Arthritis in Feet

Yes, podiatry is offered on the NHS, at least in our area.

However, I've never been offered an Xray or further advice on what could be wrong with my feet although I do have insoles courtesy of the NHS.

The rather expensive ones I had made privately whilst on the NHS waiting list were of no use whatsoever and made my feet even more painful.

A podiatrist made a special orthotic insole for me which helped a lot. I went to a local podiatry clinic and just paid. It was worth it to me. Only about £40 I think but that was a few years ago. It meant I could keep wearing my old shoes and boots. The inflammation settled too.
Good that you're having an X Ray just in case it's something else.

Thank you everybody. I am going for an X-ray tomorrow so should know more once the results are in. My GP didn't offer the services of a podiatrist on the NHS - not sure if that's available nowadays.

Scentia - yes, I wondered about Doc Martens.

I would say Doc Martins are your way to go.

Are you sure it is arthritis and not a Morton's neuroma! Google it; it is a swelling on a nerve and feels like you have a pebble on the sole of your foot. They can be removed by surgery.

I have arthritis in my feet and was given a referral to a podiatrist...it was quite helpful as they arranged some insoles for shoes that do help a little.

If I'm looking at shoes and boots...Skechers are great as are Fitflops, I have a lovely pair of patent ankle boots from them!

Skechers [sp] now make boots I believe but probably not in the style you like. You can buy padded insoles that will probably fit into boots; no good for shoes but should be ok with boots and trainers. I've lived in trainers or Ugg boots for years because of foot problems.

It be an idea to be referred to a Podiatrist. I have arthritis in my feet and put up with years of pain before having the feet x rayed on the instruction of a Podiatry surgeon to find my bones has crumbled and needed pinning together. I would get them seen sooner rather than later.

You can buy gel insoles that may help. Places like JD Sports sell them.

I hope you manage to find something that helps with the pain