Foot and Ankle Arthritis can cause pain, stiffness, swelling and difficulty with walking. It may affect different joints in the foot and ankle, and symptoms can range from mild discomfort to more significant limitation in day-to-day activity.
Mr Edward Dawe is a Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising exclusively in foot and ankle surgery. He assesses and treats patients with Foot and Ankle Arthritis in Sussex, with treatment tailored to the affected joint, the severity of symptoms and individual patient goals.
Arthritis means damage to the joint surface. In the foot and ankle this can affect the ankle joint, the big toe joint, the midfoot or other smaller joints. As the joint surface becomes worn, movement may become painful and stiff, and swelling may develop around the affected area.
Some patients develop arthritis gradually over time, while others develop it after a previous injury such as a fracture, ligament injury or repeated sprains.
Symptoms may include:
Foot and Ankle Arthritis may develop as part of general wear over time, after previous injury, or in association with inflammatory conditions. The cause and the specific joint involved are important when planning treatment.
Common causes include:
Assessment usually involves discussing your symptoms, examining the foot and ankle, and identifying which joint is affected. The pattern of pain, swelling, stiffness and movement restriction helps guide diagnosis.
Weight-bearing X-rays are often used to assess arthritis and to help plan treatment. In selected cases, further imaging may also be useful depending on the joint involved and the suspected cause of symptoms.
Many patients can be managed without surgery, particularly when symptoms are mild or moderate. Treatment depends on the joint affected and how much the symptoms interfere with walking and daily life.
Non-surgical treatment may include:
Surgery may be considered when symptoms remain significant despite appropriate non-surgical treatment. The most suitable procedure depends on the joint affected, the severity of arthritis, alignment and the goals of treatment.
Depending on the problem, surgery may include joint-preserving procedures, fusion of an arthritic joint, or joint replacement in selected cases. Surgical planning is based on the diagnosis, imaging findings and functional requirements of the individual patient.
Yes. Many patients can be managed without surgery using footwear modification, physiotherapy, orthotics, bracing, pain relief or injection treatment where appropriate.
Weight-bearing X-rays are often helpful because they show the affected joint and help assess the severity of arthritis and plan treatment.
Symptoms may include pain, stiffness, swelling, difficulty walking, reduced joint movement and discomfort on uneven ground.
Surgery may be considered when symptoms remain significant despite appropriate non-surgical treatment. The best option depends on the joint affected and the severity of arthritis.
Yes. Arthritis may develop after previous fractures, ligament injuries or repeated instability affecting the foot or ankle.
Not always. Symptoms and progression vary between patients, but assessment can help identify the problem and guide treatment before symptoms become more limiting.
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Goring Hall, Montefiore and
Nuffield Haywards Heath Private secretary: Nicole Murray Tel: 07856 521034 [email protected] |
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