Arthritic pain
Arthritis is a common issue in the feet. There are a few types of arthritis. These can be described as
- osteo- arthritis – wear and tear
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Psoriatic arthritis
Depending on the type of arthritis you are suffering with – we will be able to offer treatments suited to this.
If you are getting pain in your joints we should definitely take a look so we can try to identify the cause of the pain and offer treatments to help.
These are the treatment options for arthritic type pain:
A musculoskeletal assessment involves an examination of the lower limbs, looking at their structure, alignment, muscle strengths and weaknesses. It is a combination of biomechanical assessment, gait analysis and other clinical assessments based on your presentation and symptoms.
Biomechanical assessments and orthotics
A biomechanical assessment involves an examination of the lower limbs, looking at their structure, alignment, muscle strengths and weaknesses.
The foot is a complex structure of 28 different bones, 214 ligaments and 38 muscles, that must work together synergistically to allow us to walk and run.
Gait analysis
The examination is not focused solely on the foot but includes careful observation of the pelvis, legs and knees during gait (walking) as well as assessing the relationship between them. It is important to examine the lower limbs as a whole because they are closely connected and pain in one area can be due to a weakness or structural problem in another area.
The assessment itself is made up of 3 parts.
1) A thorough medical history 2) an on-couch examination where you will need to lie on your front back 3) walking or running examination. We are now using the brilliant Footscan pressure mat.
From these three aspects of examination, your podiatrist will be able to identify the range and quality of motion through your lower limb joints and muscles and identify any structural or functional issues surrounding your lower limb mechanics.
Treatment plans and orthotics (including sports orthotics)
Your podiatrist will be able to prescribe an individual treatment plan including a range of exercises, stretches and manufacture some insoles (orthotic devices) which you can place in your shoes to correct the particular issue identified. The type and style of orthotic depends on an individual’s needs.
It is usually good practice to try a simple handmade or ‘chair side’ orthotic to enable the podiatrist to ‘fine tune’ the correction.
Once a perfect prescription has been identified, more permanent orthotics (Phits 3D printed or made from carbon fibre or a range of plastics) can be manufactured in laboratories. These cost significantly more, however they have a prolonged duration along with a manufacturer’s guarantee
K-Laser is a leader in treatment of acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions.If you have any from the list below we would certainly recommend having a consultation to discuss how we can help you.
Ankle and Foot
- Sprains & Sports Injuries
- Arthritis of joints
- Morton’s Neuroma
- Plantar Fascitis
- Heel Pain
Knee
- Sports Injuries
- Baker’s Cyst
- Meniscus/Ligament Injuries
- Acl/Pcl Injuries
- Osgood-Schlatter’s
- Arthritis
- Post-Knee Replacement
There are several ways in which laser therapy can help these conditions.
First, it can reduce inflammation by increasing blood flow to the affected area and promoting the removal of inflammatory substances. This can help to relieve pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Secondly, laser therapy can stimulate the production of collagen, a protein that is essential for the maintenance and repair of connective tissues such as tendons and ligaments. This can help to speed up the healing process and improve the strength and flexibility of the affected tissues.
Finally, laser therapy can help to reduce pain by blocking the transmission of pain signals to the brain. This can provide immediate pain relief and may also reduce the need for pain medication.
What Happens During Treatment?
Laser light will be shone on the skin surface from a probe, over and around the condition site. Treatments will be repeated at regular intervals depending on the condition we are treating. The only sensation you will feel is a warmth.
When Will I Start Feeling Better?
Some people notice change after only one treatment, but most people will notice a reduction in pain by treatment three.
- When there is a reduction in pain it will usually last from 24 to 48 hours.
- For acute cases therapy is usually finished after the first treatment series of 6
- For chronic cases therapy may need to be administered on an ongoing basis to maintain results.
The YDA trainer may be one of the most technologically advanced shoes in the world. Designed to relieve pain and offer support for diabetics and people recovering from foot injuries, the YDA’s are the height of orthotic excellence.
YDA’s are the creation of Optima Molliter, an Italian company you’ve probably never heard of. Optima are masters of orthotics. Their foot support technology has been helping doctors, podiatrists and orthotists around the world treat diabetes-related and neuroischaemic plantar wounds for many years. The YDA trainer is their first casual footwear creation.
When you look at the science involved in making the YDA’s you quickly understand why Optima Molliter won the Internation Innovation Award for Wearable technologies 2019.
Starting with the heel of the shoe. It has a comfortable, cushioned internal structure that protects the heel from injury by gently stabilising it during movement.
The YDA ROCKER soles are made of ultra-light E.V.A. that absorbs heel impact as the foot lands on the ground. It also contains stabilising, non-slip rubber pads that make every step a wonderful sensory experience.
On the inside of the shoe, the YDA removable sole bottoms reduce impact pressure, which reduces foot and leg fatigue thereby enhancing performance. They are lightweight, breathable and can easily be replaced with your own custom-made orthotic insert.
The internal insert of the shoe contains Spring System technology, a propulsive synthetic fiber which induces a mechanical bending action with every step.
They come with a seam-free inner lining, which envelops the foot in a protective, cushioned sheath and prevents ulceration of the skin. It also means there’s no break-in period, comfort beings on the first wear.
And finally, the laces. YDA shoes have a semi-elastic rapid lace lock system with a buckle cord clip. This allows continuous adjustment to the foot, giving you unparalleled comfort throughout the day.
All these features combined culminate in a trainer unrivaled for its comfort and promotion of wellbeing for feet.
It explains why they are the number one trainer bought by diabetics around the world and it’s why we recommend them to anyone with foot problems
What is Ostenil ®?
OSTENIL® is a solution containing sodium hyaluronate. It is injected into the space in the joint that contains a natural lubricant (synovial fluid) and works by restoring the normal production of this lubricant.
OSTENIL® is usually given as a one off but can be a course depending on the extent of your problem.
How long will it last?
An injection can last upto 12 months but we find this varies from 6-12 months depending on the situation. Because it is just an injection to re generate natural lubrication in your joints ,you can have as many injections as you wish. Unlike a steroid injection which is usually limited to 3 injections.
Steroid injections:
What is it?
A steroid injection reduces swelling, stiffness and pain in your foot and ankle. The steroid acts like the natural chemicals that your body makes to stop inflammation.
How long will it last?
Sometimes you only need one injection and it works well to calm down the painful problem. We can repeat steroid injections after a few months but never recommend more than 3 and generally we say that if 1 hasn’t helped then we should try something else.
What to expect…
A steroid injection typically takes just a few minutes. We may choose to use a local anaesthetic to numb the injection site. You may feel a bit of pinching and a burning sensation that quickly goes away. The injected area may stay sore for a few days. You’ll need to rest the injected area for a day or two
Our clinics
Drop in and see us at one of our clinics or contact us.