Arthritis can affect any joint in the foot, from the ankle down to the toes, and it usually shows itself as stiffness and pain when you walk. We start by finding out exactly which joint is the problem and why, and you see a named clinician who follows your care through.
Joints we treat
- The ankle joint
- The joints of the midfoot (midfoot arthritis)
- The big toe joint (hallux rigidus) and the smaller toe joints
- Forefoot pain across the ball of the foot
How we assess a painful joint
We take a history, examine the foot and look at how the joint moves and how the foot loads when you stand and walk. We use diagnostic ultrasound where it helps, and we can arrange x-ray, MRI or 3D imaging when bone imaging is needed. You leave knowing what is causing the pain and what the options are.
Treatment options
Treatment is matched to the joint and to you. It can include:
- Orthotics to take load off a painful joint
- Changes to footwear
- Joint mobilisation and manipulation
- Strapping to support the foot while it settles
Joint injection therapy
Where a painful joint needs more than orthotics and footwear changes, your clinician may recommend joint injection therapy, using hyaluronic acid or steroid injections, to help ease the pain. Ultrasound guidance can be used to place the injection accurately in the joint.
When it needs more
If conservative treatment is not enough, we talk you through the next steps at a consultation. Where surgery is the right step, it is carried out by surgical colleagues who have worked with the practice for decades.
Call 01306 883 332 or book an appointment at the Medwyn Centre in Dorking if a joint in your foot or ankle is painful or stiff. No GP referral is needed.
Frequently asked questions.
Do you treat arthritis in the toes and the ankle?
Yes. We see any joint from the ankle down to the toes, including the big toe joint. Your clinician assesses the joint and explains the options before any treatment starts.
What injections do you use for arthritis in the foot?
When orthotics and footwear are not enough on their own, your clinician may suggest a hyaluronic acid or steroid injection into the joint. Where it helps, the injection is placed under ultrasound guidance.
Will I need surgery?
We start with orthotics, footwear and hands-on treatment. If a joint needs more, your clinician explains the surgical options, and any operation is carried out by surgical colleagues the practice has worked with for decades.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can book directly with the clinic at the Medwyn Centre in Dorking, without a GP referral.
Our team
Care from named, HCPC-registered specialists.
Every patient is looked after by a named clinician who sees them through from the first assessment to treatment and follow-up, so nothing gets lost between appointments. Get to know the team who will be looking after your feet.
Meet the team →
INTERACTIVE APPOINTMENT GUIDE
Find the right appointment
We'll guide you to the most appropriate clinician in around two minutes using our interactive foot guide.
Your foot
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Explore your foot
Select an area of the foot
Rotate the model and choose the area that's troubling you. We'll show the conditions we most often see there and how we treat them.
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Or let it auto-rotate to preview
Click a highlighted area to explore
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