Foot and Ankle Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis in the foot and ankle can be painful, frustrating and can limit your ability to move around and enjoy life to the full. The London Orthopaedic Clinic offers a range of treatments, from leading experts, to reduce pain, increase mobility and improve quality of life.
At The London Orthopaedic Clinic, the multidisciplinary team of orthopaedic surgeons, pain management specialists, radiologists and physiotherapists work together to investigate and treat your symptoms.
Physiotherapy, anti-inflammatories, supportive footwear and orthotic insoles can offer relief. If conservative measures have not helped, the expert orthopaedic surgeons at The London Orthopaedic Clinic can operate to restore movement and ease your pain.
The Clinic’s experts offer individualised assessment and investigation, followed by surgery in cutting-edge operating theatres. After surgery, the multidisciplinary team will support your healthy recovery and rehabilitation.
What is arthritis in the foot and ankle?
Age, injury and inflammation can cause arthritis, leading to pain, swelling and stiffness in the foot and ankle. Most ankle arthritis is a result of wear and tear, known as osteoarthritis. However, inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can also cause problems.
In healthy joints, the ends of bones are covered with cartilage, which lets the bones move smoothly over each other and absorbs shocks. In osteoarthritis, this cartilage wears away and becomes rough and uneven. The fluid-filled space in the joint gets smaller and bone can start to rub against bone, which is uncomfortable and can lead to the formation of bony lumps or spurs known as osteophytes.
In the early stages of foot and ankle arthritis, the symptoms tend to come on after taking part in high impact activities like running. With time, the pain can increase so that it’s noticeable when walking, standing or even at rest.
How can the London Orthopaedic Clinic help with foot and ankle osteoarthritis?
Weight loss, specialist physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medication, supportive footwear and orthotic insoles can reduce the pain of ankle arthritis. However, if these conservative measures have not provided relief, the consultant orthopaedic surgeons at The London Orthopaedic Clinic can operate to restore mobility.
Your surgeon will make a thorough assessment of your foot and ankle, then arrange imaging to get more detailed information. They will answer your questions, consider your wishes and customise surgery to your individual needs. Surgical options include:
Ankle arthroscopy is keyhole surgery that is used to investigate and treat osteoarthritis in the ankle. The inside of the joint is inspected using a camera, which is inserted through tiny incisions in the skin. Loose pieces of bone and spurs can be removed and rough cartilage can be trimmed to reduce symptoms.
Why choose the London Orthopaedic Clinic?
The London Orthopaedic Clinic provides high-quality, expert orthopaedic and musculoskeletal care, tailored to the individual needs of our patients. The Clinic is based at Mayo Clinic Healthcare, at the heart of London’s internationally renowned Harley Street medical district. The London Orthopaedic Clinic offers cutting-edge diagnostics, treatment, management and personalised care.
The expert multi-disciplinary team includes more than 25 leading orthopaedic surgeons, pain management consultants, rheumatologists, allied specialists and radiologists. They work together to reduce pain, improve movement and make a real difference to patients’ lives.
The London Orthopaedic Clinic offers patients something truly unique: access to world-leading experts, high-tech imaging and the latest innovative treatments, together with the feeling of trust and safety of a small family practice.
Foot and ankle arthritis treatment costs
The investigation and treatment for ankle arthritis at The London Orthopaedic Clinic may be covered by your health insurance policy. Competitive packages are also available for patients who are self-paying. Contact a member of our friendly team on 020 7186 1000 or at info@londonorthopaedic.com to find out more.