Ankle and foot arthritis can affect over 30 joints in the foot and ankle. Without proper treatment, arthritis can weaken your muscles, impede mobility, and cause deformities in your feet and ankles. Dr. Gary Driver provides comprehensive treatment for ankle and foot arthritis in Weatherford and Fort Worth, TX. He is a fellowship-trained ankle and foot surgeon who provides personalized treatment to suit a variety of lifestyles. His patients range from athletes and dancers to individuals who lead a more sedentary lifestyle. Regardless of the severity of your condition, Dr. Gary Driver will have a treatment option for you. Schedule an appointment today!
What is Ankle and Foot Arthritis?
Ankle and foot arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of joints in the ankle and foot. There are three types of ankle and foot arthritis: post-traumatic arthritis, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can damage the cartilage that covers the ends of bones where they form a joint, causing the bones to rub together when you move. This can be very painful and result in reduced mobility.
Symptoms of Ankle and Foot Arthritis
Some of the most common symptoms of ankle and foot arthritis are:
- Stiffness and loss of mobility
- Deformities in the feet and ankles
- A dull to sharp ache in the feet and ankles
- Joint swelling and redness
- Pain with motion
If ankle and foot arthritis is not treated on time, symptoms can worsen and begin to affect your ability to function in daily tasks. If you are experiencing symptoms of ankle and foot arthritis, we recommend you make an appointment with Dr. Gary Driver for personalized treatment.
Types of Ankle and Foot Arthritis Dr. Gary Driver Treats
Dr. Gary Driver has extensive experience in treating different types of ankle and foot arthritis. Through his personalized arthritis treatment plans, he aims to reduce pain and inflammation and improve patients’ mobility. Here are the types of ankle and foot arthritis he treats:
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, often found in elderly people. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage lining the ends of bones wears down over time, causing the bones to rub against each other painfully.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic auto-immune disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack healthy joints and tissues. It usually affects both sides of the body equally, meaning both feet or ankles would be affected. Like other types of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving.
Post-traumatic Arthritis
Post-traumatic arthritis results from injuries such as dislocation or a fracture. This condition can develop immediately following an injury to the ankle or foot, or it can take years to appear.
How is Ankle and Foot Arthritis Diagnosed?
During your initial appointment, Dr. Gary Driver will review your medical history and discuss your symptoms for further evaluation. He will then perform a physical examination to assess the affected area in your ankle or foot. X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs can also help to diagnose arthritis in the foot and ankle joints. Based on your diagnosis, Dr. Gary Driver will create a personalized treatment plan to address your condition according to your unique needs. His number one priority is getting you back on your feet so you can enjoy more of what life has to offer.
Treatment for Ankle and Foot Arthritis in Fort Worth and Weatherford, TX
Dr. Gary Driver provides the following ankle and foot arthritis treatment options:
Non-Surgical Treatment
Dr. Gary Driver provides non-surgical treatment to patients whose condition does not warrant more invasive procedures. Non-surgical arthritis treatment is designed to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility. Dr. Gary Driver will customize your non-surgical treatment plan according to your needs. He offers the following non-surgical treatment options:
- Medication (anti-inflammatories)
- Injections (steroids)
- Physical therapy
- Orthotics such as pads or arch supports
- Canes or braces to support the joints
- Ankle-foot orthosis
- Weight loss plan
Surgical Treatment
Surgical arthritis treatment may be necessary if non-surgical treatment methods are ineffective. Dr. Gary Driver performs the following surgical interventions for ankle and foot arthritis:
- Arthroscopy: This minimally invasive procedure involves the insertion of a small tube attached to a fiber-optic camera into an incision about the size of a buttonhole. It provides a clear view of the affected joint and can even allow for joint repair using thin surgical instruments inserted through additional incisions. Joint repair can involve removing foreign or inflamed tissue and bone spurs from the joint area. Once the Arthroscopy is complete, the incisions are closed.
- Arthroplasty (joint replacement): In cases where joint damage is severe, the affected joint may be removed and replaced by an artificial implant. This procedure is aimed at helping you regain mobility and reducing your pain.
Why Choose Dr. Gary Driver for Ankle and Foot Arthritis Treatment?
Here’s why Dr. Gary Driver’s clinic should be your first choice for ankle and foot arthritis treatment in Fort Worth and Weatherford, TX:
Advanced Treatment Techniques
With experience performing groundbreaking flatfoot reconstructive surgery and extensive knowledge of the latest advances in flatfoot treatment, Dr. Gary Driver can provide patients with excellent care. He uses imaging technology, including X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs to accurately diagnose flatfoot and determine the best possible treatment option.
Patient-Centered Care
Dr. Gary Driver values patients’ wellness and comfort. He offers treatment plans tailored to individual needs and preferences. His medical practice is based on integrity, honesty, and fairness. When you choose Dr. Gary Driver, you can be sure he will put your needs first.
Convenient Locations
Dr. Gary Driver has clinics in Fort Worth and Weatherford, TX, to provide his patients with specialized care near their homes. His convenient locations ensure that patients don’t have to travel too far to receive treatment.
Award-Winning
Dr. Gary Driver has been a recipient of the Fort Worth Top Doctors Award multiple times since beginning his practice in 2021. His success is largely due to his dedication to providing reliable and personalized treatment for foot and ankle patients.
Fellowship-Trained and Board-Certified
Dr. Gary Driver has advanced training in surgical techniques for ankle and foot arthritis. He completed his fellowship training at one of the top foot and ankle programs in the country. He is also a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. With his extensive experience and knowledge, you are in safe hands.
Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Gary Driver Today
Dr. Gary Driver provides personalized ankle and foot arthritis treatment to reduce the impact of arthritis on your daily routine. His comprehensive treatment program aims to get you back on your feet as soon as possible. You can call or use the form on our website to book an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is arthritis in the ankle and foot curable?
Unfortunately, there is no definitive cure for arthritis. Treatment is aimed at managing pain and inflammation and preserving joint function.
What causes midfoot arthritis?
Generally, midfoot arthritis develops as a result of gradual wear and tear or sudden injury. Physical inactivity and smoking are known to speed up the progression of midfoot arthritis and other types of arthritis. During your initial consultation, Dr. Gary Driver will attempt to identify the root causes of your symptoms in order to create a personalized treatment plan.
What is the recovery time for arthroscopy and arthroplasty?
The recovery time for these procedures can vary depending on your physical condition. However, most people will make a full recovery from an ankle arthroscopy in a few months, while it can take anywhere from six months to a year to recover from a joint replacement surgery.
How much does it cost to treat ankle and foot arthritis in Fort Worth?
Some of the factors that influence the cost of treating ankle and foot arthritis in Fort Worth include:
- Type of treatment
- Insurance coverage
- Rehabilitation needs
- Severity of the condition
You can contact us for an obligation-free estimate.
Can surgery for ankle and foot arthritis result in complications?
Although the incidence of complications is low, in a small number of cases, ankle and foot surgeries can lead to infection, nerve injury, bleeding, and blood clots. Dr. Gary Driver will do everything in his power to prevent complications and ensure a safe recovery.