Foot & Ankle Arthritis

Understanding Foot and Ankle Arthritis

Arthritis in the foot and ankle is a common condition that can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling, impacting your ability to walk and stay active. At JS Podiatry in East Perth, we help patients manage arthritis symptoms and regain mobility with tailored, evidence-based care.

Types of Foot and Ankle Arthritis

The most common types of arthritis affecting the foot and ankle include:

Osteoarthritis: Wear-and-tear arthritis that develops with age or previous injuries.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune condition causing joint inflammation and deformity.

Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Develops after injuries such as fractures, sprains, or dislocations.

Gout: A form of inflammatory arthritis characterised by sudden, severe pain, often in the big toe.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of foot and ankle arthritis include:

Persistent pain or tenderness

Stiffness and reduced range of motion

Swelling around the joints

Difficulty walking or standing for long periods

Joint deformity or changes in foot shape

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, early intervention can help slow arthritis progression and improve your quality of life.

Diagnosis

At JS Podiatry, our experienced podiatrists use comprehensive assessments—including medical history, physical examination, gait analysis, and diagnostic imaging (when required)—to accurately diagnose the type and severity of your arthritis.

Treatment Options

Managing foot and ankle arthritis involves a combination of therapies tailored to your needs:

Custom Orthotics: Support and align your feet to reduce joint stress.

Footwear Advice: Recommendations for supportive shoes to improve comfort and mobility.

Shockwave Therapy: Stimulates healing and reduces pain in certain arthritic conditions.

Prolotherapy: Injection therapy to promote tissue repair and joint stability.

Exercise and Rehabilitation: Targeted exercises to strengthen muscles and maintain flexibility.

Pain Management: Advice on safe pain relief options.

Referral for Specialist Care: We’ll coordinate with trusted orthopedic specialists if surgical intervention is required.

Why Choose JS Podiatry?

Our team is dedicated to helping you stay active and independent, using the latest evidence-based treatments for arthritis. We offer compassionate support and personalised care plans to help you manage pain, improve mobility, and enjoy a better quality of life.

Book an Appointment

Don’t let foot or ankle arthritis hold you back. Contact JS Podiatry today to schedule a comprehensive assessment and start your journey to pain-free movement.

FAQs:

  • Foot and ankle arthritis refers to inflammation and degeneration of the joints in the foot and ankle, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

  • Causes include osteoarthritis (wear and tear), rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune), post-traumatic arthritis (after injury), and gout (uric acid crystal buildup).

  • Common symptoms are joint pain, swelling, stiffness, tenderness, warmth, and difficulty walking or bearing weight.

  • Diagnosis involves a physical examination, patient history, and imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs to assess joint damage.

  • Treatments include lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, medications, orthotics, and in severe cases, surgical interventions.

  • While not all cases are preventable, maintaining a healthy weight, wearing supportive footwear, and avoiding joint injuries can reduce risk.

  • Consult a podiatrist if you experience persistent joint pain, swelling, stiffness, or difficulty with mobility in your foot or ankle.