Arthritis In My Foot

Pain, stiffness or arthritis affecting your feet or ankles?

Arthritis is one of the most common causes of foot and ankle pain, stiffness and reduced mobility.

Whether you've been diagnosed with arthritis or you're beginning to notice aching joints, morning stiffness or difficulty walking, our experienced podiatrists provide expert assessment and personalised treatment to help reduce pain, improve mobility and keep you doing the things you enjoy.

Book your Biomechanical Assessment today.

How do I know if I have foot or ankle arthritis?

Arthritis affects everyone differently.

Some people experience mild stiffness, whilst others find everyday activities become increasingly uncomfortable.

Common symptoms include:

• Joint pain

• Morning stiffness

• Swelling

• Reduced flexibility

• Difficulty walking longer distances

• Pain during exercise

• Changes in foot shape

• Difficulty wearing certain footwear

• Reduced walking endurance

• Loss of confidence on uneven ground

Many people notice symptoms are worse first thing in the morning or after periods of inactivity.

What is foot and ankle arthritis?

Arthritis describes changes within a joint that may lead to pain, stiffness, inflammation and reduced movement.

The feet contain more than 30 joints, making them particularly susceptible to arthritic changes.

Several different types of arthritis can affect the feet and ankles, including:

• Osteoarthritis

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Post-traumatic arthritis

• Gout

Although the causes differ, each may affect comfort, mobility and quality of life.

What causes foot and ankle arthritis?

Different forms of arthritis develop for different reasons.

Common causes include:

• Age-related joint changes

• Previous injuries or fractures

• Autoimmune conditions

• Crystal deposits within joints (gout)

• Joint overload

• Foot mechanics

• Family history

Whilst arthritis cannot usually be reversed, understanding how it affects your feet allows us to develop an appropriate treatment plan.

How we treat foot and ankle arthritis

Treatment is always tailored to the joints involved, the severity of your symptoms and your personal goals.

Following a comprehensive assessment, we'll consider:

• Which joints are affected

• Your symptoms

• Your walking pattern

• Your footwear

• Your activity levels

• Your treatment goals

Your personalised treatment plan may include:

• Footwear advice

• Custom Foot Orthotics

• Activity modification

• Steroid injections

• Ostenil (Hyaluronic Acid) injections

• Rehabilitation and exercise

• Ongoing monitoring

Biomechanical Assessment

Understanding how your feet function is often one of the most important parts of managing arthritis.

Your assessment may include:

• Clinical examination

• Joint mobility assessment

• Foot posture assessment

• Biomechanical assessment

• OptoGait gait analysis

• Footwear review

• Activity assessment

Where appropriate, diagnostic imaging may also be recommended.

Custom Foot Orthotics

For many people, custom foot orthotics can help redistribute pressure away from painful joints, improve foot function and make walking more comfortable.

Injection therapy

Where appropriate, we may discuss:

• Steroid injections to reduce inflammation.

• Ostenil (Hyaluronic Acid) injections to improve joint lubrication and support movement.

Your clinician will explain whether these treatments are suitable for your individual circumstances.

Pricing

Every treatment begins with a comprehensive assessment so we can understand how arthritis is affecting your mobility and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

If you're unsure which appointment is most suitable, our Patient Care Team will be happy to help.

Book your appointment

Arthritis doesn't have to mean giving up the activities you enjoy.

Whether your goal is walking further, keeping up with your grandchildren, playing golf or simply moving more comfortably each day, we're here to help.

Book your Biomechanical Assessment today.

Why Patients Choose Callen Olive

Your feet deserve more than treatment.

At Callen Olive, we believe exceptional podiatry is about far more than relieving pain.

It's about understanding how your feet affect your comfort, confidence and the way you move through life.

Every person who walks through our doors has different goals, which is why every treatment plan is tailored to your individual needs, lifestyle and ambitions.

Because no two people — or feet — are the same.

Expert Care. Personally Delivered.

We combine specialist clinical expertise, advanced technology and genuinely personalised care to help you achieve the best possible outcome.

From your first appointment, you'll understand what's causing your symptoms, the treatment options available and how we'll support you every step of the way.

Why Patients Choose Callen Olive

• Specialist podiatry team
• Personalised treatment plans
• Advanced technology
• Evidence-based care
• Award-winning patient experience
• Trusted by thousands of patients every year

More Than A Podiatry Appointment

Exceptional care isn't just about clinical expertise.

It's about feeling listened to, understood and supported from the moment you arrive until long after your treatment has finished.

Because that's what great care should feel like.

We Care.

It's more than our promise.

It's how we listen, how we explain, how we treat and how we support every patient who places their trust in us.

Because helping you move with comfort, confidence and ease is why Callen Olive exists.

Healthy Feet. Healthy Body. Healthy Mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does arthritis in the feet get worse over time?

Arthritis can progress over time, although everyone experiences it differently. Early assessment and appropriate management can often help maintain comfort and mobility.

Can arthritis in the feet be treated?

Whilst arthritis cannot be reversed, many treatments can help reduce pain, improve function and support long-term mobility.

Is walking good for arthritic feet?

In most cases, yes. Remaining active is often beneficial for joint health, muscle strength and overall wellbeing.

Will I need surgery?

Most people manage their symptoms successfully with conservative treatment and never require surgery.

Can orthotics help arthritic feet?

For many people, custom foot orthotics help redistribute pressure and improve comfort during walking and everyday activities.

Further information

Arthritis doesn't affect everyone the same way

One of the biggest misconceptions is that X-rays determine how much pain someone will experience.

This isn't always the case.

Some people have significant arthritic changes on imaging but very few symptoms, whilst others experience considerable pain despite relatively modest changes.

At Callen Olive, we treat the person, not the X-ray.

Our focus is on understanding how arthritis affects your comfort, mobility and quality of life.

Arthritis doesn't mean you have to stop being active

Many people assume arthritis means they should stop exercising.

In reality, remaining active is often one of the most beneficial things you can do.

Movement helps support:

• Joint mobility

• Muscle strength

• Balance

• Independence

• Confidence

• Mental wellbeing

Whether your goal is walking the dog, travelling, playing golf or enjoying an active retirement, staying mobile matters.

Why early assessment matters

Although arthritis cannot usually be reversed, early management may help:

• Reduce pain

• Improve joint function

• Maintain activity levels

• Support independence

• Reduce compensation patterns

• Improve quality of life

• Help you remain active for longer

The earlier appropriate management begins, the better the opportunity to maintain long-term mobility.

Where does arthritis commonly occur?

Arthritis frequently affects:

• The big toe joint (Hallux Rigidus)

• The midfoot

• The ankle

• The smaller toe joints

Each area presents differently and may require different treatment strategies.

Related conditions

• Hallux Rigidus

• Bunions

• Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD)

• Metatarsalgia

• Gout

Related treatments

• Biomechanical Assessment

• OptoGait Gait Analysis

• Custom Foot Orthotics

• Steroid Injections

• Ostenil Injections