Foot and Ankle Arthritis: When to Visit a Podiatry Clinic

Running offers numerous health benefits, but for many, it may also uncover or exacerbate underlying issues such as foot and ankle arthritis. When pain in the ankle joint, foot, or even the knee becomes persistent, especially in runners, it’s essential to determine whether it’s due to overuse, Runner’s Knee, or a more serious arthritic condition. For runners, visiting a Singapore Podiatrist for early intervention can help preserve mobility, prevent further damage, and significantly improve quality of life.

Understanding Arthritis of the Foot and Ankle

Arthritis is characterised by inflammation of one or more joints, resulting in pain, stiffness, and loss of movement. For runners, the repetitive impact on the foot and ankle can accelerate joint degeneration—especially in those with existing biomechanical issues such as flat feet, overpronation, or supination.

Several types of arthritis can affect runners:

• Osteoarthritis – Typically linked to wear and tear of the cartilage in the joint.
• Rheumatoid arthritis – An autoimmune disease that attacks the joint tissue.
• Gout – Caused by a build-up of uric acid crystals within the joint.
• Post-traumatic arthritis – Often follows a previous injury such as a fracture or severe sprain.

Early Signs and Symptoms of Foot and Ankle Arthritis

Early detection is crucial in managing arthritis effectively. Look out for the following symptoms:

• Persistent pain in the foot or ankle, especially after running.
• Stiffness that limits the range of motion.
• Swelling around the affected joint.
• Tenderness when pressure is applied.
• Audible clicking or grating noises during movement.
• Instability or a feeling that the joint might give way.

Many runners dismiss these symptoms as typical overuse injuries. However, when these signs persist, it may indicate the onset of ankle osteoarthritis or another arthritic condition.

Misdiagnosis: A Common Risk for Runners

One of the challenges with foot and ankle arthritis is that its symptoms often mimic other conditions like Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, or simple muscular strain. As a result, arthritis may be misdiagnosed or overlooked, leading to prolonged discomfort and accelerated joint degeneration.

Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout can be particularly mistaken for minor sports injuries, especially in active individuals. The danger lies in runners continuing their routines, unknowingly causing more erosion of cartilage and worsening their condition.

Risk Factors That Contribute to Arthritis in Runners

While running itself doesn’t cause arthritis, several factors increase the risk of joint issues:

• Prior injuries (e.g., ankle sprains or fractures).
• Genetic predisposition to arthritic conditions.
• Excess body weight, increasing stress on joints.
• Poor running form and repetitive impact on hard surfaces.
• Worn-out or non-supportive footwear.
• Lack of recovery periods or cross-training.

Runners with flat feet, misalignments like overpronation or supination, or poor footwear habits are especially vulnerable to developing ankle and foot arthritis over time.

When to Visit a Podiatry Clinic in Singapore

If you’re a runner experiencing persistent pain and stiffness, it’s advisable to seek help from a specialist. A reputable podiatry clinic in Singapore will conduct a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation, which may include:

• X-rays and MRIs to detect joint degeneration and soft tissue damage.
• Blood tests to rule out inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
• Gait analysis to identify poor movement patterns or imbalances.

Early diagnosis is critical for initiating a personalised care plan that supports long-term joint health and sustained running performance.

Effective Management Strategies for Ankle Arthritis

Ankle arthritis can be challenging, but with timely and targeted care, runners can continue an active lifestyle. Key treatment options include:

1. Lifestyle Adjustments
   • Reducing high-impact activities and replacing them with low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling.
   • Managing body weight to reduce pressure on the ankle joint.
   • Stretching and strengthening exercises to improve mobility and stability.
2. Footwear and Orthotics
   • Wear cushioned, supportive running shoes tailored to your gait pattern.
   • Wearing custom foot orthotics can offload pressure from arthritic joints and help with related conditions like Runner’s Knee or chronic knee pain, especially in runners with poor alignment or overpronation.
   • Consider ankle foot orthotics for additional support and injury prevention.
3. Medical and Physical Interventions
   • Physical therapy to maintain joint function and alleviate discomfort.
   • Non-invasive procedures such as shockwave therapy can provide pain relief and support healing in both arthritic joints and surrounding soft tissue areas—often used to address heel pain and knee pain in active individuals
   • Steroid injections are used in severe cases to manage inflammation.
   • In advanced cases, surgical interventions such as joint fusion or ankle replacement may be necessary.

Preventing the Progression of Arthritic Conditions

While not all cases are preventable, there are proactive steps runners can take to preserve joint health:

• • Listen to your body: don’t ignore pain that persists.
  • Alternate running with low-impact cross-training.
  • Maintain good form and running posture.
  • Invest in high-quality footwear and change shoes regularly.
  • Schedule regular visits to a podiatry clinic for ongoing assessments.

Early intervention remains the best way to manage symptoms and reduce pain. With the right strategies, runners can enjoy their sport without compromising long-term joint function.

Empower Your Running Journey with Proper Care

Foot and ankle arthritis doesn’t mean you have to stop running. With early diagnosis, expert evaluation using 3D foot scans, gait analysis, and a personalised treatment plan, runners can regain confidence and mobility.

At East Coast Podiatry, we specialise in foot care for runners, offering advanced diagnostics and therapies tailored to your training needs. Whether you’re dealing with flat feet, chronic pain, or recovering from an injury, our podiatrists can help you return to the track safely and comfortably.