If you’re one of the 1 in 7 Australians living with arthritis, you know just how debilitating it can be. Fortunately, with podiatry – help is at hand (or foot!)
Arthritis is the leading cause of chronic pain in Australia, with three quarters of Rheumatoid Arthritis sufferers experiencing foot pain that severely limits their daily life. But it shouldn’t have to be that way!
At Trevor Lane Podiatry we offer a range of treatments to help alleviate the symptoms of arthritis in the feet and lower limbs (1), to improve the quality of life for our patients.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis refers to a group of conditions characterised by inflammation of the joints.
The two most common types are:
- Osteoarthritis – a degenerative joint disease, usually associated with ageing, where the cartilage cushioning the ends of the bones wears down over time; and
- Rheumatoid Arthritis – an autoimmune disorder that can occur at any age, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium – the lining of the membranes surrounding the joints.
Arthritis can significantly impact the feet and ankles, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility. If left untreated, it may also lead to knee, hip, and lower back pain.
How is Arthritis Diagnosed?
A doctor can diagnose arthritis through physical examination, previous medical history, X-rays, and blood tests. The specific type of arthritis you have will determine the best treatment plan.
Why See a Podiatrist about Arthritis?
Podiatrists are able to support the overall health management of patients with arthritis, with a range of treatments that may alleviate the symptoms of arthritis in the feet and ankles – and may even help slow down the rate of joint damage and degeneration (2).
If you’re suffering from pain, tenderness, swelling, redness or heat in the joints of your lower limbs and feet – it’s worth booking an appointment with your local podiatrist.
Research has found regularly seeing a podiatrist for arthritis may be effective in:
- Reducing foot pain (4)
- Improving foot function and mobility (5)
- Reducing inflammation (6)
- Enabling early detection and treatment to prevent disease progression (2)
- Providing effective nonsurgical intervention, negating the need for surgery (7)
- Treating knee osteoarthritis (3)
Treatment Options
Depending on your individual needs, treatment for arthritis by our podiatrist may include:
- Foot Mobilisation Therapy – a non-invasive, manual technique that mobilises the joints of the feet and helps restore joint function and range of motion.
- Prolotherapy for foot pain – an injection technique that stimulates the body’s natural healing process and restores strength in painful soft tissue and joints.
- Physical therapy exercises to increase flexibility and mobility, and strengthen your muscles.
- Custom orthotics and footwear to provide support, reduce pressure on the joints, and improve foot alignment.
- Lifestyle modification guidance, such as appropriate exercise and footwear choices.
- Nail care and skin care as required, such as treatment of bunions and removal of hard skin.
- Potential referral for surgery, if your pain is disabling and you are not responding to less invasive treatments.
At our Redlands podiatry clinic, we understand the pain and discomfort that comes with arthritis. That’s why we provide tailored care that addresses the unique challenges of arthritis in the feet, knees and ankles.
If arthritis is affecting your daily life, book a consultation today with our experienced podiatrists today – and take a step towards a healthier, happier, more active YOU!
References:
- https://nzmj.org.nz/media/pages/journal/vol-126-no-1370/936dd1a5b1-1696470731/vol-126-no-1370.pdf#page=70
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/1757-1146-3-8
- https://journals.lww.com/ajpmr/abstract/2011/03000/efficacy_of_knee_braces_and_foot_orthoses_in.9.aspx
- https://nzmj.org.nz/media/pages/journal/vol-126-no-1370/936dd1a5b1-1696470731/vol-126-no-1370.pdf#page=70
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0269215521993316
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13047-022-00542-7
- https://journals.lww.com/co-rheumatology/abstract/2011/03000/arthritis,_foot_pain_and_shoe_wear__current.5.aspx