Osteoarthritis

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.

Osteoarthritis Diagnosis

Joints are covered by capsules and have synovial fluid within them which provides nutrition and protects the cartilage. Chronic wear and tear can cause damage to this cartilage. Damage to this cartilage causes arthritis of the joints. Cartilage destruction by either biomechanical or biochemical forces results in abnormal repair of cartilage and increase in cartilage degradation. When degradation of cartilage exceeds attempts to repair cartilage, osteoarthritis occurs. This progressive loss of cartilage is usually accompanied by increased thickness of the subchondral plate, osteophytes, and subchondral bone cysts.

Osteoarthritis Symptoms

Symptoms include chronic pain, stiff joints, rigid and painful range of motion of the affected joint, joint swelling and joint deformity. X-rays are utilized to confirm the diagnosis. Loss of joint space and bone spurring is commonly seen.

Osteoarthritis Treatments

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.

Working Hours

Jackson Office

Monday: 9am – 5pm
Tuesday: 9am – 5pm
Wednesday: 9am – 5pm
Thursday: 9am – 5pm
Friday: 9am – 5pm

Adrian Office

Ann Arbor Office

Monday: 9am – 12pm
Tuesday: 9am – 12pm
Wednesday: 1pm – 5pm
Thursday: 1pm – 5pm
Friday: 9am – 5pm

Foot And Ankle Experts In Michigan

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.

Foot And Ankle Conditions

Chronic Ankle Instability Diabetic Foot Conditions Hammer Toe Metatarsalgia Heel Pain Neuroma Nerve Pain

Foot And Ankle Treatments

Achilles Repair (PARS) Brachymetatarsal Internal Ankle Brace Plantar Plate Repair Cartiva Revisional Surgery Talar Spatial Frames

Osteoarthritis Info

Foot And Ankle Experts In Michigan

Useful Links

Patient resources

Get In Touch