Foot Arthritis Treatment Options
Many patients who come to our foot and ankle clinic believing they suffer from ankle arthritis are actually experiencing arthritis in the foot. There are many joints in the foot, all of which can become arthritic. When conservative treatment fails, surgery to replace certain joints of the foot or to fuse the joint can be very successful at relieving pain and allowing patients to get back to their normal activity levels.
Foot Arthritis Diagnosis
Proper diagnosis is of paramount importance prior to considering surgery for foot arthritis. A weight bearing CT scan with the pedCAT is extremely helpful to identify the exact location of the arthritic joint. Certified Foot and Ankle Specialists is the only group in Broward, Palm City and Martin Counties to provide such specialized imaging services.
Foot Arthritis Treatment
Foot arthritis symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling, and limited range of motion in the affected joint(s). Other symptoms may include redness and warmth in the area, as well as difficulty walking or standing for long periods of time. In advanced cases, the affected joint(s) may become deformed, and there may be a loss of strength in the foot.
Arthritis in the foot arch, also known as tarsal tunnel syndrome, is a condition where the tarsal tunnel, a narrow passageway on the inner side of the ankle, becomes inflamed and compressed. This can lead to pain, numbness, and tingling in the foot and toes. The most common cause of tarsal tunnel syndrome is osteoarthritis, which results in the degeneration of the bones and soft tissue in the foot. Other causes include rheumatoid arthritis in the foot, diabetes, and overuse injuries which could cause severe foot pain. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that can affect the feet and ankles, as well as other joints in the body. RA patients should work closely with rheumatologists and physical therapists to develop a plan that works for them. In advanced cases, surgery may be necessary to correct deformities or to relieve pain and improve function.
Nonsurgical treatment options for arthritis of the foot, which will be implemented initially, include minimizing physical activity to reduce the chance of aggravating your condition, losing weight to limit stress on the joints, physical therapy, therapeutic footwear, and medication to reduce inflammation and manage pain. If you are not experiencing relief from conservative options, our podiatrists may recommend surgical treatment. Surgical options include arthroscopic debridement, arthrodesis (fusion) or total ankle replacement.
Foot Arthritis
Foot and ankle surgery is a highly specialized area of medicine. If you were someone you know is experiencing pain in the foot ankle or lower leg, it is imperative that they see a specialist. The podiatrists at Certified Foot and Ankle Specialists provide the most technologically advanced diagnostic modalities and treatment options for your ankle problems available in the area, as well as free transportation for existing patients who have difficulty driving due to foot or ankle pain.
