Arthritis Treatment

Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling. While it can impact any joint in the body, arthritis in the lower limbs can be particularly debilitating, affecting one's ability to walk and carry out daily activities. At Health First Foot and Gait Clinic, our podiatrists specialise in diagnosing and treating arthritis in the feet, helping patients manage their symptoms and maintain their quality of life.

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.

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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.

Conservative Therapies

Physical Therapy: A personalised exercise programme can help strengthen the muscles around the affected joints, improve flexibility, and reduce pain. Our podiatrists may recommend specific exercises to target the lower limbs, including stretching, strengthening, and low-impact aerobic exercises.
Orthotic Devices: Custom orthotic insoles or braces can help redistribute pressure across the joints, reducing pain and improving mobility. These devices are particularly useful for managing arthritis in the feet, ankles, and knees.
Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, our podiatrists may recommend corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections directly into the affected joint for more immediate relief.
Footwear Modifications: Wearing supportive shoes with cushioned soles can help reduce the impact on your joints when walking. We can recommend footwear that provides the right level of support and comfort for your specific condition.
Laser Therapy: This promotes healing so your joints can recover from damage caused by arthritis. It is much closer to being a cure than other conservative medical approaches, but it is not a panacea. However one significant advantage is that it is non-invasive.

Lifestyle Modifications

Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for reducing the strain on the joints in your lower limbs. Following guidance on nutrition and exercise can help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Activity Modification: Avoiding high-impact activities that exacerbate joint pain, such as running or jumping, can help protect your joints. Instead, consider low-impact activities like swimming or cycling to stay active without putting undue stress on your joints.

Surgical Interventions

In cases where conservative treatments are not effective, surgical intervention may be necessary to relieve pain and restore function. Surgical options include:

Joint Replacement Surgery: In severe cases of arthritis, particularly in the hips or knees, joint replacement surgery may be recommended. This procedure involves removing the damaged joint surfaces and replacing them with artificial implants.
Arthroscopy: This minimally invasive procedure involves inserting a small camera with cutting tools into the joint to clean out any debris, smooth rough surfaces, and repair damaged tissue.
Fusion Surgery: Fusion surgery may be recommended for arthritis in the smaller joints of the feet or ankles. This procedure involves permanently joining the bones in the affected joint to reduce pain and improve stability.

Managing Arthritis at Home

In addition to professional treatment, there are several steps you can take at home to manage arthritis symptoms and maintain joint health:

Hot and Cold Therapy: Applying heat or cold to the affected joints can help reduce pain and inflammation. Heat therapy is particularly effective for relieving stiffness, while cold therapy can help reduce swelling.
Regular Exercise: Staying active is essential for maintaining joint flexibility and muscle strength. To keep your joints moving, engage in low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, or yoga.
Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids, can help reduce inflammation and support overall joint health.

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.

Close-up of young woman feeling pain in feet at home. Health care and medical concept. Young woman's pain is putting her hands on her feet, solving the problem of cramps caused by muscle spasm.

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.

Thank you to Jonathan for taking the time to share your knowledge and experience with me. Five stars! Thanks a bunch!

Hannah Krepski

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
I have received first class treatment and my foot is feeling less painful especially after the laser treatment I had on it.

Mary Richardson

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
Had a fantastic day observing in clinic yesterday! Jonathan AMAZED me with his extensive knowledge, he was very supportive & I learnt so much just in 1 day! I admire Jonathans determination & drive to help his patients resolve any issues they may have & I hope to follow in his footsteps once I graduate from university. Thanks again for the opportunity your useful and excellent advice will always remain with me. Faye 🙂

Faye Green

I visited Jonathan with terrible foot pain, he diagnosed it as plantar fasciitis after a full check and I was given sets of exercises to heal my foot, I have just left after my third visit and the pain has all but gone, I found Jonathan and Kate very friendly, would and have recommend to others, Thank you.👣

Paul Fogg
Jonathan is great - passionate, knowledgeable and dedicated to getting people’s foot problems sorted. I had the pleasure of helping him recently with promotion material for a podshealheels and he delivered a superb lecture to a group of patients and professionals.

Dave James

I have had persistent pain with my toenails for years, but did not know the cause of the problem. Previous visits to a different podiatrist left me with no answers! After researching local podiatrists I found that Health First came highly recommended. Mr Small quickly found out the cause of my problem and recommended the best treatment options. The staff were all very friendly and made me feel welcome. All very professional. I cannot recommend them enough to anyone! Will be going back for my follow up treatment in the new year.

Millie Hefferan
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

I was suffering with quite a complicated situation, both plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendon insertion and they required different treatment. Johnathon expertly explained how he was going to deal with the problem and glad to say that after an intensive course of treatment things have improved.

Di Griffin-Bloxham
100% recommendation. I walked in with significant foot pain and walked out strapped up and reasonably pain free. The initial consultation was delivered with expert knowledge, professionalism and clearly explained diagnosis and treatment plan. I had attended another foot clinic for a diagnosis but my instinct told me to walk away and consider their treatment proposal and seek another opinion. I felt disappointed that I had no immediate temporary solution to reduce constant foot pain.. I was then recommended to contact Jonathan and the rest is history. His manner and professionalism exceeds, not only am I working towards pain free walking I know I have the confidence in approaching a clear expert. Thank you Jonathan and your team. I have already recommended.

Helen Keast

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
Excellent service. I am so pleased with the help, advice and treatment recieved. Many thanks

Jackie Dewdney

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 wouldn't trust anyone else with my foot-care. With severe circulation issues, my feet are comprised - Health First have treated me for 15 years and I highly recommend them.

Angela Navarro

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
rapid appointment when I needed it and first class service. surgery went very well and recovery so far good with no pain. recommended without reservation. Jenny

Jenny Wootton

if you have any worries about your feet then this is the place to go. First class service.i was given Jonathan's details after a foot opperation went wrong he has really helped me and made it now that I can get back to my normal life. thank you guys !!!

Carolyn Clayton
A great practice. Have been using for the past 5 years and always have excellent service. Very friendly and helpful staff. My feet are in great shape

Emily Harris

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