Arthritis can be a painful and debilitating condition that interferes with your overall quality of life. If arthritis is affecting your foot and ankle, you're probably unable to enjoy an active lifestyle or function well doing day-to-day activities because of the pain and discomfort.
But you don't have to live with the chronic pain of arthritis. Experts at Penn Orthopaedics treat all types of arthritis that affect the foot and ankle — from mild to the most severe cases — relieving your pain and helping to restore mobility.
We treat the following types of arthritis that affect the foot and ankle:
- Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis occurs as a result of overuse of the joints caused by aging, obesity or other injuries or stresses. It most commonly occurs in weight-bearing joints such as the foot and ankle.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that results in the body attacking the joints and tissues of the joints causing inflammation and damage.
- Post-traumatic arthritis: Post-traumatic arthritis is caused by an injury to the joint that causes inflammation and joint damage.
Meet the team of experts who specialize in foot and ankle arthritis treatment
Foot Arthritis and Ankle Arthritis Symptoms
Symptoms of arthritis vary depending upon the severity of your condition and which joints are affected. Symptoms may include:
- Pain that occurs during activity or motion
- Tenderness in the joint area
- Swelling in the joints accompanied by warmth and redness
- Stiffness, pain and swelling after sitting, resting or inactivity
- Difficulty walking or moving
Foot and Ankle Arthritis Diagnosis
Using the latest diagnostic approaches, our orthopaedic specialists have the expertise, knowledge and experience to accurately diagnose arthritis of the foot and ankle and recommend a treatment plan.
To diagnose foot and ankle arthritis, a Penn orthopaedic specialist will evaluate your symptoms, examine your foot and ankle, inquire about any recent injuries or underlying conditions, and take a full medical history. As part of the evaluation process, musculoskeletal radiologists carefully review imaging, leading to a better diagnosis and the best possible treatment options.
You may require further imaging tests to ensure an accurate diagnosis, such as:
- MRI
- CT scans
- Weight-bearing CT scan
Each patient's treatment plan is individualized based on the type of arthritis they've been diagnosed with, as well as their personal needs and goals for therapy.
Foot and Ankle Arthritis Treatment Options
Whenever possible, we implement conservative therapies to treat arthritis of the foot and ankle that work to lessen the pain and swelling. Many individuals find that non-surgical techniques are extremely effective in reducing symptoms and restoring function and mobility. Our physical therapists work one-on-one with patients, reinforcing the concept that movement is important, to get them functioning and help relieve symptoms.
Non-surgical options to treat arthritis of the foot and ankle include:
- Activity modification
- Bracing and compression
- Corticosteroid injection into the joints of the foot and ankle
- Pain medication and anti-inflammatories
- Physical therapy
If non-surgical techniques are not offering enough relief, surgery may be recommended. Your physician will discuss these options with you.
Surgery for Foot and Ankle Arthritis
When your arthritis does not improve through the use of conservative therapies, we offer the latest advancements in surgical techniques that can offer life-changing results to relieve your pain and restore mobility.
We are leading the way in total ankle replacement, joint replacement and minimally invasive surgical techniques that use smaller incisions and offer a quicker recovery for arthritis of the foot and ankle.
Depending on the type and severity of your arthritis, your physician may recommend one or more of the following surgeries:
Minimally Invasive Surgery for Arthritis of the Big Toe
Patients with arthritis of the big toe (hallux rigidus) who have not found relief from conservative management may be candidates for minimally invasive surgery. The procedure involves a small incision in the toe, which allows the surgeon to access and remove the arthritic cartilage and then reposition the joint in order to reduce pain. Following the procedure, patients spend about 4 to 6 weeks wearing a boot or hard toe shoes and then transition to comfortable sneakers or shoes with stiff inserts. Physical therapy is needed on a case by case basis.
Cartiva (Implant in the Big Toe)
Cartiva® is an implant that treats painful osteoarthritis in the joint of the big toe. The implant is composed of a bio-compatible, durable, slippery organic polymer that functions like natural cartilage. Cartiva is an effective option for patients with osteoarthritis who wish to maintain their range of motion while getting significant pain relief. Cartiva allows you to retain the mobility and range of motion of your joint.
Cartilage-Sparing Ankle Arthroscopy
Cartilage-sparing ankle arthroscopy may be performed for less advanced cases of arthritis. During cartilage-sparing arthroscopic surgery, a small camera is inserted inside the ankle joint to view damaged structures. Tiny incisions are made, and specialized surgical tools are used to remove debris from the joint and repair damaged structures while sparing remaining cartilage.
Arthrodesis (Ankle Fusion)
Arthrodesis, or ankle fusion, fuses the bones of two or more joints in the ankle, creating one continuous bone structure. Your surgeon will attach the bones with some type of hardware, which may include plates or screws. Bone grafting may be done to help the bones heal together. Arthrodesis works to eliminate motion in the joints that have been damaged from arthritis, reducing pain and inflammation.
Total Ankle Replacement
Total ankle replacement is an option for the management of end-stage rheumatoid arthritis, which allows patients to maintain range of motion in their foot and ankle. Penn orthopaedists helped pioneer and were early adopters of an advanced technology in ankle replacement called STAR Total Ankle Replacement.
The STAR Total Ankle Replacement procedure involves replacing bone and cartilage in the ankle with metal components comprised of two cobalt chromium alloy interfaces coated with titanium. This provides a mobile bearing that allows the ankle to continue to bend up and down. Total ankle replacement is not for every patient with ankle arthritis and is typically performed to treat more severe cases of arthritis.
Foot and Ankle Arthritis Surgery Recovery
After surgery, you will have a cast or boot to help protect your foot and ankle. Your doctor will recommend you get plenty of rest and may suggest you go to physical therapy. Penn physical therapists create personalized recovery plans depending upon the severity of your condition and what type of surgery you have had.
Recovering from arthritis surgery is different for everyone, taking anywhere from several weeks to months. You should speak to your doctor about what recovery might mean for your particular condition.