If you’ve noticed that your feet feel achy or stiff—especially first thing in the morning or after long walks—you’re not alone. One of the most common causes of this kind of discomfort is osteoarthritis, a condition that wears down the protective cartilage in your joints over time.

And yes—it can absolutely affect your feet.

Your feet have over 30 joints, all working together to help you stand, walk, and move comfortably. But when osteoarthritis sets in, even simple daily tasks can start to feel like a challenge.

Let’s walk through what’s going on inside your feet, what signs to look out for, and how we help patients at Achilles Foot Clinic in Ballincollig manage their symptoms and stay mobile.

What Is Osteoarthritis in the Feet?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is sometimes called "wear and tear arthritis" because it usually develops slowly as we age. The cartilage—the smooth, cushiony tissue that covers the ends of your bones—gradually breaks down. Without enough of that cushioning, the bones start to rub against each other. That’s when pain, stiffness, and swelling start to creep in.

In the feet, the most commonly affected areas include:

• The big toe joint (especially if you've had bunions or toe injuries)

• The midfoot, where the arch sits

• The ankle joint

Over time, joints can become enlarged, lose their flexibility, or feel tender to the touch. You might notice that your foot looks a bit different or doesn’t move like it used to.

Common Signs of Foot Osteoarthritis

Not sure if what you're feeling is arthritis? Here are some signs to watch for:

• Pain or tenderness in a joint during or after movement

• Stiffness, especially after resting or in the mornings

• Swelling around one or more joints

• A grinding feeling (called crepitus) when you move your foot

• Reduced range of motion or difficulty bending the toes or ankle

• Bony lumps or joint changes you can see or feel

Some days might feel better than others. Cold weather, extra activity, or standing for long periods can make symptoms flare up.

How We Help Manage Foot Osteoarthritis

While there’s no cure for osteoarthritis, there’s a lot we can do to manage pain, protect your joints, and keep you moving.

At Achilles Foot Clinic, our goal is to help you stay active and independent—with less pain and better foot function.

Here’s how we approach it:

1. Footwear Advice

The right shoes can make a big difference. We’ll help you choose footwear with:

• A wide toe box (to reduce pressure)

• Cushioning in the soles

• Low or no heels

• Stiff soles that support the foot and limit painful motion

2. Custom Orthotics

We often prescribe custom-made insoles to take pressure off painful joints and improve alignment. They can be especially helpful if your arthritis is affecting the arch or the ball of your foot.

3. Pain Relief Options

Depending on your symptoms, we might suggest:

• Anti-inflammatory creams or gel rubs

• Targeted laser therapy to reduce inflammation and improve healing

• Shockwave therapy in specific cases to stimulate tissue repair

4. Strengthening & Stretching Exercises

Keeping the muscles around your joints strong helps with stability and pain control. We can show you gentle movements to do at home that support your foot without overdoing it.

5. Activity Modifications

We’ll work with you to stay active—but in a way that’s safe and joint-friendly. That might mean switching from walking long distances on hard pavement to cycling or swimming a few days a week.

When to Get Help

If you’re feeling foot pain that’s hanging around longer than a few weeks, or if your feet are becoming stiffer or harder to move, it’s time to have them checked.

The earlier we catch arthritis, the more we can do to protect your joints and avoid long-term damage.

You don’t have to wait until the pain is unbearable. Sometimes, small changes can bring big relief.

You Deserve to Move Without Pain

We know how frustrating it can be to feel like your feet are holding you back. Whether you’re walking the dog, heading to the shop, or playing with your kids or grandkids—your feet shouldn’t stop you from doing what you love.

At Achilles Foot Clinic, we’ll listen, assess your needs, and build a plan that helps you feel stronger and more comfortable on your feet.

Let’s take care of those joints—so they can take care of you.