Arthritis on Top of Foot
Foot and ankle osteoarthritis is a common source of foot pain with ageing. Everyday wear and tear can damage the joints over time. This is very common with excessive weight-bearing exercises such as jumping, running, or repeated ankle or foot injuries such as ankle sprains.
Osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease affects a large number of the population, and can be well managed by maintenance physiotherapy and a prescribed exercise program. Osteoarthritis is one of around 100 different arthritis types, but it is by far the most common.
Osteoarthritis in essence, is wear and tear in joints, and research indicates that up to 90% of people will have some type of osteoarthritic changes occur in their weight bearing joints by the time they are 40! Joints can be damaged at work, during sport, or with repeated activities. Different joints are impacted depending on posture, injury history, and potentially even genetics. The most commonly affected joints are the spine, hip and knees.
Physiotherapy treatment provides a non-medicated option to restore range, reduce inflammation, and increase or preserve joint function. A thorough assessment will be made of the joints impacted, the range of motion, balance of strength around the joint, as well as above and below it, swelling, and pain levels. Treatment may include joint mobilisation, specific exercise prescription, dry needling, taping or bracing.
A home exercise program, if done regularly, will assist in reducing osteoarthritic flare ups. Additionally, a maintenance physiotherapy session every 4-6 weeks has been found to be very effective in preserving joint range and increasing compliance with the exercise program! The program can also be modified and added to, as range and strength changes with time.
City Physio & Sports Injury Centre has been providing musculoskeletal physiotherapy in the MLC Centre for over 30 years. Our team are expertly trained in providing detailed full-body assessments and delivering personalised treatment for musculoskeletal conditions, sports injuries, headaches, neck, and back pain. Make an Online Appointment here today