Osteoarthritis
What is Osteoarthritis?
In the foot, Osteoarthritis most frequently occurs in the big toe, although it is also often found in the midfoot and ankle also. The aching, throbbing joints caused by the condition can limit activity and decrease quality of life. Treatment options include cortisone or Durolane injections and surgery.
What Causes Osteoarthritis?
Over time the cartilage in the joints of your feet can wear down, deteriorating until it becomes thinner and the bones lose their protective covering. This wear and tear can cause repeated rubbing which in turn causes pain and inflammation of the joint.
Sometimes, an injury can lead to the onset of osteoarthritis, although it may take months or years after the injury for the condition to develop.
Occasionally osteoarthritis develops as a result of a foot condition, such as flat feet or high arches.
What are the Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis?
There are a number of conservative and non-surgical treatment options available to help with pain from osteoarthritis.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Conservative treatment can help to relieve the symptoms of painful osteoarthritis.
Insoles and Orthoses can be custom made to provide support to improve the foot’s mechanics or cushioning to help minimise pain. Find out more about orthotics at Kann Foot Surgery here.
Pain relieving injections such as cortisone injections can also be administered to the affected joint to deliver anti-inflammatory medication. Find out more about cortisone injections here.
Surgical Treatment
When conservative treatment options are unsuccessful and osteoarthritis has worsened surgery may be recommended. In advanced cases, surgery may be the only option. The goal of surgery is to decrease pain and improve function and Mr. Kannegieter will be able to advise on the best treatment plan during your consultation.
