Arthritis and Footcare
Discover specialised arthritis foot care at Foot Foundation to alleviate discomfort and enhance mobility.
Understanding Arthritis in the Feet
Arthritis can affect the feet in several forms, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and other inflammatory conditions. These conditions may cause joint damage, deformities, stiffness, and difficulty performing daily activities.
Specialised Arthritis Foot Care
At Foot Foundation, we offer personalised arthritis foot care services, including:
Joint Protection Strategies: Guidance on appropriate footwear and supportive devices to reduce stress on affected joints.
Orthotic Support: Customized orthotic inserts or shoe modifications to improve foot alignment and reduce pain.
Physiotherapy: Tailored exercises and therapy programs to enhance joint mobility, strength, and flexibility.
Medication Management: Collaborative management with healthcare providers to address arthritis symptoms and provide pain relief.
Lifestyle
Recommendations
We recommend lifestyle adjustments to manage arthritis effectively:
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Reducing joint stress by maintaining a healthy weight.
Incorporate Low-Impact Exercises: Improve joint function with low-impact exercises.
Apply Heat or Cold Therapy: Alleviate pain and inflammation with heat or cold therapy.
Practice Proper Foot Care: Maintain foot hygiene and care to prevent complications.
Arthritis and Footcare – FAQs
Arthritis can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the joints of the feet and ankles. Over time, it may lead to deformities such as bunions, hammertoes, or collapsed arches, making walking and daily activities more difficult.
- Osteoarthritis – wear and tear of joints causing stiffness and pain
- Rheumatoid arthritis – an autoimmune condition leading to joint inflammation and deformities
- Gout – painful uric acid crystal deposits, often affecting the big toe joint
- Psoriatic arthritis – linked with psoriasis, causing inflammation in foot joints
- Footwear advice and modifications
- Custom orthotics to support alignment and reduce pain
- Padding and offloading to relieve pressure on joints
- Management of corns, calluses, and thickened nails
- Exercise and strengthening programs
- Strapping, bracing, or mobilisation therapies to improve function
Yes. Orthotics can redistribute pressure, improve alignment, and reduce strain on arthritic joints. They are often prescribed to improve comfort, slow progression of deformities, and support mobility.
Supportive shoes with cushioning, a wide toe box, and low heels are best. Rocker soles and shoes with good shock absorption can also reduce pain when walking. Our podiatrists provide tailored recommendations based on your needs.
No. Podiatric treatments for arthritis are gentle and focused on reducing discomfort. Most patients experience immediate relief from routine care such as corn and callus removal or orthotic fitting.
This depends on the severity of symptoms. Many patients benefit from regular reviews every 6–12 weeks to maintain mobility, manage pain, and prevent complications.
Arthritis footcare is available at all Foot Foundation clinics, including:
- Rosedale, Auckland
- Takapuna, Auckland
- Remuera, Auckland
- Botany, Auckland
- Hamilton, Waikato
- Tauranga, Bay of Plenty
Book Your Arthritis and Footcare Appointment Today
Foot Foundation provides specialist arthritis footcare—comprehensive assessment, joint-protection strategies, supportive footwear optimisation, custom orthotics or shoe modifications, and targeted physiotherapy/exercise programmes to reduce pain, improve mobility, and protect affected joints.
You’ll receive expert podiatry, clear self-care guidance (heat/cold, low-impact activity, skin and nail care), and coordinated care with your GP or specialist for medication management when needed.
Appointments available in Botany, Remuera, Smales Farm, Rosedale, Hamilton, and Tauranga.
