Podiatry NZ

Australasian Podiatry Council

www.asics.co.nz

Smiths Sports Shoes Hamilton

Degenerative arthritis is a condition that slowly wears away cartilage on joints (the link where bones meet and move). In the beginning, you may notice that the affected joint seems stiff. It may even ache. As the joint lining (cartilage) breaks down, the bones rub against each other, causing pain and swelling. Over time, bone spurs (small pieces of rough or splintered bone) develop, and the joint's movement becomes more limited.

But this doesn't have to cause pain. The effects of foot arthritis can be reduced, with appropriate orthotic use. Orthotics help unload the problem joints.

Which Joints Are Affected? Your feet pound the pavement every day. They support and propel your body as you move through life. Such constant use takes a toll. Aging, the wear and tear of daily use, and injury - these are the common causes of arthritis. Many people eventually develop some arthritis in their feet.
The Big Toe Joint When arthritis affects your big toe, your foot hurts when it pushes off the ground. Arthritis often appears in the big toe joint along with a bunion (a bony bump at the side of the joint).
Other Joints When arthritis affects the rear or mid-foot joints, you feel pain when you put weight on your foot. Arthritis may affect the joint where the ankle and foot meet. It may also affect other joints nearby.
Physical Exam To learn the cause of your joint problem, Andrew asks about your medical history. He examines your feet for skin changes and swelling. The range of motion in any joint affected by arthritis will be tested as well.
Arthritic Ankle Normal Ankle

Imaging Tests
If required we can arrange an imaging test to check the condition of a joint. X-rays show damage to bone, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can show damage to the joint lining.