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Foot Osteoarthritis

Foot osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint condition that affects the joints in the foot, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. At RAD Clinics, we offer advanced diagnostic and foot osteoarthritis treatment options, including ultrasound-guided steroid injections, to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Causes of Foot Osteoarthritis

Several factors can contribute to the development of osteoarthritis in foot:

Age: Wear and tear over time can lead to the degeneration of joints.
Previous injuries: Trauma such as fractures or sprains can increase the likelihood of osteoarthritis developing later.
Obesity: Extra weight puts increased stress on foot joints, accelerating cartilage breakdown.
Genetics: A family history of osteoarthritis can increase your chances of developing the condition.
Overuse: Activities that put repetitive stress on the foot joints, such as running or jumping, can lead to OA.

Symptoms of Foot Osteoarthritis

Common symptoms of osteoarthritis in foot include:

Pain: Often worse with activity and relieved by rest.
Stiffness: Most noticeable in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
Swelling: Joint inflammation can lead to noticeable swelling.
Decreased Range of Motion: Difficulty moving the foot and toes due to joint stiffness.
Formation of Bony Spurs: These can develop around the affected joints, leading to additional pain and deformity.

Anatomy of the Foot and Osteoarthritis

The foot is composed of 26 bones and 33 joints, many of which can be affected by osteoarthritis. The joints most commonly impacted by foot osteoarthritis include:

Big toe joint (first metatarsophalangeal joint) – often the most symptomatic joint in foot osteoarthritis.
Midfoot joints (tarsometatarsal joints) – located in the arch of the foot.
Subtalar joint – located below the ankle and responsible for side-to-side movement.

Osteoarthritis results from the breakdown of cartilage, the tissue that cushions the ends of the bones. As the cartilage deteriorates, the bones in the joint can rub together, causing pain and swelling.

Diagnosis of Foot Osteoarthritis

At RAD Clinics, our team uses a variety of methods to diagnose and plan the appropriate foot osteoarthritis treatment, including:

Clinical examination: We assess joint function, range of motion, and the level of pain and stiffness.
X-rays: Imaging helps to identify joint space narrowing, bone spurs, and other changes indicative of osteoarthritis.
Ultrasound: This advanced diagnostic tool is used to assess soft tissue and cartilage damage and can be performed at our clinic.
MRI: In some cases, MRI scans may be used to provide a more detailed view of cartilage, tendons, and other soft tissues.

Cortisone Injections for Foot Osteoarthritis

At RAD Clinics, we offer ultrasound-guided steroid injections as non-surgical osteoarthritis in foot treatment. These injections deliver corticosteroids directly into the affected area, reducing inflammation and relieving pain.

Benefits of Ultrasound-Guided Cortisone Injections

Accuracy: Ultrasound guidance ensures the precise delivery of medication to the affected area, improving treatment effectiveness.
Minimally Invasive: This non-surgical treatment provides relief without the need for more invasive procedures.
Pain Relief: Steroid injections reduce inflammation, which in turn decreases pain and improves joint function.
Fast Recovery: Patients can resume normal activities quickly, with minimal downtime.
Improved Mobility: Reduced pain and inflammation help restore movement in the affected joints, enhancing overall quality of life.

What to Expect During the Procedure

The procedure at RAD Clinics involves the following steps:

Preparation: The affected area will be cleaned, and a local anaesthetic may be applied to minimise discomfort.
Ultrasound Guidance: A real-time ultrasound is used to guide the needle into the precise location.
Injection: Once the needle is correctly positioned, the steroid medication is injected into the targeted joint.
Aftercare: You will be monitored briefly to ensure no adverse reactions and can usually return to normal activities within a few days.

When to Seek Treatment

Consider seeking foot osteoarthritis treatment if you experience:

Persistent pain or stiffness that does not improve with rest or over-the-counter medications.
Difficulty walking or performing daily activities due to pain or stiffness in the foot.
Swelling or deformity around the joints.
Symptoms that worsen over time or fail to respond to other conservative treatments.

At RAD Clinics, we tailor every osteoarthritis in foot treatment plan to meet your individual needs, helping you regain comfort and mobility.

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Exceptional professional service, highly recommended for quick, efficient, and friendly ultrasound scans and injections. Instant relief, thorough analysis, and personalized treatment at reasonable prices.

DISCLAIMER

We do not accept insurance coverage. If you wish to reimburse your fees, then please kindly check with your insurance provider prior to booking as we cannot be held responsible for any non-payments.