Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Arthritis Care in Phoenix, AZ
Arthritis of the foot and ankle can turn every step into a source of pain, stiffness, and discomfort. Because the feet and ankles contain 33 joints that carry the body’s entire weight, joint inflammation in these areas can drastically limit your mobility and interfere with daily living. At Acclaim Foot & Ankle Center, led by Dr. Rachel Martin, DPM, we provide specialized arthritis management tailored to help you regain comfort, mobility, and independence.
Whether your joint pain stems from age-related wear and tear, an autoimmune condition, or a past foot injury, Dr. Martin offers a complete range of conservative and surgical solutions designed to protect your joints and restore your quality of life.
Request an AppointmentTypes of Foot & Ankle Arthritis We Treat
Understanding the underlying cause of your joint pain is essential for creating an effective treatment plan. Dr. Martin evaluates and treats all primary forms of foot and ankle arthritis, including:
- Osteoarthritis (“Wear-and-Tear” Arthritis): The gradual breakdown of protective cartilage in the joints, most commonly affecting the big toe joint (hallux rigidus), midfoot, and ankle as we age.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the joint lining (synovium), often causing painful joint deformities, swelling, and severe stiffness in both feet.
- Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Joint degeneration that develops years or even decades after a prior ankle sprain, fracture, or severe foot injury.
- Gout: A metabolic form of arthritis caused by uric acid crystal accumulation in the joint fluid, leading to sudden, severe flare-ups—most frequently in the big toe.
Symptoms of Foot & Ankle Arthritis
Because arthritis develops gradually, early detection allows for proactive care before permanent joint damage occurs. Contact our Phoenix office if you experience:
- Pain or tenderness during weight-bearing activities or walking
- Joint stiffness, especially upon waking up or after long periods of sitting
- Swelling, warmth, or redness around the foot or ankle joints
- Difficulty walking or changes in your natural stride (gait)
- Bony enlargements or visible changes in foot shape
Customized Treatment Options
At Acclaim Foot & Ankle Center, we prioritize non-surgical, conservative treatments whenever possible to reduce joint strain and alleviate inflammation.
1.Biomechanical & Conservative Management:
We begin by addressing joint stress through custom orthotics to realign foot mechanics, supportive footwear guidance, and joint bracing. Activity modifications and physical therapy exercises are prescribed to strengthen supporting muscles and improve flexibility.
2.Targeted Pain & Inflammation Relief:
For moderate-to-severe joint pain, Dr. Martin offers anti-inflammatory management, targeted corticosteroid injections directly into the painful joint, and modern regenerative therapies when clinically appropriate to soothe flare-ups and restore motion.
3.Advanced Surgical Solutions:
When conservative remedies no longer provide adequate pain relief, Dr. Martin’s extensive rearfoot and forefoot surgical expertise allows her to perform joint preservation, joint realignment, arthrodesis (joint fusion), or arthroplasty to permanently relieve pain and stabilize the joint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can custom orthotics help with foot arthritis?
Yes! Custom orthotics are crafted specifically to your unique foot shape. They redistribute body weight away from arthritic, worn-down joints, minimize painful joint motion, and provide structural support that significantly reduces everyday pain.
How do I know if I need surgery for ankle arthritis?
Surgery is typically considered when conservative therapies—such as orthotics, braces, medications, and therapeutic injections—no longer manage your pain or when joint degeneration severely limits your ability to walk and perform routine tasks.
What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in the foot?
Osteoarthritis is mechanical wear-and-tear where joint cartilage naturally wears down over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory autoimmune disease where the body attacks the joint lining, affecting multiple joints simultaneously and frequently causing systemic symptoms along with foot pain.
Meet Dr. Rachel Martin, DPM
Dr. Rachel Martin is an Arizona native who earned her Bachelor of Science in Physiology and Chemistry from the University of Arizona before attending medical school at Samuel Merritt University. Having completed a rigorous residency in Indianapolis with extensive surgical and clinical focus on arthritic joint management, midfoot/rearfoot reconstruction, and limb preservation, Dr. Martin is committed to helping Valley residents stay active without joint pain.
Take the First Step Toward Pain Relief
Living with foot or ankle arthritis doesn’t mean giving up the activities you love. Schedule a joint consultation with Dr. Rachel Martin today at Acclaim Foot & Ankle Center in Phoenix.
- Address: 9305 W. Thomas Road, Suite 225, Phoenix, AZ 85037
- Phone: (623) 536-9822