Osteoarthritis of the foot

Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the cartilage that protects and cushions joints breaks down over time. Eventually, the bones, formerly separated by cartilage, rub against each other. This results in damage to the tissue and underlying bone, causing the painful joint symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is common in the joints of the toes. This image shows osteoarthritis in the joints of the three middle toes. It is also common in the big toe.