Arthritis occurs in foot and ankle joints when cartilage is worn down. You essentially lose the padding between two bones and they typically start to rub on each other causing pain. Bone spurs can then form, which leads to even greater pain. Unfortunately, this can cause people to lead less active lifestyles and their overall health can suffer.
Thankfully, several options exist to help with pain. Many joints in the foot and ankle used to require fusion to help decrease pain, but this can lead to a stiffer foot that can make it harder to exercise. There are now procedures availble to help repair cartilage defects in the ankle that can be performed minimally invasively through arthroscopy.
In the big toe joint, there is a newer option available as well, that can help restore range of motion and decrease pain. The results have been very promising with this, and it is allowing patients to return to hiking and other activities with less pain. Call our Colorado Springs foot and ankle surgeon today if you are experiencing pain, so we can help you!
