Arthritic Foot & Ankle Care

• Joint pain and stiffness
• Swelling or warmth around a joint
• Reduced motion
• Deformity over time
• Difficulty walking or standing for long

• Deterioration of joint cartilage in osteoarthritis
• Prior injury to the joint
• Joint alignment and foot mechanics
• Inflammatory disease

1. We review your symptoms, activity or injury history, footwear, and medical history.
2. We examine the affected joints, motion, alignment, and gait along with the surrounding joints and the way you walk.
3. We use X-rays or other testing when the findings make it clinically appropriate.
4. We explain what we found and what the reasonable options are for your situation.

You will see Dr. Kayla Wright, DPM, ABFAS Board Certified, at our Tempe office. New to the practice? Review new-patient information before your visit.

Nonsurgical care is generally considered first and is selected based on the diagnosis.

1. Evaluation, including history, examination, motion and alignment assessment, and imaging
2. Activity modification and footwear changes
3. Orthoses, bracing, or immobilization when indicated
4. Physical therapy
5. Medication guidance or injections depending on the diagnosis
6. Surgery when symptoms and functional limits remain significant despite reasonable nonsurgical care

For advanced ankle arthritis, options including fusion and joint replacement are decisions made after clinical and imaging evaluation.

Some foot and ankle symptoms should be evaluated promptly rather than watched. Call our office if you notice:

• An injury with difficulty walking or bearing weight
• A change in the shape or appearance of the foot or ankle after a fall or twist
• Redness, warmth, drainage, or signs of infection
• An open sore or wound on the foot, especially with diabetes or circulation concerns
• New numbness, burning, or other changes in sensation
• Pain that keeps getting worse or does not improve with reasonable initial care

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. This website and its appointment tools are not monitored for emergency medical needs.

Is arthritis just part of aging?

No. Aging is not the only factor — prior injury, alignment, mechanics, and inflammatory disease can all contribute depending on the type.

What can be done besides surgery?

Activity modification, footwear changes, orthoses, bracing, immobilization, physical therapy, and medication or injections may be considered depending on the diagnosis.

When is surgery discussed?

When symptoms and functional limitations remain significant despite a reasonable course of nonsurgical care.

To be seen for arthritic foot & ankle care, request an appointment or call 480-831-0700. Our office is at 3231 S Country Club Way, Suite 108, in Tempe — see directions and parking.