Arthritis and gout can make everyday movement painful, affecting your ability to walk, work and stay active. These conditions commonly impact the feet, ankles, knees and hips, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling and reduced mobility.

At FootMotion, we assess how arthritis or gout is affecting your feet and provide footwear and orthotic solutions to help reduce pain, improve comfort and support everyday movement.

What Is Arthritis?

Different types of arthritis require different management, making an accurate diagnosis important.

Arthritis is a term used to describe conditions that cause pain, inflammation and stiffness in the joints.

The most common types include:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Gout

These account for the majority of arthritis cases in Australia.

Because the feet contain 33 joints and carry constant load, they are commonly affected. Arthritis becomes more common with age, although some forms can occur at any stage of life.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joint.

It often causes sudden, severe pain, most commonly in the big toe, along with swelling, redness and heat in the joint.

Common Symptoms

You may be experiencing arthritis or gout if you have:

  • Pain or stiffness in the feet, toes, ankles, knees or hips
  • Swelling in one or more joints
  • Morning stiffness that improves with movement
  • Sudden big toe pain (gout flare ups)
  • Reduced flexibility in the foot or ankle
  • Pain that worsens with standing or activity
  • Changes in walking pattern

Causes and Risk Factors

Arthritis and gout can develop due to a range of factors, including:

  • Age related joint wear and tear
  • Genetics and family history
  • Previous joint injuries
  • Autoimmune conditions (rheumatoid arthritis)
  • High uric acid levels (gout)
  • Excess body weight increasing joint load
  • Repetitive loading of the feet over time

How Arthritis and Gout Are Managed

While there is no cure, symptoms can often be managed effectively with the right support.

Treatment may include:

  • Supportive, well cushioned footwear
  • Orthotics to help redistribute pressure and reduce stress on painful joints
  • Rocker sole footwear to reduce pressure through painful joints
  • Stretching and mobility exercises
  • Activity modification and load management

Appropriate footwear can help improve comfort, mobility and confidence with walking.

Management may also involve your GP or rheumatologist, particularly for inflammatory arthritis or gout.

How FootMotion Can Help

We focus on keeping you active and comfortable with:

  • In store foot assessments
  • Footwear recommendations tailored to your lifestyle and activity levels
  • Expert footwear fitting and advice
  • Supportive shoes for arthritis and gout
  • Orthotic friendly footwear options
  • Walking, running and recovery shoe ranges
  • Access to podiatry services in selected locations

    We work alongside your healthcare team to help manage foot-related symptoms and improve mobility.

When to Seek Help

Book an assessment if:

  • Joint pain is affecting daily movement
  • Symptoms are worsening
  • Morning stiffness is increasing
  • Gout flare ups are recurring
  • Footwear is no longer providing relief

Early support can help reduce ongoing joint stress and improve outcomes.

Stay Active With Less Foot Pain

You do not need to live with ongoing joint pain. The right footwear and support can make a meaningful difference.

Find your nearest FootMotion store and book a fitting today.

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