Hindfoot Arthritis can cause pain, stiffness and difficulty walking, particularly on uneven ground. It usually affects the joints below the ankle, most commonly the subtalar joint and sometimes the talonavicular or calcaneocuboid joints.
Mr Edward Dawe is a Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising exclusively in foot and ankle surgery. He assesses and treats patients with Hindfoot Arthritis in Sussex, with treatment tailored to the affected joint, the severity of symptoms and individual patient goals.
Hindfoot Arthritis means wear or damage affecting one or more of the joints at the back of the foot. These joints help the foot adapt to uneven surfaces and allow side-to-side movement when walking.
When these joints become arthritic, movement can become painful and stiff. In some patients the hindfoot also becomes less adaptable, making walking on slopes, rough ground or uneven surfaces more difficult.
Hindfoot Arthritis may develop gradually over time or after previous injury. The cause is important because it can influence both symptoms and treatment options.
Common causes include:
Symptoms may include:
Assessment usually involves discussing your symptoms, examining the hindfoot and identifying which joint is affected. The pattern of pain, stiffness and reduced movement helps guide diagnosis.
Weight-bearing X-rays are often used to assess Hindfoot Arthritis and to plan treatment. In selected cases, CT or MRI may also be helpful, particularly if the exact joint involved is unclear or if surgery is being considered.
Many patients can be managed without surgery, particularly when symptoms are mild or moderate. Treatment depends on the affected joint, the severity of symptoms and how much the problem interferes 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 which joint is involved, the severity of arthritis, foot alignment and the overall goals of treatment.
In many cases, surgery for Hindfoot Arthritis involves fusion of the affected joint to reduce pain by stopping painful movement. Surgical planning depends on the diagnosis, imaging findings and the overall shape and function of the foot.
Hindfoot Arthritis most commonly affects the subtalar joint, but it may also involve the talonavicular or calcaneocuboid joints.
Yes. Many patients can be managed without surgery using footwear modification, insoles, bracing, physiotherapy, pain relief or injection treatment where appropriate.
The hindfoot joints help the foot adapt to uneven surfaces. When these joints become stiff and painful, walking on rough or sloping ground can become more difficult.
Weight-bearing X-rays are often helpful because they show the affected joint and help assess the severity of arthritis and plan treatment.
Surgery may be considered when symptoms remain significant despite appropriate non-surgical treatment. In many cases this involves fusion of the affected joint.
Yes. Hindfoot Arthritis may develop after previous fractures, ligament injuries or other trauma affecting the joints at the back of the foot.
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Nuffield Haywards Heath Private secretary: Nicole Murray Tel: 07856 521034 [email protected] |
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