With over 50 million adults living with arthritis, it is no surprise that it is one of the most common reasons for people to seek help from podiatrists. The foot has over 30 joints to support the entire body’s weight, so when there is swelling, pain, or limitations in movement, it can affect your gait and your entire body. Conservative measures such as maintaining a healthy body weight, custom orthotics, physical therapy, and limiting high impact activities can often help alleviate pressure in the joints, but unfortunately for many who have severe arthritis, more drastic measures like surgery may be necessary. Surgery may not only alleviate chronic joint pain, but can also improve the function and movement in the joint so that you can resume performing daily activities.
Types of arthritis surgery:
- Arthroscopic debridement – Typically used for early stages of arthritis, arthroscopic debridement involves removing damaged tissue, cartilage, and bone spurs using a small, lighted camera and thin instruments inserted through small incisions.
- Arthrodesis – Joints are fused by removing the ends of bones and securing them with hardware to create one solid piece of bone, which eliminates pain by removing the painful movement in the joint.
- Arthroplasty – When a patient’s arthritis is so severe that the joint surfaces are destroyed and pain prevents them from performing daily activities, total ankle replacement may be necessary. After damaged tissue and cartilage are removed, metal or plastic joint surfaces are inserted to allow for increased range of motion and pain relief.
As with any surgical procedures, there are many factors and complications that can occur, so it is of utmost importance to work closely with an experienced board-certified podiatrist like Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico. At Syracuse Podiatry, Dr. D’Amico has been helping patients all over Central New York to treat podiatric issues like heel pain, sports injuries, nail fungus, and diabetic foot problems. His specialty in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery also provides relief for those with conditions like bunions, hammertoes, and arthritis. Please contact us or call our office in Fayetteville, NY at (315) 446-3668 to schedule an appointment today!