Osteoarthritis

You don’t have to “just live with it”.
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Condition

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a common joint condition that can affect the feet, ankles, knees — and hands. It often leads to pain, stiffness and reduced ease of movement. While osteoarthritis can’t be “cured,” the right assessment and targeted treatment can significantly reduce symptoms and help you move more comfortably and confidently.

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (often shortened to OA) occurs when the protective cartilage within a joint gradually wears down. This can lead to joint stiffness, inflammation and pain, particularly with movement or after periods of rest.

Although many people associate osteoarthritis with hips and knees, it commonly affects:

  • Toe joints, feet, and ankles
  • Hands and fingers
  • Knees
  • Often multiple joints at once
OA usually develops slowly, and symptoms can vary from mild and intermittent to more persistent and limiting.
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Common Symptoms We See:

  • Joint pain or aching, especially with use
  • Stiffness, particularly first thing in the morning
  • Reduced range of movement
  • Swelling or tenderness around the joint
  • A feeling of grinding or discomfort during movement
  • Reduced grip strength or dexterity (in arthritic hands)

For many people, it’s not just the pain, it’s the loss of ease. Walking becomes harder. Hands become less reliable. Everyday tasks take more effort.

Yes — and this often surprises people. While podiatrists are best known for treating feet and lower limbs, we also support patients with arthritic hands, particularly where pain, stiffness or reduced function is affecting daily life. If osteoarthritis is limiting what your hands or feet can do, we can help assess how the joints are functioning — and what may reduce irritation and strain.

Osteoarthritis can feel frustrating. Many people come to us after seeing their GP, having been diagnosed with osteoarthritis and told that:

  • It’s not curable
  • Pain relief may help
  • There are limited treatment options available

While that’s medically accurate, it can feel deeply frustrating, especially when pain or stiffness is affecting your quality of life.

This is where our approach is different. At Feet & Motion, we focus on active symptom management and functional improvement, not just diagnosis. Alongside assessment, footwear advice, orthotic support and exercise guidance, we also offer MLS Laser Therapy — a treatment option not widely available locally.

MLS Laser Therapy is used to:

  • Reduce joint pain and inflammation
  • Improve tissue healing and circulation
  • Ease stiffness
  • Support better movement and function

It is not a cure for osteoarthritis, but for many people it can make a meaningful difference to pain levels and day-to-day comfort, particularly when combined with the right mechanical support and movement advice. Find out more about MLS Laser Therapy.

If you’re having problems with arthritis, then please book a New Patient appointment.
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