Foot and ankle arthritis
Osteoarthritis of the foot or ankle is wear of the smooth cartilage that lines the joints there, most often the ankle, the big toe or the midfoot. Read more about foot and ankle arthritis →
If symptoms are sudden, severe or getting worse, contact your GP or NHS 111.
Where are you up to?
The NHS reports waiting times by specialty, not by individual condition, so this is the orthopaedics wait, updated August 2026. Enter a postcode to see the hospitals near you.
orthopaedics waiting times by hospital
| Trust | Location | Typical wait |
|---|---|---|
| Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust | Bath and North East Somerset | 12 weeks |
| Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | Liverpool | 13 weeks |
| George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust | Nuneaton and Bedworth | 13 weeks |
| South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust | Warwick | 14 weeks |
| University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust | Birmingham | 15 weeks |
| South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | Middlesbrough | 15 weeks |
| University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | Camden | 16 weeks |
| Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | Wigan | 16 weeks |
About foot and ankle arthritis
Osteoarthritis of the foot or ankle is wear of the smooth cartilage that lines the joints there, most often the ankle, the big toe or the midfoot. It can cause pain, stiffness and swelling that are worse with activity, and sometimes a change in the shape of the joint. It is more common with age, after a previous injury, or where the joints are under extra strain.
How it is treated
It cannot be cured, but the symptoms can usually be managed. Most people start with pain relief, supportive and cushioned footwear or insoles, losing weight if needed, and exercises to keep the joint moving and the muscles strong. A steroid injection is sometimes used for a flare. When symptoms are severe and other treatment has not helped, surgery such as fusing or replacing the joint is an option a specialist can discuss.
After treatment
Many people keep their symptoms under control for a long time with footwear, activity changes and exercises. Symptoms tend to come and go, and staying active within comfortable limits helps; if the joint becomes very painful or stiff despite this, your team can talk through further options.
Sources: NHS: Osteoarthritis. Last updated October 2026.
General information only, not medical advice. Wait or Pay is independent and is not the NHS. Your GP decides what care, if any, you need.