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Foot and Ankle Arthritis
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Nationally Ranked in Orthopaedics – #1 in DFW
UT Southwestern Medical Center is ranked the No. 1 hospital for orthopaedic care in Dallas-Fort Worth and among the best nationally by U.S. News & World Report
Pain caused by foot and ankle arthritis can make athletic activity, and even walking, difficult.
UT Southwestern Medical Center’s orthopaedic surgery team is experienced in helping patients find nonsurgical and surgical treatments to manage arthritis pain that affects feet and ankles – and get them back to a more active life.
What Is Foot and Ankle Arthritis?
There are more than 30 joints in the foot and ankle. Cartilage covers the bones at many of these joints and allows for easy, pain-free movement. Foot and ankle arthritis, a common problem, occurs when the cartilage wears down and the bones rub together. This causes pain, swelling, and stiffness.
What Are the Types of Foot and Ankle Arthritis?
Types of arthritis that affect the foot and ankle include:
- Osteoarthritis, the most common form, caused by gradual cartilage breakdown over time due to aging or repeated joint stress
- Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition that causes the immune system to attack the joint lining, causing inflammation, pain, and joint damage
- Post-traumatic arthritis, which develops after a foot or ankle injury
- Inflammatory arthritis, such as gout, that causes joint inflammation and stiffness
Why Choose UT Southwestern for Foot and Ankle Arthritis Care?
UT Southwestern’s orthopaedic specialists create care plans based on each patient’s needs and goals. We offer comprehensive care for foot and ankle arthritis and treat the whole patient, focusing on overall health and only suggesting surgery when necessary. We recommend evidence-based solutions and work in partnership with patients to create individual treatment plans that best achieve the outcome the patient wants.
Patients benefit from:
- Fellowship-trained orthopaedic and podiatric foot and ankle surgeons with experience treating the full spectrum of foot and ankle conditions
- Advanced imaging and diagnostic technology to help evaluate arthritis and guide care decisions
- Access to the latest nonsurgical and surgical treatments
- Care at a leading academic medical center recognized for orthopaedic expertise and innovation
What Are the Symptoms of Foot and Ankle Arthritis?
Foot and ankle arthritis can develop over time, so symptoms may go unnoticed. When they do appear, patients may experience:
- Joint pain
- Decreased mobility
- Swelling
- Tenderness or warmth around the joint
How Is Foot and Ankle Arthritis Diagnosed?
Our team of experts will start with a physical exam and a discussion of the symptoms. We will ask about pain, examine how the foot and ankle move, and observe walking patterns.
Advanced imaging tests may include:
- X-rays to look for joint space narrowing and bone changes
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans to evaluate cartilage, bones, and soft tissues
- Musculoskeletal ultrasound, which is faster than MRI or CT scans, shows movement within the joint, and can be combined with ultrasound-guided injections
- Blood tests to help identify inflammatory or autoimmune arthritis
How Is Foot and Ankle Arthritis Treated?
Our care team develops personalized treatment plans to help patients move more comfortably, stay active, and maintain independence. Our multidisciplinary team offers evidence-based solutions and works with each patient to create the right care plan for them.
Care typically begins with nonsurgical treatments, which help many patients effectively manage their symptoms.
It’s important to understand that treatments don’t regrow damaged cartilage but instead help relieve pain.
Nonsurgical Treatments
Nonsurgical approaches are often successful and may delay or prevent the need for surgery. They include:
- Activity modification to reduce stress on the foot and ankle joints
- Physical therapy to improve strength, flexibility, and mobility
- Anti-inflammatory or pain-relief medications
- Orthotics or braces to support and align the foot and ankle
Injections
Injections reduce inflammation in the joints and may help reduce pain and improve movement for some patients.
Injections we offer at UT Southwestern include:
- Corticosteroid injections, which deliver anti-inflammatory medication
- Regenerative injections, which uses a concentrated portion of a patient’s own blood and is injected into the foot or ankle to support the body’s natural healing response
Surgical Treatments
We only recommend surgery when necessary and after nonsurgical treatments no longer provide relief. Patients who consider surgery usually have severe arthritis that causes serious pain, stiffness, and mobility problems.
UT Southwestern’s Orthopaedic Surgery Program offers leading-edge options, including:
- Arthroscopy, a minimally invasive procedure that uses small instruments and a camera to remove damaged tissue, bone spurs, or inflamed tissue from the joint
- Joint fusion, including midfoot fusion, ankle fusion, and subtalar joint fusion, a procedure that permanently joins two or more bones together to help reduce pain and stabilize the joint
- Ankle and great toe joint replacements, in which damaged joint surfaces are replaced with artificial components to help relieve pain and preserve motion
What Support Services for Foot and Ankle Arthritis Does UT Southwestern Offer?
UT Southwestern offers support services for patients receiving nonsurgical or surgical care for foot and ankle arthritis. The services include:
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation programs
- Pain management
- Education to aid recovery and long-term joint health
What Clinical Trials Are Available for Foot and Ankle Arthritis?
UT Southwestern participates in research studies designed to improve care for people with foot and ankle arthritis. Some patients may be eligible to take part in clinical trials that explore new treatments or approaches.
Ask our doctors about current studies or search for clinical trials.
Related Conditions and Treatments
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