“Dr. Malik explained everything clearly and answered all my questions. The staff was friendly and helpful, and everything went smoothly.”
JOINT PAIN and MOBILITY CARE · KNOXVILLE, TNArthritis Foot and Ankle Care
Arthritis Foot and Ankle Care
in Knoxville, TN
Relief for joint pain, stiffness, and swelling in the foot and ankle, from conservative support to advanced surgical options when appropriate.
Joint identifiedMotion assessedPlan personalized
ARTHRITIS FOOT AND ANKLE CARESpecialist-Led
Specialist-Led
Arthritis Foot and Ankle Care
Abshan Malik, DPM, AACFAS
Fellowship-Trained Foot and Ankle Surgeon
He evaluates arthritis-related joint pain, stiffness, swelling, reduced motion, deformity, walking difficulty, and pressure-related concerns throughout the foot and ankle. He considers the joint involved, arthritis type, alignment, activity needs, medical history, and overall health when determining whether conservative care, orthotics, bracing, injections, or surgical evaluation may be appropriate.
WHAT IS FOOT AND ANKLE ARTHRITIS?Understanding
Understanding
the Condition
Arthritis occurs when a joint becomes inflamed, worn down, damaged, or stiff. The foot and ankle contain many small joints, which means arthritis in this area can affect walking, balance, shoe comfort, work, exercise, and daily life in a variety of ways.
Arthritis can affect joints including the:
Big toeMidfootHindfootAnkleSubtalarToe joints
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“Dr. Abshan Malik took excellent care of me and my family with exceptional expertise. We are truly blessed to have him serving Knoxville.”
“Dr. Malik and Ms. Melanie were fantastic. I was extremely anxious, but they made me feel so comfortable.”
Fellowship-Trained SurgeonAdvanced Foot and Ankle CareIndividual Treatment PlanningSame-Day Appointments May Be Available
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF FOOT AND ANKLE ARTHRITISRecognizing
Recognizing
Arthritis Symptoms
Symptoms can vary depending on the joint involved and the type of arthritis. Common signs include:
PAIN
and MOTIONSymptoms often change with activity and rest.
and MOTIONSymptoms often change with activity and rest.
- Joint pain
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Warmth or tenderness
- Pain that worsens with walking or standing
- Pain after activity
- Difficulty wearing shoes
- Limited motion
- A grinding or catching sensation
- Limping
- Morning stiffness
- Pain after sitting or resting
- Bone spurs or bumps around joints
- Worsening deformity
- Difficulty walking on uneven ground or stairs
COMMON TYPES OF ARTHRITIS THAT AFFECT THE FOOT AND ANKLEUnderstanding Different
Understanding Different
Arthritis Types
Osteoarthritis
wear-and-tear arthritis affecting joint cartilage over time
Post-Traumatic Arthritis
arthritis developing after a fracture or injury
Rheumatoid Arthritis
an autoimmune condition causing joint inflammation
Psoriatic Arthritis
when appropriate, associated with psoriasis
Gout-Related Joint Pain
when appropriate, related to uric acid crystal buildup
Big Toe Arthritis (Hallux Rigidus)
arthritis at the base of the big toe
Midfoot or Ankle Arthritis
affecting the middle of the foot or ankle joint itself
Arthritis Related to Deformity
secondary arthritis from flat feet, bunions, or deformity
WHAT CAUSES FOOT AND ANKLE ARTHRITIS?Common Causes and
Common Causes and
Contributing Factors
Foot and ankle arthritis can develop from a variety of factors, including:
- Aging and joint wear
- Previous fractures or injuries
- Old injuries or deformity
- Repeated ankle sprains
- Sports or work-related joint stress
- Foot structure and mechanics
- Flat feet or high arches
- Bunions or hammertoes
- Autoimmune conditions
- Family history
- Prior surgery or trauma
- Joint instability
- Diabetes or neuropathy-related changes, when appropriate
- Weight-bearing pressure over time
WHERE ARTHRITIS CAN AFFECT YOUThree Joints. Three Different
Three Joints. Three Different
Movement Challenges.
BIG TOE ARTHRITIS / HALLUX RIGIDUS
Arthritis at the Base of the Big Toe
Big toe arthritis, also called hallux rigidus, often causes pain and stiffness at the base of the big toe, along with difficulty bending the toe while walking and pain during push-off. You may also notice shoe pressure or bone spurs, along with trouble finding comfortable footwear. Treatment may include shoe modifications, orthotics, stiff-soled shoes, injections when appropriate, and surgery when appropriate.
MIDFOOT ARTHRITIS
Arthritis in the Middle of the Foot
Midfoot arthritis often causes pain across the top or middle of the foot, along with swelling or bony bumps and pain with walking or standing. Shoe pressure can be especially uncomfortable with this type of arthritis. It may develop from wear, injury, flatfoot, high arches, or previous trauma. Treatment may include orthotics, bracing, shoe modifications, injections when appropriate, or surgery in selected cases.
ANKLE ARTHRITIS
Arthritis Affecting the Ankle Joint
Ankle arthritis may develop after fractures, repeated sprains, cartilage injury, or long-term joint wear. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, stiffness, reduced motion, and difficulty walking. Treatment may include bracing, orthotics, injections when appropriate, activity modification, and surgical options when appropriate. Selected patients with advanced ankle arthritis may be evaluated for ankle fusion or total ankle replacement.
Learn About Total Ankle Replacement →WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE A PODIATRIST?Signs It's Time to
Signs It's Time to
Schedule a Visit
Consider scheduling an appointment if you're experiencing:
- Foot or ankle joint pain lasting more than a few days
- Stiffness that limits walking or activity
- Swelling around a joint
- Pain that affects work, exercise, or daily life
- Difficulty wearing shoes
- Limping or a change in your walking pattern
- Pain following an old injury
- Worsening deformity
- Symptoms not improving with basic care
- Interest in orthotics, bracing, injections, or surgery
- Diabetic concerns, wounds, numbness, or pressure points
DIAGNOSING FOOT AND ANKLE ARTHRITISA Thorough
A Thorough
Evaluation
Accurate diagnosis matters because arthritis treatment depends on the joint involved, severity, alignment, activity needs, and overall health.
- 01History
Review of symptoms and medical history
- 02Exam
A foot and ankle exam
- 03Motion
Evaluation of joint motion and stiffness
- 04Signs
Checking swelling, tenderness, and deformity
- 05Gait
Walking pattern evaluation, when appropriate
- 06Pressure
Shoe wear and pressure point review
- 07Imaging
Digital X-rays or imaging, when needed
- 08Differentiate
Assessment for arthritis, fracture, tendon, deformity, or nerve pain
- 09Options
Discussion of conservative and surgical options
NON-SURGICAL ARTHRITIS TREATMENT OPTIONSMany Symptoms Can Often Be
Many Symptoms Can Often Be
Managed Without Surgery
Depending on your symptoms and the joint involved, treatment may include:
- Supportive footwear
- Shoe modifications
- Custom orthotics
- Bracing
- Padding or pressure relief
- Activity modification
- Anti-inflammatory care, when appropriate
- Injection therapy, when appropriate
- Physical therapy referrals
- Stretching and strengthening guidance
- Weight-bearing guidance
- Diabetic pressure relief or wound prevention
CUSTOM ORTHOTICS and BRACINGPersonalized Support
Personalized Support
for Painful Joints
Custom orthotics may help support painful joints, redistribute pressure, and improve comfort inside your shoes. They may be recommended for midfoot arthritis, flat feet, high arches, big toe arthritis, pressure points, or arthritis-related mechanics issues. Orthotics are typically part of a broader treatment plan rather than the only treatment needed.
Braces can help support painful or unstable joints. Ankle braces may help with ankle arthritis or instability, while AFOs or more supportive braces may be considered in selected cases. The right brace depends on the joint involved, severity, flexibility, and your personal goals.
Learn More About Custom Orthotics →INJECTION THERAPY FOR ARTHRITIS PAINA Thoughtful Approach
A Thoughtful Approach
to Injections
Injections may be considered for selected arthritis-related joint pain and may help reduce inflammation or improve comfort in some cases. The type of injection depends on your diagnosis, the joint involved, severity, and other individual factors.
RIGHT DIAGNOSISRIGHT JOINTINFORMED DECISION
He will discuss the risks, benefits, alternatives, and expectations with you before recommending injection treatment. We're not able to promise pain relief or an exact duration of results.
ARTHRITIS, DEFORMITY, AND PRESSURE PROBLEMSHow Arthritis Can Affect
How Arthritis Can Affect
the Whole Foot
Arthritis may contribute to deformity, pressure points, corns, calluses, shoe irritation, and wounds in high-risk patients.
JOINT
CHANGEBunionsHammertoesFlatfootBone spursCallusesShoe pressureDiabetic pressureSkin breakdown
CHANGEBunionsHammertoesFlatfootBone spursCallusesShoe pressureDiabetic pressureSkin breakdown
ARTHRITIS FOOT CARE FOR SENIORSSupporting Comfort
Supporting Comfort
and Independence
Arthritis can affect balance, walking comfort, shoe fit, and daily independence for older adults. Treatment may focus on pain reduction, additional support, safer walking, pressure relief, and maintaining mobility. Seniors may benefit from shoe guidance, orthotics, bracing, nail and callus care, and monitoring for skin breakdown when appropriate.
ARTHRITIS AND DIABETESExtra Care for
Extra Care for
High-Risk Feet
Diabetes and neuropathy can make it harder to feel pressure, irritation, or wounds, and arthritis-related deformity can create new pressure points. Calluses, redness, wounds, or shoe rubbing should be evaluated early rather than watched. Diabetic patients should not ignore swelling, wounds, drainage, numbness, or skin changes.
Learn More About Diabetic Foot Care →
Watch changes earlyPressure · Redness · Wounds · Drainage · Numbness
WHEN IS SURGERY CONSIDERED?Surgery as a Later Option,
Surgery as a Later Option,
Not a First Step
Surgery is not needed for every arthritis condition. It may be considered when pain, stiffness, deformity, instability, or joint damage doesn't respond to appropriate conservative care. Options depend on the joint involved, severity, alignment, arthritis type, overall health, and goals. He discusses surgery only when it's genuinely appropriate.
CARE PRINCIPLEConservative care comes first.
YOUR CARE PATHA thoughtful decision, made step by step
- 01DIAGNOSIS
- 02CONSERVATIVE CARE
- 03INDIVIDUAL DECISION
Surgery is discussed only when it's genuinely appropriate.
SURGICAL OPTIONS FOR ADVANCED ARTHRITISA Range of
A Range of
Surgical Approaches
Depending on your specific condition, surgical options may include:
He will explain which options, if any, may be appropriate for your specific case.- Bone spur removal, when appropriate
- Joint cleanup or joint-sparing procedures
- Fusion for selected painful arthritic joints
- Big toe joint procedures
- Midfoot fusion
- Ankle fusion
- Total ankle replacement for selected patients
- Reconstruction when deformity is involved
TOTAL ANKLE REPLACEMENT FOR ADVANCED ANKLE ARTHRITISA Motion-Preserving Option
A Motion-Preserving Option
for Selected Patients
Total ankle replacement may be an option for selected patients with advanced ankle arthritis. It's designed to replace the damaged ankle joint while preserving motion when appropriate.
Not every patient is a candidate. Evaluation includes imaging, joint alignment, bone quality, deformity, activity level, medical history, and overall health. He can discuss whether ankle replacement or another option, such as ankle fusion, may be the right fit for your specific condition.
HOW TO HELP MANAGE ARTHRITIS FOOT PAIN DAY TO DAYPractical Tips
Practical Tips
for Daily Comfort
- Wear supportive shoes
- Avoid shoes that increase joint pressure
- Use orthotics or braces if recommended
- Stay active within your comfort level and medical guidance
- Avoid sudden increases in activity
- Stretch and strengthen when appropriate
- Manage swelling as recommended
- Monitor your skin and pressure points
- Schedule care early if symptoms worsen
CLEAR ANSWERS · INDIVIDUAL CAREReady to Address Your
Ready to Address Your
Foot or Ankle Arthritis?
Same-day appointments may be available.
Knox Foot and Ankle · 2725 Asbury Rd, Suite 101, Knoxville, TN 37914 · (865) 329-3338FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSFAQ's About Arthritis Foot and
FAQ's About Arthritis Foot and
Ankle Care in Knoxville, TN
A little more about arthritis foot and ankle care at Knox Foot and Ankle.
What are signs of arthritis in the foot?
Common signs include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, tenderness, reduced motion, shoe pressure, and difficulty walking or standing.
Can arthritis affect the ankle?
Yes. Ankle arthritis may cause pain, swelling, stiffness, reduced motion, and difficulty walking, often after injury or long-term joint wear.
When should I see a podiatrist for foot arthritis?
Schedule an evaluation when pain, stiffness, swelling, deformity, or walking difficulty persists or affects daily activity.
Can custom orthotics help foot arthritis?
Custom orthotics may help support painful joints, redistribute pressure, and improve comfort as part of a broader treatment plan.
What treatments are available for ankle arthritis?
Options may include footwear changes, orthotics, bracing, activity modification, injections when appropriate, and selected surgical procedures.
Is foot arthritis always treated with surgery?
No. Many symptoms can often be managed without surgery. Surgery is considered only when appropriate conservative care has not provided enough relief.
What is big toe arthritis?
Big toe arthritis, or hallux rigidus, affects the joint at the base of the big toe and can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty during push-off.
What is post-traumatic ankle arthritis?
Post-traumatic arthritis develops after a fracture, severe sprain, cartilage injury, or other trauma to the ankle joint.
Who may be a candidate for total ankle replacement?
Selected patients with advanced ankle arthritis may be candidates after evaluation of alignment, bone quality, deformity, health, and activity needs.
How do I schedule arthritis foot care in Knoxville?
You can call us at (865) 329-3338 or request an appointment online through our website.