Podiatry for Arthritis

January 2021

Like any joint in the body our feet, ankles and toes can all be affected by arthritis. Many different types of arthritis can affect these area's and cause pain, swelling and stiffness. These symptoms can also make standing and walking hard. Sometimes, arthritis in your toes and feet can also make them change shape. 

Luckily, there are treatments available to help.

Speak with your doctor

Speaking with your GP or Rheumatologist about the different medications that can treat the underlying cause of your arthritis is an important starting point. Your doctor can also talk to you about the many allied health professionals which can help to prevent or treat foot arthritis. 

Seeing a Podiatrist

Podiatrists are great allied health professional to see if you are struggling with foot, ankle or toe arthritis. Podiatrists are experts in dealing with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of conditions of the lower limbs and feet (almost everything below the knee).

Podiatrists will use a range of techniques to treat conditions like arthritis. This can include:

• physical therapy,
• gait analysis,
• braces,
• strapping and other aids like orthotics.  

The Australian Podiatry Association provide a wide range of information on podiatrists and the different ways they can treat arthritis. Access some of these helpful resources in the links below:

• What is Podiatry (Australian Podiatry Association)
• Foot Health Information Sheets (Australian Podiatry Association)

Find a Podiatrist

There are many Podiatrists around Queensland that work both publically and privately. To see an allied health professional, speak to your GP about organising a GP Management Plan. GP management plans (GPMP) and team care arrangements (TCA) can help people with a chronic health condition to access needed care from a range of allied health professionals.

To find a podiatrist near you can search The Australian Podiatry Associations Find and Podiatrist search engine can help you find one in your area. 

More information on foot arthritis

Related information and resources on our website

• Feet and Arthritis information sheet
• A Real Pain in the Foot (Foot pain and RA)
• Demystifying Foot Pain