Osteoarthritis of the foot: a review of the current state of knowledge

Foot osteoarthritis (OA) is a very common disease that mainly affects older people deeply influencing their quality of life. The joint most frequently involved in the articular degenerative process is the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Its severe impairment may lead to a specific clinical pattern known as hallux rigidus that often requires surgical treatment. Currently conventional radiograms of feet associated with an accurate clinical examination should be performed in order to diagnose foot OA. However, new imaging modalities as ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging are emerging as valuable tools to assess foot OA. Therapeutic options for foot OA consist of conservative strategies, including life-style modification and pharmacological treatment, options that are usually adopted in early-stage disease and in invasive surgical procedures reserved to late-stage conditions. At the present time there is a lack of evidence in international literature specifically dealing with foot OA, so further investigation on this topic is required to clarify its pathogenesis, the diagnostic pathway and the best clinical management.