitive joint strain or high-impact activities

• Follow up regularly with your podiatrist to adjust treatment as needed

When to See a Podiatrist

You should schedule a consultation with Dr. Neda Arjomandi if:

• You experience persistent foot or ankle pain

• Joint stiffness is affecting your daily activities

• Your symptoms are not improving with home care

• You notice deformities or joint instability

Early diagnosis and proper treatment are key to preventing further joint damage and maintaining an active, pain-free lifestyle.

Expert Osteoarthritis Care in Laguna Hills, CA

At Laguna Woods Podiatry Group, Dr. Neda Arjomandi is committed to helping patients manage osteoarthritis with compassion, expertise, and the latest treatment options. Whether you're dealing with mild stiffness or advanced joint degeneration, she will work with you to develop a treatment plan that restores function and reduces pain.

📞 Call us today at 949-581-2520 to schedule an appointment. 🌐 Visit us at: www.lagunawoodspodiatry.com

We proudly serve patients in Laguna Hills and nearby communities, including Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Irvine, Tustin, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Juan Capistrano, Ladera Ranch, Dana Point, Newport Beach, and Costa Mesa.