What is it? Osteoarthritis (OA) of the foot is a degenerative joint disease, often called "wear and tear" arthritis. It is the most common form of arthritis and occurs when the smooth, protective cartilage that covers the ends of your bones wears down over time. Cartilage acts as a frictionless cushion, allowing joints to glide smoothly. As it deteriorates, the bones in the joint can eventually start to rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness, and structural changes.

In the foot, OA most frequently affects the joint at the base of the big toe (Hallux Rigidus) or the small joints in the middle of the foot (midfoot). This is a highly prevalent condition in the UK, especially among older adults, but can affect people of all ages, leading to significant discomfort and reduced mobility.

What are the symptoms?

• Joint Pain: A deep, aching pain in the affected joint, which typically worsens after walking, running, or standing, and might feel slightly better with rest.
• Stiffness: Reduced range of motion or stiffness, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity. Your foot or toe may feel 'hard to move'.
• Swelling: The joint may look larger, "knobbly," or slightly swollen (bony overgrowth or 'bony spurs').
• Reduced Range of Motion: Difficulty 'pushing off' the big toe when walking or running.
• Grating Sensation (Crepitus): A feeling or sound of grating, popping, or crackling when the joint moves.
• Limping: A change in your walking pattern (gait) to avoid pain.

What causes it? Osteoarthritis is a result of the cumulative wear and tear on joints over a lifetime, but several factors accelerate the process:

• Age: The risk naturally increases as you get older.
• Joint Injury: Previous injuries, like a severe sprain, fracture, or repetitive impact (from sports), can cause cartilage damage that leads to OA years later.
• Heredity: Genetics plays a role, with some people inheriting a tendency to develop the condition or abnormal foot structures.
• Foot Deformities: Conditions like flat feet or high arches can create uneven stress on joints, accelerating wear.
• Obesity: Being overweight puts extra stress on weight-bearing joints like the feet.
• Occupation: Professions that involve prolonged standing, walking, or heavy lifting.

What are the treatment options? There is currently no cure for OA, so the focus of treatment is to manage symptoms, reduce pain, and preserve joint function:

• Custom Orthotics: Bespoke insoles designed from a 3D scan of your feet can correct any underlying biomechanical issues (like overpronation), redistributing pressure more evenly and supporting the arch to reduce stress on the arthritic joints.
• Stiff-Soled Footwear or Rocker Bottoms: Advice on choosing footwear with rigid soles or a "rocker bottom" design. These shoes can 'rock' you forward as you walk, allowing your painful joints to bend less and significantly reducing pain.
• Manual Therapy and Joint Mobilisation: Gentle hands-on techniques to keep the joints as mobile as possible and strengthen supporting muscles.
• Specific Exercise Plans: Gentle, structured exercises to strengthen the muscles that support your foot joints without overstressing them.
• Corticosteroid Injections: In cases of severe, debilitating pain and inflammation, we can liaise with your GP for a targeted steroid injection to provide relief.
• Callus and Corn Removal: We paintessly remove the hard skin that forms over the prominent bony areas.