Osteoarthritis



Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that is caused by the breakdown and eventual loss of the cartilage of one or more joints.

Among the 100+ different types of arthritis conditions, osteoarthritis is the most common. In fact, more than 2 million people visited their GP in the last year because of osteoarthritis.

What causes osteoarthritis?

Most cases of osteoarthritis are related to ageing as repetitive use of the joints over the years irritates and inflames the cartilage, causing joint pain and swelling. Eventually cartilage begins to breakdown and flake away and in advanced cases, there is a total loss of the cartilage between the bones of the joints. Loss of cartilage cushion causes friction between the bones, leading to pain and limitation of joint mobility.

Osteoarthritis can also be caused by another disease or condition and can affect anyone at any age, even children. Conditions that can lead to osteoarthritis include obesity, repeated trauma or surgery to the joint structures, abnormal joints at birth, gout, diabetes and other hormone disorders.

Signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis

  • Aching joints
  • You may feel or hear your joints crunching and cracking
  • The range of movement of the joints may be reduced
  • Joints become visibly 'knobbly'
  • Joints may become painful and swollen for short periods of time
  • Is more likely to affect your hips, knees and fingers but can affect any joint in the body

How can osteoarthritis affect my feet?

Any joint in the body can be affected by osteoarthritis including the 33 joints in the feet -
  • People with flat feet are more susceptible to changes
  • The joint at the base of the big toe is most commonly affected as it is more prone to wear and tear from the pressures of walking
  • The big toe joint can become rigid making it difficult to walk
  • The big toe also drift towards the other toes resulting in a bunion and toe deformities
  • Reduction in joint mobility can result in the development of callus and corns over joints and bony prominences
  • Changes to the size and position of joints can make it difficult to find comfortable, suitable footwear
  • Although the joints in your feet may not be affected, reduction in movement at the hip and knee joints due to osteoarthritis can affect your ability to care for your feet

What can I do to look after my feet?

  • A basic foot care routine is essential (see Top tips for healthy feet), taking care to wash your feet daily, dry them properly and apply moisturising cream to prevent the skin from drying and cracking
  • Wear shoes with plenty of cushioning to minimise stress on your joints as you walk. Shoe uppers should be made of good quality leather that will be gentler than man made materials on any bony prominences and swelling. Go to our Footwear guide for full, expert advice
  • Regular exercise is good for your joints; it keeps them flexible, keeps your muscles strong and your bone and cartilage healthy. Yoga is a great exercise for all of your joints. Swimming is also great because it doesn't put any pressure on your joints
  • See a podiatrist regularly to identify any changes to your feet and address your foot health needs

What can a Podiatrist do?

Although there is no cure for osteoarthritis, a podiatrist can offer many ways of reducing the pressure placed on osteoarthritic joints -
  • Assess foot alignment and identify areas of high pressure. Prescribe orthotics (shoe inserts) to correct or accommodate the foot position and relieve pressure on affected joints (see Biomechanics and orthotics)
  • Ease pressure placed on joints when walking by applying padding and strapping to the feet and inside footwear
  • Advise on footwear
  • Treat foot problems that have developed as a result of osteoarthritis such as callus and corns
  • In advanced cases, refer to podiatric or orthopaedic surgeon (see Foot surgery)
For expert care and attention, go to find a podiatrist now