Osteoarthritis is a condition that results in destruction of joints and can cause pain and even disability in severe cases.
Any joint of the body can be affected but weight bearing joints are more common. It is a common cause of pain in the foot and ankle as well.
Initial treatment includes RICE, NSAIDS, supportive shoe gear, custom orthotics. Steroid injections are often injected in the affected joints. When conservative treatment fails, surgical treatment is considered. Alternative treatment including non- NSAID treatments that are more natural options both orally and topically.
Arthrodesis for the affected joint is the other treatment option which at times is more viable and more predictable. The idea behind arthrodesis or fusion of joints is to eliminate pain by eliminating motion. Most often, patients have very limited motion at the affected joint but this motion is very painful. Thus fusing the arthritic joint eliminates the pain.
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For our patient’s convenience, we offer foot and ankle treatments for all kinds of conditions such as Osteoarthritis in Adrian, MI, Osteoarthritis in Ann Arbor, MI, and Osteoarthritis in Jackson, MI. We have our own digital x-ray, MRI, Cat-scan, and ultrasound equipment at many of our podiatry clinics. Our on-site podiatric physical therapy clinics allow for constant communication between the physicians and physical therapists, ensuring the most effective therapy and successful recovery for our patients.