The Benefits of Ostenil® for Managing Arthritis in Foot Joints

Arthritis in the joints of the foot be painful, impacting on both mobility and your quality of life. At Dulwich Podiatry, we understand the importance of effective treatments that allow you to stay active and pain-free. Whilst pain in your foot can usually be treated conservatively, sometimes further treatment in the form of injection therapy may be considered. We have talked about steroid injection therapy in an earlier blog (https://bit.ly/3DrUWkn). Another alternative that we may recommend is Ostenil®, a solution that has been proven to alleviate joint pain and improve mobility.

Ostenil®: A Non-Surgical Solution for Foot Arthritis

Ostenil® is a medical product containing hyaluronic acid, a natural substance found in synovial fluid – the fluid that lubricates and cushions your joints. It is specifically designed to treat the symptoms of osteoarthritis by restoring the balance of hyaluronic acid in the affected joint.

The formulation of Ostenil® includes Mannitol, a compound that enhances the stability of hyaluronic acid, allowing it to remain effective in the joint for longer. This combination has been extensively tested and shown to significantly reduce pain and stiffness without causing serious side effects.

How Ostenil® Eases Foot Joint Pain and Stiffness

In osteoarthritis, the synovial fluid loses its protective properties as hyaluronic acid breaks down faster than it can be replenished. This leads to increased friction and wear on the joint cartilage, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. Ostenil® works by:

1. Restoring Joint Lubrication: Injected directly into the joint, it replenishes the hyaluronic acid, improving the synovial fluid’s ability to cushion and lubricate the joint.
2. Reducing Pain and Stiffness: With improved lubrication and shock absorption, patients often experience a noticeable reduction in symptoms.
3. Promoting Cartilage Health: By enhancing the quality of the synovial fluid, Ostenil® helps protect the cartilage from further damage.

Benefits of Ostenil® for Arthritis in the Feet

While Ostenil® is commonly associated with knee osteoarthritis, it is equally effective for other synovial joints, including those in the feet. Arthritis in the feet, particularly in the big toe (hallux rigidus) or midfoot joints, can benefit greatly from Ostenil®’s targeted action. Key benefits include:

• Non-Surgical Option: Ostenil® provides relief without the need for invasive procedures.
• Rapid Relief: Most patients notice improvement within a few weeks of treatment, with effects lasting several months.
• Personalised Treatment: Repeat injections can be administered as needed, based on your symptoms and progression.
• Minimal Side Effects: Ostenil® is well-tolerated, with a very low risk of allergic reactions due to its non-animal origin.

What to Expect During Treatment

Treatment with Ostenil® involves a series of injections administered by your podiatrist. The process is straightforward:

1. The affected joint is identified and prepared.
2. Ostenil® is injected directly into the joint space.
3. Patients may experience mild discomfort at the injection site, but this typically resolves quickly.

You may not notice an immediate change after the injection, as the benefits develop gradually over the following weeks. Most patients report significant improvements in mobility and a reduction in pain that lasts for several months.

Is Ostenil® Right for You?

If you’re experiencing foot pain due to arthritis and other conservative treatments such as orthotics, physiotherapy, or medication haven’t provided sufficient relief, Ostenil® may be an excellent option for you. A consultation with our podiatrists will determine if Ostenil® is suitable for your condition.

Take the First Step Toward Pain-Free Living

At Dulwich Podiatry, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve better foot health and overall mobility. If you’re interested in learning more about Ostenil® or exploring other treatments for foot arthritis, contact us today to schedule an MSK consultation. Relief from joint pain is just around the corner!