Learn about
Arthritis
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a broad term encompassing more than 100 different types of joint diseases and conditions characterized by inflammation and stiffness in the joints. The most common forms are osteoarthritis, which involves the breakdown of cartilage due to wear and tear, and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the joints.
| What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of arthritis typically include joint pain, swelling, redness, and a decreased range of motion, which can significantly impair daily activities and quality of life. While the exact cause varies by type, factors such as genetics, age, injury, and lifestyle can contribute to the development of arthritis.
Common signs and symptoms of Arthritis
Arthritis of the great
toe joint
Arch collapse with arthritis
Arthritis of the ankle
Am I a candidate?
Fill in the symptom questionnaire to find out
| How can it be treated?
Early on the goal for arthritic joints is to reduce the inflammation around the joint. Limiting motion around the joint will help in reducing pain.
Nonsurgical treatments
- Tylenol use is safe and helpful for arthritis pain
- Heating pads or heated pools can help with arthritis pain
- Ankle braces can reduce motion and help with arthritic pain
- Anti-inflammatories can help but you will need to check with your physician before using
Arthritis surgery
The goal of arthritis surgery is to create a pain free motion of a joint. In the beginning of the process this is accomplished by cleaning up the joint of bone spurs and loose bodies. As the arthritis advances fusion or replacement of the joint is the best option.
1. An example of an arthritic bone spur of the big toe.
2. An example of open surgery for an arthritic spur on the big toe.
3. An example of an MIS surgery for arthritic spur great toe.
Through small stab incisions the bone spur caused by the arthritis is removed with a power bur and the joint is able to move normal again
Before
An example of an arthritic spur on the big toe before surgery.
After
An example of removal of an arthritic bone spur through the MIS technique.
| Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know I have arthritis of my foot and ankle?
Arthritis of a joint or joints can come on slowly , it starts as pain when you first get up and then it advances to pain throughout the day. Rest and heat can make it better. Staying off your feet can give you the most relief but that will increase your stiffness and increase your body weight which can make the pain worse when you get back on your feet.
How does MIS arthritis surgery help my problem?
When joints in the foot are severely arthritic there is not much that can be done to make them better. Technology hasn’t come up with good joint implants that can withstand the pressure from day-to-day walking. When a joint gets severely arthritic fusion of the joint is the best option. Since the joint is already stiff fusion the joint doesn’t create any further issues but it does resolve the pain.
How does MIS arthritis treatment compare to traditional arthritis treatment?
MIS fusions of arthritic joints lead to a quicker recovery, higher fusion rates and less scar tissue than there open counterpart. There is a significant decrease in infection rates also with the MIS fusion technique.
How long is the recovery for MIS arthritis surgery?
Unfortunately, MIS fusion techniques do not increase the recovery due the that it takes 8-12 weeks for any joint to heal regardless of the technique. The MIS advantage is that the complications are much less and once the joint is healed to transition to normal activity is quicker.
What limitations will I have after MIS arthritis surgery?
Anytime a joint is fused there is increased stiffness of the foot. Depending on the joint that is fused the limitations vary. MIS fusions are note done on joints that are past the option of recovery, if the stiffness is present pos