Chronic Pain & Arthritis

What is Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain is defined as pain that has lasted longer than three to six months, or “pain that extends beyond the expected period of healing”.

Complete and sustained remission of many chronic pain cases can be difficult to achieve, however much can be done to reduce suffering and improve quality of life. Pain management is an interdisciplinary approach to the relief of pain and improvement in the quality of life of those living with pain The typical pain management team may include your GP, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, psychologist and of course your podiatrist.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a broad term given for a group of conditions affecting the joints. Because your feet carry you around all day, allow you to run and jump, to climb stairs and walk on uneven surfaces, they are susceptible to pain and injury. There are many small joints in your feet which take enormous pressure each day, and are unfortunately prone to developing arthritis.

What are the common types of Arthritis affecting your feet?

• Osteoarthritis, or ‘wear and tear’ arthritis is considered mechanical arthritis – due to the abnormal pressure and force placed on the joints during work/sporting life etc. Osteoarthritis can be managed by supporting the affected joints and getting them to function more correctly. 

• Inflammatory Arthropaties such as Rheumatoid arthritis and Psoriatic arthritis, is considered a more systemic group of arthritis which can affect other organs as well as causing joint pain, swelling and deformity. These conditions need to be managed closely by your Doctor, but improvements can also be seen by supporting, cushioning, off-loading pressure etc. from the affected joints in the feet.

• Gout, caused by an excess of uric acid in the joints

How can you tell if you have Arthritis?

Arthritic symptoms will depend on the type of arthritis you have. Some affect small joints in the body while others may target the larger joints. Pain, stiffness and swelling of the affected joints however are always common features.

The problem with chronic pain and arthritis is that it is easy to become accustomed to it. There are many people who live with pain unnecessarily. At first it may be agonising, but after a while your body will work out ways to avoid it. You become accustomed to your limp, your inability to perform certain tasks and the chronic pain slowly robs you of your life.

It is important to see your podiatrist if you suffer from any form of chronic pain or arthritis in your feet and lower limbs.

How do we treat Chronic Pain and Arthritis?

At Pioneer Podiatry we use simple, effective techniques and devices to encourage the body to effectively manage daily demands and increase its capacity to do more. With a thorough, personalized assessment and treatment plan we can help you better manage your symptoms, slow the disease progression and improve your quality of life.