There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, including gout and rheumatoid arthritis. According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS), the most common forms to affect the feet are post-traumatic and osteoarthritis, especially in the big toe, ankle and midfoot joints.
Many patients who seek treatment for arthritis assume they’ll be able to resume activities such as running or playing sports. Seeking treatment early can improve the odds of preventing irreversible joint damage. For many patients with early-stage foot or ankle arthritis, changes in shoes or advanced custom orthotics can make a huge difference. While there is no fountain of youth for arthritis, there are more medical options available than ever before.
Big toes
One of the most common locations to develop osteoarthritis is in the big toe joint. During walking, the big toe absorbs forces equal to nearly twice a person’s body weight. It plays an important role in stopping and standing. Some people start to develop big toe stiffness, a condition called hallux limitus, in their forties.
Better surgical procedures now offer improved pain relief and joint movement to those with early stage arthritis at the big toe. Patients with advanced and severe arthritis may need to have the joint fused or replaced. But stronger screws and hardware are helping fusions last longer while slashing recovery times. A new generation of big toe joint replacements shows promise.
Ankles
Ankles are another prime spot for arthritis. Ankles are more likely to develop post-traumatic arthritis than osteoarthritis. For many, the trauma was an ankle fracture or a bad sprain that may have happened in their teens or twenties. Innovative new surgical techniques allow foot and ankle surgeons to transplant small plugs of cartilage from one part of the ankle to another in some patients, slowing joint deterioration.
Dr Patrick Bartholomew FFLC Cape Coral
Ankle replacements, however, are not as durable as hip and knee replacements. The ankle is a more challenging joint to replace. It’s smaller and moves in multiple directions. But better and promising ankle implants are hitting the market.
Dr. Bartholomew is a member of the ACFAS. He is board ABPM certified and ABFAS qualified in forefoot and rearfoot reconstructive surgery. He earned his podiatric medical degree from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia, PA and Geisinger Community Medical Center Residency in Scranton, PA. He currently practices with Family Foot and Leg Center in Cape Coral and Fort Myers. Dr. Bartholomew can be contacted at (239) 430-3668 (FOOT).
Contact:
Patrick Bartholomew, DPM
(239) 430-3668 (FOOT)
Lee County, Florida
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Serving Southwest Florida Since 2005, Family Foot & Leg Center has 9 convenient locations throughout Collier, Lee, Charlotte, and Sarasota Counties. Offering pediatric to geriatric family care: Ingrown Toenails, Heel Pain, Bunions, Foot / Ankle Arthritis Pain, Plantar Fasciitis, Foot / Ankle Surgery, Custom Orthotics, and Diabetic Wound Care. In office X-rays, ultrasounds, and minor surgical suite exam rooms. Practice powered by EMR and advanced technologies. Home of the Lam Minimal Invasive No-Scar Bunion Surgery! Come Discover Why Patients Love Our 5-Star Foot & Ankle Care! Same Day Appointments! Easy Online Appointment Scheduling!
