Osteoarthritis is common and can appear in all joints in the foot, ankle, knees and hips. Osteoarthritis is described as ‘degeneration of a joint’ and typically happens for 3 reasons. Genetics, mechanical trauma and lastly external trauma, sometimes, all three. However, contrary to belief, arthritis doesn’t mean pain and if it is painful, there’s a lot that can be done to reduce pain and gain mobility.
Firstly it’s important to accurately diagnose. Using diagnostic ultrasound, or referrals for x-ray/MRI are useful to determine the severity and give us a wider picture. Once we have this, we want to see how everything functions. By looking at mechanics and gait, we can use real data to see why your arthritis may be ‘aggravated’.
Treatments often include:
