Conditions

Osteoarthritis of the Foot and Ankle

The foot contains 33 joints, and osteoarthritis can affect any of them. Some joints are more commonly affected than others, particularly the joint at the base of the big toe.

Osteoarthritis can affect anyone, but it becomes more common with age, particularly after the age of 45. It is also more common in people who carry extra weight or who have previously injured the joint. Symptoms usually include localised pain around one or more joints in the foot or ankle. People often notice pain or swelling around a joint. There may also be a noticeable loss of movement or a small bony lump.

Foot and Ankle Osteoarthritis

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Symptoms vary from person to person. Many people notice that pain increases with weight-bearing activities such as walking, particularly if they do more than usual. Some people also experience stiffness after sitting for prolonged periods.

Although the changes within the joint cannot be reversed, symptoms of osteoarthritis can often be managed successfully with a combination of self-management strategies, exercise and other treatments.

Steps to take to recovery

Self-Management

Activity Modification

Try to keep moving while temporarily reducing activities that significantly increase your pain. Complete rest is usually not helpful. Gradually return to your normal activities as symptoms improve. If standing or walking aggravates your symptoms, reducing these activities for a short period may help settle a flare-up.

Pain Relief

Over-the-counter medicines: Over-the-counter pain relief may help you stay active. Always follow the advice provided with the medicine.

Topical creams: Some people find topical creams or gels helpful for short-term relief of pain and stiffness.

It is important to check whether you can take these medicines. If you are unsure whether you can take these medicines, speak to a pharmacist or another healthcare professional.

Exercises

Keeping the foot and ankle moving and gradually strengthening the surrounding muscles can help reduce pain and improve function. Gentle stretching, mobility and strengthening exercises may also help. Some discomfort during exercise is normal, but symptoms should settle soon afterwards. Exercises for the feet and ankles from Arthritis UK may help.

Wear Supportive Footwear

Poorly fitting footwear can sometimes contribute to foot and ankle pain. Choose comfortable, supportive footwear with enough room for your toes where possible. Many people find that supportive footwear reduces pain more effectively than softer shoes or walking barefoot, particularly if arthritis affects the midfoot or big toe.

Insoles

Some people find shoe insoles helpful, particularly if they help reduce pressure on painful joints. These can be bought over the counter or provided by podiatrists or orthotists.

Weight Management

If you are carrying extra weight, even a modest amount of weight loss can reduce the load through the foot and ankle and improve symptoms. You can calculate your BMI using the NHS BMI calculator.

Further Treatment

Podiatry

If your symptoms are not improving, or you feel you need more support, you can refer yourself to the podiatry service. They can assess your symptoms, develop a treatment plan and refer you to other services if appropriate.

Steroid Injections

In some cases, steroid injections may help reduce pain for a period of time. They are not suitable for everyone and would only be considered after assessment by an appropriate healthcare professional.

Surgery

Considered only if symptoms are severe or do not improve with other treatments. The type of surgery depends on which joint is affected.

Diabetes

If you have diabetes and develop foot pain, discuss this with your GP or diabetes team. People with diabetes are at increased risk of developing foot problems and may need assessment sooner. Your GP or diabetic team can ensure you are receiving the most appropriate treatment.

Lifestyle factors that influence health

Osteoarthritis is common and is influenced by our overall health. Carrying extra weight, smoking, diabetes, poor sleep and long-term stress can all influence pain, recovery and day-to-day function. Staying active, strengthening the muscles around the foot and ankle, and addressing lifestyle factors can help reduce pain and improve recovery. More support with health and lifestyle factors can be found on our Your Musculoskeletal Health page.

When to seek further advice

Some symptoms require urgent medical assessment rather than physiotherapy or podiatry. Please seek urgent medical advice if you have any of the following:

A fall or injury causing severe pain, significant swelling or a sudden loss of movement
Severe foot pain with an inability to bear weight
A red, hot, swollen and painful foot, ankle or calf
You felt a snap or pop at the time of the injury, particularly if you are unable to push up onto your toes or walk normally

If any of the above apply to you, contact NHS 111 for advice or attend your nearest Emergency Department if your symptoms are severe.