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Struggling With Foot or Ankle Osteoarthritis?

What’s Really Causing It — and How We Treat It

If you feel aching, stiff, or painful joints in your feet or ankles when walking, standing, or moving, you’re not alone.

Osteoarthritis in the foot and ankle is a common degenerative joint condition we treat — and the good news is, it can be managed effectively with the right approach.

At We Fix Feet, we diagnose exactly why your joints are deteriorating — whether it’s age-related wear, previous injury, repetitive stress, or biomechanics — and guide you through evidence-based treatment that supports real healing, not just temporary relief.

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Trusted by 34000+ patients, HCPC Registered Podiatrists, British Medical Laser Association members, Venn Healthcare Shockwave Certified - We Fix Feet - Beeston & Ilkeston

What Is Foot & Ankle Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition where cartilage breaks down, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced movement.
It can significantly affect daily activities and quality of life when it occurs in the foot or ankle.

Symptoms of foot and ankle osteoarthritis may include:

  • Aching or sharp pain in the affected joints
  • Stiffness, especially after rest or inactivity
  • Swelling around the joint
  • Reduced range of motion in the foot or ankle
  • Bone spurs causing additional discomfort
Custom 3D Printed Orthoses from We Fix Feet

How We Treat Foot & Ankle Osteoarthritis

At We Fix Feet, we provide tailored treatments to reduce pain, improve joint function, and support long-term mobility, including:

  • Lifestyle modifications to reduce joint stress and manage weight
  • Physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility
  • Custom orthotic devices to support the foot’s structure and relieve pressure
  • Medications for pain relief and inflammation management
  • Joint injections, such as corticosteroids, to reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief
  • Surgical intervention in severe cases to restore function or fuse/replace affected joints

Causes & Risk Factors

Foot and ankle osteoarthritis often develops due to:

  • Age-related wear and tear on joint cartilage
  • Previous injuries like fractures or sprains
  • Repetitive stress from work or high-impact activities
  • Excess body weight adding pressure to weight-bearing joints
  • Genetic predisposition or family history of osteoarthritis

BOOK YOUR CONSULTATION TODAY

If foot or ankle pain from osteoarthritis is affecting your mobility or comfort, early treatment can make a significant difference.
Book a comprehensive assessment at We Fix Feet and take the first step toward lasting relief.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Osteoarthritis

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition caused by the gradual breakdown of cartilage. It commonly affects weight-bearing joints such as the feet, ankles, knees, hips, and spine, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced movement.

Symptoms may include joint pain, stiffness (especially in the morning or after rest), swelling, reduced range of motion, aching during or after activity, and discomfort that worsens with prolonged use.

Osteoarthritis develops due to wear and tear over time, but risk factors include previous injury, repetitive joint stress, poor biomechanics, excess body weight, ageing, and genetic predisposition.

Osteoarthritis cannot be reversed, but symptoms can be effectively managed. Without proper care, pain and stiffness may gradually worsen. Early intervention helps slow progression and improve quality of life.

Treatment options may include:
• Biomechanical assessment to identify joint stress patterns
• Custom orthotics to improve alignment and reduce joint load
• Strengthening and mobility exercises
• Activity modification and load management
• Shockwave or laser therapy for pain relief where appropriate
• Footwear advice to improve support and shock absorption

Many people experience symptom relief within weeks of starting a structured treatment plan. Long-term improvement depends on consistency, activity management, and addressing contributing factors.

Yes. Staying active is important, but high-impact activities may need to be modified. Low-impact exercise and guided rehabilitation help maintain mobility, strength, and joint health.

Custom orthotics reduce excessive joint loading, improve lower limb alignment, and absorb shock — helping relieve pain and protect affected joints during daily activities.

You should seek professional advice if joint pain persists, stiffness worsens, mobility becomes limited, or everyday activities are affected despite rest or self-management.

At We Fix Feet, we take a whole-body approach to joint health. Our podiatrists assess movement patterns, reduce joint stress through targeted treatment, and help you stay active, comfortable, and confident

Book a consultation today

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Our Clinic Locations

We have two convenient locations in Beeston and Ilkeston, making expert podiatry and sports rehabilitation accessible across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

Ilkeston Clinic

Beeston Clinic

Testimonials

Before You Book Your Appointment, Here’s Just A Handful Of Our Patients Success Stories To Put Your Mind At Ease

As a runner and a keen footballer, ingrown toenails are something of an inevitability. At some point it's bound to happen. I was recommended to see wefixfeet by my local pharmacist after being advised the NHS are not the best at dealing with feet anymore. Julie on reception was a super friendly and helpful receptionist, and within 24 hours I had an appointment booked! Result when you're in pain! During my appointment Jess was clear and informative of my post procedural caee and I felt like I could take my time and speak freely if I was uncomfortable. She ensured through the whole appointment my pain was minimal and made me feel very at ease for an appointment about feet that would leave most embarrassed! Thanks for your help, highly recommended by me
Peter Lander profile picture
Peter Lander
2 months ago
First time I've been to FIXFEET And had my nails trimmed plus a big toe fungal growth cut away ,there very helpful advice helps aswell. I've already booked in for next visit for check up ,many thanks.
Joanna S profile picture
Joanna S
2 months ago
Not a good experience. Never felt any better after the appointments. Sometimes in and out in 15 minutes. Moved to alternative Podiatrist
Stephen Lacey profile picture
Stephen Lacey
2 months ago
Great service. On time. Lovely staff – Ronnie was great. 👍
bex wright profile picture
bex wright
2 months ago
Treated my son for an in grown toe nail, excellent service, excellent staff, lovely place, would definitely reccomend to anyone in need of foot treatment.
Lynn Aldred profile picture
Lynn Aldred
6 months ago
Just had feet done with Ronnie its like walking on air hes done amazing job thankyou .