Arthritis and Podiatric Rheumatology Clinic

Arthritis & Podiatric Rheumatology Clinic 

Living with an arthritic or rheumatological condition can be limiting and debilitating for many Kiwis - but there is a lot that can be done to improve your lower limb comfort and mobility.

Consultant in Podiatric Rheumatology

Associate Member of the New Zealand Rheumatology Association

 

There are over 140 different types of arthritis, with Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Gout being among the most common.

Experiencing recurrent inflammation and joint flares, or degeneration in your joints over the past decades can leave you feeling slow, stiff, and restricted. There’s a lot that a podiatrist specialising in podiatric rheumatology can do to ease your discomfort and improve your quality of life.

All podiatric rheumatology appointments are completed by, or overseen by consultant podiatrist Georgina Barr, who has extensive experience working closely with Arthritis New Zealand and Canterbury Rheumatologists. In the second year of her podiatry degree, she received the AUT Arthritis New Zealand Research Scholarship and has presented her findings at an international level.

Georgina understands the challenges that living with arthritis can bring at any age. She employs her wealth of knowledge and experience to create unique and personalised care strategies that consider each patient’s goals, health - and their potential for pain-free (or at least more comfortable) living. For severe cases of arthritis, even a 50% reduction in daily pain can make a world of difference.

If you are unable to attend our clinic in Merivale, Christchurch, we also offer a video telehealth alternative. Depending on your needs, your follow up consultations will continue over video conferencing or will be scheduled in-person.

 

What happens in an arthritis (podiatric rheumatology) consultation?

Georgina will complete a comprehensive assessment that involves discussing condition and pain history and examining the condition of your feet and lower legs. She will assess the available movement in your joints, review your gait, and analyse your footwear to ensure that it is giving you the support you need. She will work with you to create a plan to offload the painful joints and reduce the stress on your feet so that you can continue doing the activities you love with much more comfort and ease.

Part of that plan may be creating custom orthotics or in-shoe devices, devising strengthening and stretching programmes, and advising on best suited footwear. She will work with you to keep you in the footwear you prefer.