Signs of Arthritis in the Feet

You've decided to go on a hike, which you have done many times before. However, halfway through your trek, your feet are hurting. They are stiff. They are achy. It even hurts to bend and flex them. so what is going on? Could it be that arthritis is setting in?

Wear and Tear

Osteoarthritis is considered "wear and tear" arthritis, a condition that develops over time and that worsens as you age, according to Orthoinfo.aaos.org. Arthritis can target your feet, just like it does like other parts of your body, and it comes in three forms.
Osteoarthritis occurs when your cartilage wears down, and bone starts rubbing against bone. Osteoarthritis is degenerative and progressive, and the stiffness and pain likely will get worse with time.
If you injured your foot earlier in life, you may be experiencing post-traumatic arthritis, which develops subsequent to an injury. Think back. Did you sprain or break your foot or ankle, or damage your ligaments when you were younger? If so, there is good possibility that arthritis has developed at the old injury site.
Lastly, there is rheumatoid arthritis.

Inflammatory Disease

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease that causes an individual's immune system to attack and destroy cartilage. Rheumatoid arthritis can result in disfigurement of your digits, hands, and feet, and typically is very painful. Like osteoarthritis, the affected areas will swell and become stiff. Moving your arthritic parts can be excruciating.

Symptoms of Arthritis

If you are experiencing redness or heat in your feet, recurring pain, tenderness, swelling, early morning stiffness, skin changes that include rashes and growths, and/or limited movement of your feet, you probably have osteoarthritis, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association.

Bone Against Bone

If an individual has osteoarthritis in his feet, he may experience swelling, stiffness, and discomfort, particularly in the morning, according to HomeRemedies.com. If you hear creaking or grinding noises in your feet, this can be an indication that osteoarthritis has struck your joints. Your bones may be rubbing against each other, causing these noises.

Your Other Organs

In addition to causing joint pain and swelling, arthritis can cause fever, a general feeling of malaise, fatigue, and weight loss. Even though your arthritis may show up in your feet only, it eventually can compromise your other organs, including your lungs, heart, and kidneys. These organs can become as inflamed as your joints.