Osteoarthritis of the ankle is less common than in the knees or hips, but it can significantly affect quality of life. It often develops after injury, such as a fracture or sprain, leading to wear and tear of the cartilage. The average age of onset is typically in the 50s, but earlier cases may occur after trauma. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and swelling, making it difficult to walk or stand for long periods of time. Initial treatments focus on relieving symptoms with conservative measures like targeted stretching exercises and supportive footwear. If pain persists, more advanced options include cortisone injections and orthotics. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary, ranging from joint-preserving procedures like arthroscopy or osteotomy to joint-sacrificing options like ankle fusion or total ankle replacement to restore mobility and reduce pain. If you suffer from ankle arthritis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment for the level of pain you are experiencing.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Anas Khoury, DPM from North Eastern Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Passaic, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Common foot and ankle surgeries include bunion removal, or bunionectomy, ankle ligament repair, and Achilles tendon surgery. These procedures are often needed to correct structural deformities, repair torn ligaments, or treat chronic conditions that cause pain and dysfunction. Postoperative findings typically include swelling, bruising, and some discomfort, which are normal as the body heals. Recovery times vary depending on the procedure but often involve limited weight-bearing and targeted exercises to restore mobility and strength. Stitches are usually removed within two weeks, and patients may need to wear a protective boot or cast during the healing process. Possible complications include infection, delayed wound healing, nerve damage, or blood clots. In some cases, stiffness or reduced range of motion can occur. If you have had foot or ankle surgery, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can closely monitor your healing.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Anas Khoury, DPM of North Eastern Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Passaic, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hammertoe deformities are one of the most common issues affecting the lesser toes, typically causing the joint in the middle of the toe to bend downward, resembling a hammer. This condition often results from an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally keep the toes straight. Causes include wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, injuries, or underlying conditions such as arthritis or high arches. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and difficulty straightening the affected toe. Over time, the deformity can cause friction against shoes, leading to painful corns, calluses, and inflammation. Pain occurs due to increased pressure on the bent joint and surrounding tissues. To relieve discomfort, one can switch to wider shoes with a soft, roomy toe box and use orthotic inserts. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to realign the joint and restore normal toe function. If you have a painful hammertoe, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Anas Khoury, DPM from North Eastern Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Passaic, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.