What is Lower Limb Arthritis?
Arthritis is a term for inflammation of the joints. The two most common types that affect the lower limbs are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Osteoarthritis (OA): Often referred to as “wear and tear” (but more recently being referred to as “wear and repair”), osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones gradually wears away. This leads to the bones rubbing against each other and/or the development of extra bone around the joint (known as osteophytes), causing pain, swelling, and reduced joint movement. Osteoarthritis frequently affects the hips, knees, ankles, mid-foot, and toe joints..
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, leading to inflammation. This condition can cause significant pain and swelling, particularly in the small joints of the feet and toes, eventually leading to joint deformity if left untreated.
The information below relates more to osteoarthritis, but some of the information is applicable to rheumatoid arthritis.
Symptoms of Lower Limb Arthritis
The symptoms of arthritis in the lower limbs can vary depending on the severity and the specific joints affected. Common symptoms include:
- Pain: Persistent joint pain is often the most noticeable symptom of arthritis. This pain may worsen with activity and improve with rest.
- Stiffness: Joints affected by arthritis can feel stiff, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
- Swelling: Inflammation can cause the affected joints to swell, making them appear larger and feel tender to the touch.
- Reduced Range of Motion: Arthritis can limit the movement of the affected joints, making everyday tasks such as walking or climbing stairs difficult.
Joint Deformity: In more severe cases, the affected joints may become misshapen due to chronic inflammation and damage to the cartilage and bone.
Treatment Options for Lower Limb Arthritis
Although there is no cure for arthritis, various treatment options are available to help manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. At Health First Foot and Gait Clinic, we tailor treatment plans to your individual needs, which may include a combination of conservative therapies, lifestyle modifications, and, in some cases, surgical interventions.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of arthritis is not always known, but several factors can increase your risk of developing the condition, particularly in the lower limbs:
- Age: As we age, the risk of developing arthritis increases, with joints experiencing wear and tear over time.
- Genetics: If there’s a family history of arthritis, your chances of developing the condition may be higher, particularly with rheumatoid arthritis.
- Previous Injury: Injuries such as fractures or dislocations can lead to arthritis later in life.
- Obesity: Carrying excess weight places additional stress on the weight-bearing joints in your lower limbs, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis.
Repetitive Strain: Jobs or activities that require repetitive motions or heavy lifting can contribute to the development of arthritis in the lower limbs.
Diagnosing Lower Limb Arthritis
A thorough assessment by our podiatrists is essential to accurately diagnose arthritis in the feet & ankles. During your consultation, we will review your medical history, conduct a physical examination, and may recommend imaging tests such as X-rays or MRIs to assess the extent of joint damage.
- Physical Examination: Our podiatrists will assess the affected joints for signs of swelling, tenderness, and reduced range of motion. We will also evaluate your gait and posture to identify any compensatory movements that may be contributing to your symptoms.
Imaging Tests: X-rays help us visualise the extent of cartilage loss and bone damage, while MRIs provide a more detailed view of the soft tissues, including cartilage and ligaments.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you experience persistent joint pain, stiffness, or swelling in your lower limbs, it’s important to seek professional help. Early intervention can help prevent further joint damage and improve your quality of life.
At Health First Foot and Gait Clinic, our experienced podiatrists are here to provide comprehensive care for all aspects of foot & ankle arthritis. We offer a range of treatment options tailored to your individual needs, helping you manage your symptoms and maintain an active, pain-free lifestyle. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards better joint health.
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Mr Small and team provided a really excellent service for my elderly mother and kept her on her feet, mobile and active for the two years she lived near Southam, thank you very much!
Charlotte Gath
As a foot heath practitioner who has recently attended one of Jonathan’s talks I would refer my patients on to him without reservation should they need specialist input. His lectures are interesting, informative and motivating. I have crossed his path at numerous events where I have listened to him. He instills confidence. Liza Clarke
- I experienced a very accurate diagnosis. Treatment was good and the pain is easing very nicely. Greeted by a pleasant lady on reception and advised of the need to follow PPE. Met with Jonathan who is very friendly and professional just as you would expect. Highly recommend him to help solve your feet/foot problems.
John Dewar
Excellent experience at the Health First Foot Clinic. I went with a long term problem with my foot which I had self diagnosed incorrectly as a sprained ankle. My injury was assessed and diagnosed and I had a course of treatment . The treatment was further complicated by recent knee replacement but Jonathan continued to find ways to make the treatment work allowing for my recovering knee .I am pleased to say my injury is almost fully recovered which wouldn't have happened if I hadn't gone and they hadn't been so patient . Very happy with the diagnosis and treatment .
The Pet
- After running a long-distance ultra marathon, my feet were in poor shape! They got some much-needed TLC (and more sympathy than from my GP!!). Jonathan sorted out a blister that was hidden under another blister and got my feet on the way to healing 😀
Zoe Beale
Jonathan Small has been treating me for a range of foot and gait problems for a number of
Years including plantar fasciitis, Morton’s neuromas and joint hypermobility. As well as physical
Treatment he has supplied me with various orthotics which have really helped me keep
Mobile and reasonably fit. I am undergoing treatment at the moment and I fully expect that
Jonathan will be as successful as he has been in the past. All the staff at Health First are
Friendly and helpful. Pam Alexander
- I can so recommend this company, their treatments and advice were exemplary and I was made to feel so relaxed and looked after from beginning to end
Jackie King
Jonathon looked after my mum's feet for a number of years and despite her being a difficult patient at the best of times especially after her stroke he was never anything but cheerful and polite. I was always very grateful for the way he looked after mum and I would highly recommend his services.
David Buchholz
- Jonathan Small and his team have been excellent. A person centred, straight forward approach and really genuine team. I had been told by NHS and other podiatrists that the healing after ingrowing toe nail would take up to 12 weeks yet after the surgery at Health First Foot, it has completely healed in just over 3 weeks. Going privately was one of the best investments I've made. Thank you Health First !
Nikki Jackson
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Aaliyah Rus
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Excellent treatments fully recommend. Jonathon is very professional and knows what he is doing. Very experienced and takes into account your needs. I am currently relaxing with a hot wax treatment.
Valerie Jukes
Thank you Jonathan for inviting me along to your Dynamic & Disasters of The Diabetic Foot seminar and thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge. For anyone who has been diagnosed as diabetic I would urge you to visit Jonathan for a comprehensive diabetic foot assessment. You only have one pair of feet so treat them with respect and they will last a lifetime. I look forward to working with you on our quest to treat and educate on foot health. Kind regards - Debbie Hewitt, Foot Health Practitioner (Rugby) Debbie Hewitt
- They have been caring for my feet for 13 years. I have been very happy with the care I received and looked forwards to the walking on air feeling when treatment was completed. The only reason I will not be visiting them again is because I am shortly moving north to Yorkshire to be nearer my family. Thanks Jonathon for the years of excellent care!
Doreen Johnson
They have always been helpful, professional, courteous and caring
John Veasey
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I made an appointment with Jonathan at the Health First Clinic in Southam, as recommended by Vicki Cooper. It sounded like I had too many issues for Vicki to deal with. I turned up asking for help with removing verrucas that had been there for years and help with an ingrown toenail, that although had been removed and treated, had grown back. I was astounded at Jonathan’s knowledge, and it turns out I was given completely the wrong advice, and treatment, by two other Podiatrists🤬😞. He gave me all instructions and options I didn’t know about, on how to remove the Verrucas, and it turns out my ingrown toenail wasn’t ingrown at all and so was removed and treated for no reason🤦♀️. Note to self, DON’T trust just anyone, trust THE BEST. Thanks to Jonathan and his team at Health First, I now look very differently at my feet. 👍😊
Sonia Hargreaves
As an owner of 3 dogs I’m pretty much on my feet the whole time. However, walking became very painful because of my feet. The culprits were seed corns and awful cracked heels on both feet. Jonathan was excellent at carrying out very effective treatment and advising on an aftercare/maintenance routine. My feet now look and feel so much better and I’m pain free! Lorelle Horn
- Jonathan is an inspirational Podiatrist.
Having attended several courses that have been run by Jonathan and having been lucky enough to have heard him speak at multiple professional events, my knowledge has increased dramatically, as has my love for Podiatry.
A true gentleman and a fabulous educator.
Sarah Byrne
Excellent service. The clinic was efficient enough that Jonathan was able to undertake toe surgery on the same day of my first appointment (just minutes after the problem was diagnosed!). The staff were very friendly and informative, and kept me very much at ease during the entire process. I was very appreciative and will be returning if I have any similar problems in the future. Highly recommended!
Joe Miller
- Friendly efficient service. Jonathan is very professional and ensured treatments were booked conveniently and were conducted brilliantly. Solved my verucca after many years of unsuccessful home remedies.
Sarah Wilson
Jonathan is very helpful and knowledgeable, he has looked after my feet over the years and I trust him completely. He is always polite, kind and considerate Tracey Bianciardi