Whether you’re exploring the Sonoran Desert on one of the greater Phoenix area's breathtaking trails or simply strolling through the neighborhood, your feet and ankles are the foundation of an active lifestyle. But when arthritis sets in, causing joint pain and stiffness, these enjoyable activities can become a challenge.
If conservative treatments like medication and steroid injections aren’t providing the relief you need, arthroscopy might be the answer. At Ahwatukee Foot & Ankle Center in Phoenix and Maricopa, Arizona, our skilled team uses this minimally invasive procedure to identify and address a variety of podiatric issues, including arthritis.
Don’t let arthritis limit your life. Here’s how arthroscopy works to alleviate pain and improve joint function.
Your feet and ankles are complex structures, each foot containing more than 30 joints essential for walking, running, jumping, and even standing still. When arthritis develops due to joint wear and tear (osteoarthritis), an autoimmune disease (rheumatoid arthritis), or an injury (post-traumatic arthritis), it can damage cartilage and other joint tissues, causing friction and pain with every movement.
As time goes on, this damage worsens, leading to further pain and reduced mobility. While nonsurgical treatments are helpful for some, they may not always provide complete relief.
Arthroscopy uses tiny incisions and specialized instruments to smooth and reshape joint surfaces, remove inflamed tissue, and clear out debris. This process can help your joints move more easily, reducing pain and restoring function.
During your procedure, your surgeon makes several small incisions around the joint and inserts the arthroscope — a thin tube equipped with a tiny camera and light source. This device gives us a real-time view of the joint, ensuring an accurate diagnosis and a high degree of precision during surgery.
Arthroscopy for foot and ankle arthritis is one of the least invasive surgical procedures you can undergo. Our expert surgeons can correct a variety of complex issues with minimal damage and disruption to healthy tissues. This gives arthroscopy numerous advantages over traditional open surgery, including:
While arthroscopic surgery can offer a host of benefits for arthritis sufferers, it may not be suitable for everyone. Factors like the severity of your condition, the overall health of the joint, and individual patient needs can influence the best course of treatment.
Our skilled team conducts a thorough evaluation before treatment to determine if arthroscopy is the right choice for you. If not, we can explore other therapies or procedures to help you achieve optimal foot and ankle health.
If you’re struggling with the pain and stiffness of arthritis, don’t wait for your symptoms to get worse. Schedule a consultation at Ahwatukee Foot & Ankle Center today to discover effective treatment options so you can regain your active lifestyle.
