Our service is for both adults and paediatric (under 16 years of age) patients with a Rheumatology condition that has a current foot or ankle problem.
We treat foot or ankle problems such as foot pain, changes to gait (walking), sleep disturbance due to pain, muscle weakness, reduction in joint movements within the foot/ankle, foot wounds and structural problems.
How is this assessed/treated?
A relevant assessment is carried out by the Podiatrist. For foot wounds, dressings will be necessary and sometimes antibiotics. If there is no foot wound but pain/discomfort is present an assessment will be required to diagnose the underlying problem.
The assessment may consist of analysis of gait (walking), weight bearing assessment and non-weight bearing testing of muscle strength, joint movements and ligament examination.
Treatment may include insoles, rehabilitation, steroid injections, shoe wear advice if appropriate and advice to improve/prevention reoccurrence of the problem.
Conditions
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Psoriatic Arthritis
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Gout
Insoles
Insoles may be prescribed by the Podiatrist if necessary. There are a variety of different insoles from off-the-shelf style insoles to individually customised prescription insoles dependant on the patient and their current issue.
Shoe wear
Shoe wear may be assessed and sometimes will need to be changed to improve symptoms.