Foot arthritis is a common condition that develops when the cartilage cushioning the joints wears away, leading to pain, inflammation, and restricted movement. It can affect any of the 30 joints in the foot, though the midfoot, big toe, and ankle are most frequently involved.

Arthritis of the foot can result from ageing, injury, or inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Early treatment helps manage symptoms effectively and prevent further joint damage.

Mr. Turab Syed, an experienced consultant orthopaedic surgeon specialising in foot and ankle surgery, provides tailored treatment plans at Kings Park Hospital in Stirling and The Lanarkshire Clinic in Hamilton. This guide covers the causes, treatments, and recovery process for foot arthritis, and why Mr. Syed is a trusted choice for patients across Scotland.

What is arthritis of the foot?

Arthritis occurs when joint cartilage deteriorates, causing friction between the bones. In the foot, this can lead to pain, swelling, stiffness, and deformity.

The most common types include:

• Osteoarthritis: Wear-and-tear arthritis due to ageing or past injuries.
• Post-traumatic arthritis: Arthritis that develops after fractures or ligament damage.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune condition causing joint inflammation and deformity.
• Gout: A metabolic condition where uric acid crystals form in the joints, causing pain and swelling.

Who can benefit from treatment?

You may benefit from arthritis treatment if you:

• Experience persistent foot pain, especially after walking or standing.
• Have stiffness or swelling in the midfoot, toes, or ankle.
• Notice deformity or difficulty fitting into shoes.
• Find that medication, orthotics, or lifestyle changes no longer relieve symptoms.

Mr. Syed performs a thorough clinical examination, including X-rays or MRI scans, to assess the severity of joint damage and create a personalised treatment plan.

Arthritis of the foot in Stirling & Hamilton: The procedure

Non-surgical treatments

For many patients, symptoms can be effectively managed without surgery. Mr. Syed offers:

• Medication and pain relief – including anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Custom orthotics or shoe modifications – to reduce pressure and improve alignment.
• Physiotherapy – to strengthen supporting muscles and maintain mobility.
• Steroid injections – to reduce inflammation and pain.
• PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) injections – to promote natural healing and reduce inflammation.

These conservative treatments are often the first line of management and can provide lasting symptom relief for mild to moderate arthritis.

Surgical treatments

If non-surgical treatments are no longer effective, Mr. Syed may recommend surgery to relieve pain and restore function. The surgical approach depends on which joints are affected and how severe the arthritis is.

Common procedures include:

• Arthrodesis (Joint Fusion): Permanently joining bones to remove painful movement.
• Joint Replacement: Replacing a damaged joint (often the big toe or ankle) with an artificial implant.
• Debridement: Removing bone spurs or damaged tissue to relieve discomfort and improve joint movement.

Pre-operative preparation

Before surgery, Mr. Syed and his team provide full guidance to ensure safe and successful treatment. This includes:

• Detailed consultation to discuss treatment options and expected outcomes.
• Pre-operative imaging for accurate surgical planning.
• Blood tests and health checks if needed.
• Instructions on fasting and medication adjustments before surgery.

The surgery itself

Depending on the procedure, surgery is usually performed under general or regional anaesthesia. Mr. Syed uses modern, minimally invasive techniques where appropriate to reduce pain and shorten recovery time.

Procedures typically take 1–2 hours, and most patients go home the same day or after an overnight stay.

Where it’s performed

• Kings Park Hospital, Stirling (Polmaise Rd, FK7 9JH) – equipped with advanced surgical suites and personalised rehabilitation care.
• The Lanarkshire Clinic, Hamilton (Cadzow Avenue, ML3 0FT) – providing high-quality orthopaedic care in a modern private setting.

Recovery and aftercare

Recovery depends on the type and extent of treatment:

• After injections:
  • Return to normal activity within 1–2 days.
  • Pain relief can last several months to a year.
• After surgery:
  • 0–6 weeks: Limited weight-bearing in a boot or cast.
  • 6–12 weeks: Gradual return to normal shoes and walking.
  • 3–6 months: Full recovery with reduced pain and improved stability.

Physiotherapy is essential to restore movement, balance, and strength following surgery.

Risks and complications

As with any medical treatment, there are potential risks, which may include:

• Infection.
• Blood clots.
• Delayed bone healing (for fusion procedures).
• Stiffness or persistent discomfort.
• Implant wear (for joint replacements).

Mr. Syed takes every measure to minimise risks through advanced surgical techniques and thorough post-operative care.

Why choose Mr. Turab Syed in Stirling & Hamilton?

• Fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon specialising in foot and ankle conditions.
• Comprehensive care, from diagnosis to advanced treatment and rehabilitation.
• Patient-focused approach tailored to each individual’s needs and goals.
• Convenient locations at Kings Park Hospital and The Lanarkshire Clinic, serving patients across central Scotland.

FAQs

Can arthritis of the foot be cured?
While arthritis cannot be reversed, symptoms can be effectively managed with medication, orthotics, or surgery.

When is surgery necessary?
Surgery is recommended when pain severely limits movement or when conservative treatments no longer provide relief.

Will I be able to walk normally after surgery?
Yes. Most patients experience improved mobility and reduced pain once recovery is complete.

How long does recovery take?
Depending on the procedure, recovery can take from a few weeks (for injections) to several months (for fusion or replacement).

Book your consultation

If foot pain or stiffness is affecting your daily life, effective treatment for arthritis of the foot is available.

Book a consultation today with Mr. Turab Syed at Kings Park Hospital in Stirling or The Lanarkshire Clinic in Hamilton to explore the best options for relieving pain and improving mobility.