Arthritis (Osteoarthritis)
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative (wear and tear) condition characterised by the breakdown and eventual loss of cartilage in one or more joints of the body. Cartilage cushions and protects the surfaces of the bones during movement. Osteoarthritis usually develops as part of the ageing process and can restrict one's ability to perform everyday tasks without pain. Osteoarthritis can occur in various joints throughout the body, including feet, hands, spine, hips and knees. In the foot the disease most commonly affects the first toe joint but can also affect the joints in the forefoot. Foot pain can be experienced to different degrees in the foot and ankle often with swelling,stiffness and inflammation in or near the joint.
As the disease progresses the cartilage deteriorates and gets thinner. The surface of the bones lose their protective layer and eventually rub together. Injury can also lead to osteoarthritis although this may take many years to develop.
Treatment of osteoarthritis in the foot by a podiatrist is to pursue the relief of symptoms by palliative means such as orthotic devices, shoe inserts, gel cushions and strapping. Sometimes immobilisation of the foot may be necessary to allow acute inflammation to subside. In extreme cases medical intervention may be necessary to introduce oral medication and in some cases anti-inflammatory injections.
It is always advisable for people suffering from arthritis in the foot and ankle to wear supportive footwear such as laceup shoes or trainers.
Other recommended products for Arthritis :

Metatarsal Band
Elasticated stockinette forefoot band with Pedigel™ gel metatarsal pad for ball of foot pain. Available in two sizes
More information
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Pedigel Metatarsal BandElasticated stockinette forefoot band with Pedigel™ gel metatarsal pad for ball of foot pain. Available in two sizes. |
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Metatarsal ProtectorShaped and fabric covered metatarsal gel sheet with toe loop for ball of foot pain. Available in pairs in two sizes. |
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Pedigel Digital PadGel pad with elasticated stockinette cover and Pedigel™ corn protection. Protects and soothes corns. Relieves pain from toe pressure. |
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Pedigel Digital StripElasticated stockinette half coated with Pedigel™ polymer gel. Treatment for toe pain from corns, shoe pressure and hammer toes. |
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Pedigel Digital TubeGel tube for toe protection with full Pedigel™ polymer gel lining. Treatment for toe pain from corns, pressure and hammer toes. |
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Pedigel Toe Separators100% pure gel separators fit comfortably between toes. Available in three sizes. |
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Pedigel Toe SpreaderPure polymer gel spreaders gently separate and protect overlying, arthritic or distorted toes. Ease pain and discomfort. |
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Pedigel Pure Gel CapThick Pedigel gel cap covers entire toe giving complete protection from pressure, friction and pain.. Available in two sizes. |
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Pedigel Pure Gel PadThick tubular pure gel pad to cover and protect toe joints from corns pressure and friction. Available in two sizes. |
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Pedigel Pure Gel TubeThick pure gel open ended tube to cover and protect length of toe from pressure and corns. Available in two sizes. |
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ProLyne Technogel Metatarsal PadsSelf adhesive, reusable soft gel metatarsal pads for ball of foot and heel comfort. Can alleviate pain from plantar fasciitis. |
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ProLyne Technogel Pressure Protection PadsHeel pads for heel pain. Self adhesive, reusable gel pressure protection pads for the relief of pain on the foot . Wear on the foot for protection against shoe pressure. |
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Pedigel Foot CoversGel protection relief from pressure and friction for ball of foot and toes. Available in two sizes |
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Full Length Pedigel Gel Shoe InsolesThin fabric covered shock absorbing gel insole for maximum comfort. Only 2.5mm thick taking up very little room in shoes. |
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Fresil Comfort Shoe InsolesDual density extra slim silicone shock absorbing insoles . These insoles can help knee, leg and hip pain. |
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ProLyne Silicone Gel InsolesProLyne silicone gel dual density full length insoles help prevent pain on the ball of the foot and under the heel. |
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Half-Socks with PedigelElasticated ladies cotton half sock incorporating a full length Pedigel gel insole. Suitable for indoor use. |
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ProLyne Ventilated Silicone Gel insolesVentilated silicone gel insoles for comfort and to relieve ball of foot pain. High shock absorption. Available in six sizes |
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ProLyne Silicone Gel InsolesProLyne silicone gel dual density full length insoles help prevent pain on the ball of the foot and under the heel. |
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ClearZal Pain Relieving GelClearZal Pain Relieving Gel for fast pain relief for feet and legs. Effective for sports injuries, sore muscles, tendons and joints. Our Price £9.95 |
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Salfordinsole™Lateral Wedge Technology (Green)A highly durable ready made orthotic incorporating lateral wedge technology to reduce medial knee pain in osteoarthritis. |
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Footactive Sensi Insoles Diabetics and ArthriticsFootactive Sensi. Medical grade orthotic insoles for people with diabetes, athritic or sensitive feet. Plastazote conformable covering. |
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Fresil Blue Dot Heel Cup PadDual density silicone heel pad. Firm shell for support with additional soft cushioning zone. Treatment for plantar fasciitis and heel pain. |