Foot arthritis is a medical problem that involves the joints. This painful condition involving one or more joints can be caused by normal aging or “wear and tear” by an injury or by inflammatory diseases (Gout, Rheumatoid Arthritis, etc.).
The most common joint involved is the first big toe joint. From sports injuries (turf toe) to genetic flat foot deformities, this joint has the highest incidence of arthritis.
Patient symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling, redness, all from the ‘joint jamming’ and cartilage degeneration. The pain is characterized as dull to sharp with the first few steps in the morning and also in the evening after increased activities or with minor relief as it is “warmed up” during light walking and massage.
See videos below with a new injection treatment with amniotic ‘stem cells’, patients who have had the implant surgery, and a surgery showing the complete joint replacement implant procedure.
Medication:
Oral anti-inflammatory medication can help with the chronic pain, but are not much help with the acute pain.
Orthotics/Arch support:
Temporary arch supports, supportive athletic shoes, and custom molded orthotics are a great way to reduce the amount of forces and excessive motion in the involved joints
Physical Therapy:
Examples of physical therapy include massage, cold therapy, contrast baths, stretching, ultrasound, and electric stimulation.
Cortisone Injections:
Anti-inflammatory medication can be injected directly into the joint where it can be most effective without becoming a problem to the rest of the body. These injections can be administered with minimal discomfort.
BMA (bone marrow aspirate), PRP (Plasma Rich Protein) or Amnionic Cellular graft can be administered in an outpatient center or in the clinic. The objective is to supply the joint with cells and growth mediators that can help heal the joint damage in lieu of surgery.
HOW THIS TECHNOLOGY WORKS
Essentially we are giving the body the building blocks to regrow the damaged area.
Big Toe Joint Preservation:
Detached cartilage is removed and remaining bone is debrided or drilled to promote new cartilage growth. Additional joint decompression osteotomy or shortening to prevent joint jamming and increase range of motion. The surgery is performed at an outpatient center or hospital facility with sedation and/or general anesthesia.
HEALING TIMES:
Non weight bearing with a removable cam walker with stabilizing pressure on the heel until the sutures are removed at 2 weeks.
Additional non weight bearing for 2 more weeks, followed by partial weight bearing and gradual return to full weight bearing with a supportive shoe in 4-6 weeks.
Big Toe Joint Replacement:
Big Toe joint Fusion (Arthrodesis): Detached cartilage is removed and remaining bone is debrided or drilled to promote bone fusion (insert fusion plate picture?) with internal plate and screws. This is a permanent procedure although reversal and joint replacement is possible for some fusion patients with poor outcomes. The surgery is performed at an outpatient center or hospital facility with sedation and/or general anesthesia.
HEALING TIMES: Non weight bearing with a removable cam walker with stabilizing pressure on the heel until the sutures are removed at 2 weeks.
Additional non weight bearing for 6 more weeks, followed by partial weight bearing and gradual return to full weight bearing with a supportive shoe in 8-12 weeks.
‘Stem Cell’ / Amniotic cellular graft treatment for first great toe joint pain-arthritis:
Great doctor! He worked with me to avoid surgery when I first went there (unlike other doctors who led me to believe that I had no other option!), and when it was apparent that surgery was necessary on the other foot, it went very well. Great staff, would highly recommend.
-Terri
Our doctors have extended specialist medical training focused on the foot, ankle and lower leg. We are board-certified surgeons and experts in delivering care for complex foot and ankle disorders as well as cosmetic or reconstructive procedures and problems related to sports injuries and other medical conditions.
This site is designed to help you understand your condition and make informed choices about treatment options.
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Moore Foot and Ankle Specialists
2616 Farm to Market 2920, Suite N
Spring, TX 77388
(281) 941-5228
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