The Musculoskeletal System
Lesson 2: Diseases and Disorders of the Feet
Section IV: Arthritis of the Feet
2-12
Section IV. ARTHRITIS OF THE FEET
2-12. INTRODUCTION
Arthritis is a disease that attacks the joints. The disease has the potential of causing the patient pain and/or deformity. In arthritis of the feet, the cartilage and lining of joints become inflamed. Arthritic feet are particularly susceptible to pain because feet have cartilage and some key joints.
a. The Beginning of Arthritis of the Feet. The number of synovial cells that line a joint increases. This causes the joint to become enlarged and thickened. These cells produce fluid.
b. The Next Step--Fluid. Now that there are too many cells, too much fluid is produced. The fluid accumulates in the tissues and causes swelling to occur in the joint.
c. Other Problems Occur. As the layers of synovial cells increase, other problems begin including inflammation of the cartilage and joint lining. Arthrosis of the feet occurs when damage and wear on the feet affect the cartilage surfaces of moveable joints.
