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Have arthritis pain on the top of your foot? How we avoid joint fusion surgery.

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arthritis on top of foot

Feet are very important for daily function. Whether you are an active runner or like to go on walks for exercise, arthritis pain on the top of your foot can be an issue. The foot is very complex and we know that approximately one-quarter of all the bones in your body are in your feet. Halfway between the ball of the foot by the big toe and where you bear weight and the back of your foot whereby the ankle joint is the midfoot. There are multiple bones in this area that are cube shaped and comprise the arch. It’s a common area to get arthritis in the foot and ankle. These are the affected joints that may cause pain on the top of your foot commonly referred to as midfoot arthritis.

What are the common symptoms?

  1. A boney prominence in this area is associated with the arthritic joint.
    The prominence may rub against your shoe and cause pain.
    There may also be numbness, burning or tingling in the same area because the bone spurs are rubbing against nerves beneath the skin.
  2. Dull pain in the morning when you first bear weight.
    There may be pain and swelling on the top of the foot. After a few minutes of walking the pain may subside.
    Over time this pain may be more severe and prolonged hurting with every step you take

What are the causes of pain on the top of the foot?

The number one problem may be foot mechanics causing more wear and tear on these joints. This type of arthritis is called osteoarthritis. Some feet may be more prone to this issue. Therefore, you are born with the foot biomechanics that might make you more likely to get the problem. Oftentimes a foot type may put more forces through the inner side of the foot by the first and second toe joints. This will cause more stress at the two or three joints in the midfoot associated with these joints in the ball of your foot.

  • Trauma- there may be a history of trauma to the area. There may have been an old fracture of partial dislocation or sprain in the foot that now years later will create arthritis and pain.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis- pain from arthritis caused by autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis.

What you can do for arthritis on top of foot?

  • You may need to get a larger shoe or one that is made up of softer material, so it does not rub against the boney spurs.
  • Get a stiffer soled shoe- if you’re getting dull pain in the area when you first bear weight in the morning this is a sign of joint arthritis so more support is critical.
  • Over the counter arch supports- using an over-the-counter arch support may also be helpful. This can add support to the shoes you have. In the elderly using devices such as a cane or walker may become necessary.
  • Choose different activities- If you run consider switching to hiking as this may cause less stress on the joints. You may also consider biking or swimming.
  • Lose weight- If you are overweight losing weight will put less stress through the joints and may reduce your pain.
  • Medications- consider using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDS. These anti-inflammatory drugs may help with the pain but don’t correct the problem and long-term use may not be good for the joints.
  • Supplements and intermittent fasting – this may help reduce inflammation and pain.

What your podiatrist can do?

  • Orthotics – this is a common type of treatment recommended especially if you’re getting pain from the joints in your midfoot as this is an indicator of arthritis and more support and dramatically reduce your pain. This process involves getting a non-weight bearing digital scan of your foot so that an orthotic can be made to more accurately support your foot.
  • Cortisone injections – These may be helpful if there is nerve damage from the boney spur irritating nerves on the top of the foot.
  • Laser treatments – This may also be an option if nerve pain is an issue. Our MLS therapy laser is quick to provide relief with no downtime in comparison to surgery.
  • Surgery – Surgery to remove the boney spur may be recommended in some situations where there is minimal joint pain but simply pain from the boney prominence.

Treatments for Joint Pain from Foot Arthritis

As the problem progresses what was once simply a painful bump on the top of the foot may now become pain from the joint that the spur formation is associated with. Then joint pain can become very severe in this area. Fusion of the joint has always been the go-to surgical option. This may involve removing the joint or joints and then using plates staples or bone screws to fuse the joint. It can be successful but there are risks and the lay-up period is weeks of non-weight bearing.

Arthritis Pain on the Top of the Foot: Avoiding Joint Fusion Surgery

Arthritis in the midfoot, also known as midfoot arthritis, is a common condition that can cause significant pain and limit mobility. Many individuals with this condition experience discomfort on the top of the foot, often exacerbated by walking, standing, or wearing certain types of footwear. While joint fusion surgery is a traditional option for treating severe cases, several non-surgical treatments are now available that may help alleviate pain and restore function without the need for invasive procedures.

Surgical Options

When non-surgical treatments fail to provide sufficient relief, surgery may be necessary to restore function and alleviate chronic pain. Traditional joint fusion surgery, also known as arthrodesis, is a common surgical approach, but other techniques may be considered depending on the severity of the arthritis.

Joint Fusion (Arthrodesis)

Arthrodesis involves permanently fusing the affected bones together to eliminate movement in the arthritic joint, reducing pain. While this procedure is effective, it does limit flexibility in the foot and may increase stress on surrounding joints over time. Recovery typically includes a period of immobilization followed by physical therapy.

Joint Resurfacing or Cartilage Repair

For patients with less severe arthritis, procedures that focus on preserving joint function may be an option:

  • Cartilage Transplantation: If the damage is localized, healthy cartilage from another part of the body can be transplanted into the affected area.
  • Osteotomy: A surgical realignment of bones to redistribute pressure and alleviate pain without completely fusing the joint.

These alternative surgical procedures can help maintain more natural movement in the foot while still addressing the pain and instability caused by arthritis.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

For those seeking to manage arthritis pain in the top of the foot without undergoing surgery, various non-invasive and minimally invasive treatments can offer relief. These include:

Regenerative Medicine Treatments

Regenerative medicine is a groundbreaking approach that focuses on harnessing the body’s natural healing processes to repair and regenerate damaged tissues. The following regenerative treatments have shown promise in treating midfoot arthritis:

  • Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: This treatment involves extracting a patient’s blood, concentrating the platelets, and injecting them into the affected area. PRP contains growth factors that stimulate healing and reduce inflammation.
  • Stem Cell Therapy: Stem cells, typically derived from a patient’s bone marrow or adipose tissue, are injected into the arthritic joint to promote tissue repair and reduce pain.
  • Prolotherapy: A series of dextrose-based injections that stimulate the body’s natural healing response to strengthen and repair the weakened ligaments and joints.

These treatments can help improve joint function, reduce pain, and potentially slow down the progression of arthritis.

Joint Denervation

Joint denervation is an innovative technique that targets the nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals from the arthritic joint. By selectively disrupting these nerve signals, patients can experience significant pain relief without altering the structure of the foot.

  • Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): This minimally invasive procedure uses heat generated by radio waves to disrupt nerve function, providing long-lasting pain relief.
  • Nerve Blocks: Injections of anesthetic agents can temporarily block pain signals and help determine whether denervation might be an effective long-term solution.

This approach is particularly beneficial for individuals who are not candidates for surgery or who prefer a treatment that does not involve altering the joint itself.

Choosing the Right Treatment for Arthritis on Top of Foot

Determining the best treatment option depends on the severity of the arthritis, the patient’s activity level, and overall health goals. While surgical interventions remain a viable solution for severe cases, non-surgical treatments like regenerative medicine and joint denervation offer promising alternatives for pain relief and improved mobility.

We do it differently at Anderson Podiatry Center!

  • Regenerative medicine treatments – for over 15 years we have been one of the leaders in podiatry using restorative medicine. We currently use placenta or umbilical cord products. These are injected into the involved joints. This allows the opportunity for your body’s natural healing processes to reduce inflammation and trigger increased growth factors to repair resulting in pain relief. We have had great success with this option, and it works well as these are not load bearing joints like a knee. With less load, the repair is thought to be improved. These are done in the office and patients return to normal activities in days.
  • Joint denervation – This is a process that involves blocking the pain signals to the brain by removal of a sensory nerve branch. There are four nerves in the lower leg that do not affect muscle strength. Any one of them can be safety removed and will not result in weakness. If a branch is removed, it is buried into muscle and patients are ambulating within days. The success rate has been very good and allows patients to delay and in most cases eliminate the need for joint fusion surgery.

As you can see we have multiple options to get you back to full activities and also feel we are well-versed to reduce the need for joint fusion surgery. View our patient testimonials below and when you are ready to meet with a local foot doctor in Fort Collins, give us a call.

Our foot clinic in Fort Collins or our other podiatric foot care office in Broomfield, Colorado  is staffed with compassionate, caring, and experienced staff. We will be glad to provide you with answers for arthritis on top of your foot.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Arthritis on Top of Foot

    • What are the early signs of midfoot arthritis?
      Common early signs include pain on the top of the foot, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty walking or wearing certain shoes.
    • How can regenerative medicine help with midfoot arthritis?
      Regenerative treatments like PRP therapy, stem cell therapy, and prolotherapy promote healing, reduce inflammation, and improve joint function without surgery.
    • Is joint denervation a permanent solution?
      Joint denervation can provide long-lasting pain relief, but results may vary. Some patients may require repeat treatments over time.
    • What are the risks of joint fusion surgery?
      Potential risks include loss of flexibility, increased stress on surrounding joints, prolonged recovery time, and possible complications such as infection or improper bone healing.
    • How do I know which treatment is right for me?
      A podiatric specialist can evaluate your condition and recommend the best treatment based on your symptoms, severity of arthritis, and lifestyle.
    • Can I still be active with midfoot arthritis?
      Yes, with proper management, including physical therapy, supportive footwear, and non-surgical treatments, many people with midfoot arthritis can maintain an active lifestyle.
    • How long does it take to recover from joint fusion surgery?
      Recovery can take several months, including immobilization and physical therapy. Full recovery may take up to a year, depending on individual healing rates.
    • Are there lifestyle changes that can help manage midfoot arthritis?
      Yes, maintaining a healthy weight, wearing supportive footwear, and performing low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling can help manage symptoms and reduce stress on the joints.

What to Know About Arthritis Foot Care and What You Can Do

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Arthritis is a very common problem in the foot and ankle area and can occur in different locations. Because the foot has so many bones, there are many joints that can become painful. 

arthritis in feet causes, symptoms, and treatment

Symptoms

First, it is important to understand what the symptoms of arthritis are. Symptoms tend to present as a deep, dull type of pain that occurs when you first get up in the morning, Then after you take a few steps, it can gradually get better.  As the arthritis becomes more severe, it can present all the time, particularly when you’re active. Understand that arthritis occurs when the cartilage that lines the joint becomes worn down and thinner. In severe situations it can wear down to bone.  Cartilage is very slick- even slicker than ice! It acts that way to let your joints move more easily.   

Causes

There are a multitude of causes that can result in arthritis. It could be from gout attacks, where inflammation in the joints destroys the cartilage, or even rheumatoid arthritis, where patients have autoimmune diseases that can affect the joints.

There may have even been an injury to the joint or bone that caused the cartilage to be damaged. This is especially common in the ankle joint in the case of someone who is a chronic ankle sprainer or has had an ankle fracture.  All these conditions can be called “secondary arthritis” as they are related to another issue. 

For many that suffer from arthritis, it is commonly referred to as primary arthritis, meaning there is no direct cause. As we age from using our joints, the cartilage tends to wear down

Lastly, the most overlooked cause is foot structure. Very few doctors are trained  to evaluate foot structure and foot biomechanics. Some foot types, particularly flat feet, might lend themselves to wearing down joints more than feet that have a normal biomechanical structure.

 Where does arthritis occur most commonly?

 It occurs most commonly in the great toe joint, ankle and midfoot. In the great toe, it will frequently cause a stiff toe joint, referred to as Hallux Rigidus.  It can also occur in the midfoot area, halfway between the toes and the ankle in the arch area. This is also more common as we get older. Finally, it can occur in the ankle joint, especially if you have had multiple ankle sprains, or if you have any kind of history of ankle fracture- this lends itself to a greater possibility of having ankle arthritis at some point in your life.

Five things you can do

  • Avoid inflammatory foods: Foods high in sugars and carbohydrates should be reduced. Why? Because they create inflammation in your body. Breads, sugar and white flour should be avoided. Also watch out for fructose as this is used in many beverages such as fruit juices and is probably worse than just scarfing down a candy bar. Instead of fruit juice, choose to eat the actual fruit as it’s much healthier for you. This will also help keep your weight down.    
  • Exercise: Yes, that is right, keep moving. Maybe if you used to run and it bothers you too much, consider biking or walking. You may want to take on swimming or other activities. Make sure to modify the frequency and duration because motion helps your body create more growth hormones which can help repair your joints. 
  • Consider supplements: Supplements such as Turmeric, Sam-e , Hyaluronic Acid and Collagen may also be effective and help fight inflammation. 
  • Avoid anti-inflammatories: While they may make you feel good today, the long-term effects are negative for your joint health. An exception to this would be if you have an autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis that is managed by your doctor. 
  • Use more supportive shoes: If you think you may be an overpronator, meaning you have flat feet, supportive shoes should be considered. You may also want to use an inexpensive over the counter arch supports. 

Treatment

  • Support the foot and ankle: Oftentimes orthotics are recommended as they are custom-made inserts that go in the shoes. They are especially important to help stabilize the bony areas that can lend themselves to arthritis.
  • Repair and restore the joint: At Anderson Podiatry Center, we do this using stemcell treatment. Regenerative medicine is something we have been using now for over a decade and has been extremely useful for ankle joint problems, great toe joint pain, and pain in the midfoot area and the mid arch. It has proven to show improvement 80-90% of the time. 
  • Block your ability to feel the pain: We do this by shutting off pain signals to the brain.   In some cases, especially if the arthritis is in the midfoot or up by the ankle, we can remove one or two branches in the lower leg that block your ability to feel the arthritic pain in your foot or ankle.  This is also especially useful and has prevented many patients from going through ankle replacement surgery or ankle fusion surgeries (which have a significant risk factor and recovery time). 
  • Joint surgery: In the worst-case scenarios, when all else fails, there may be a need for revision of a joint by scoping it in the example of an ankle joint. Or finally a joint replacement or fusion. 

In summary, if you have these problems, it is important to understand that there’s a lot that you can do to repair your condition. And at Anderson Podiatry Center, we can offer non-surgical approaches and low invasive procedures such as stem cell or nerve resection, which may avoid more major joint replacement surgeries. Do not assume that you have to have an ankle joint replacement or other joints fused to treat your arthritis. Consider the options that you can do first, and if you are still struggling and want to get back to full activity, consider our unique approach. 

Our Revolutionary Approach to Restless Leg Syndrome Treatment

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restless leg syndrome treatment

The name “restless legs syndrome” does not do the severe nature of the condition justice as it has been said that 10% of the population suffers from restless legs; and out of those, half have it severely. Restless leg syndrome is also known as Willis-Ekbom disease and is twice as common in female patients. Here at Anderson Podiatry, we have a revolutionary approach to the treatment of restless leg syndrome and are eager to share our findings with you.

Symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome

The symptoms of restless leg syndrome almost always occur at night or at rest, making it difficult for those suffering to fly on a plane or sit in a movie theater. That’s the frustrating thing about restless legs; during the day you may be functioning just fine; but once it’s time to go to bed, it all starts up again. Day after day, the same symptoms occur. At first, it may be mild, but then it can become more severe until it’s consistently happening every night.

symptoms of restless leg syndromeSymptoms are experienced in the legs; particularly from the knee down rather than above. The symptoms can be a combination of cramping, a creepy crawly sensation- like bugs or ants are going on your skin, pain, or jerky legs. However, the most prevalent symptom is an anxious or nervous feeling that makes you want to get up and walk. In fact, most patients have said this is what they have to do during the night.Restless leg syndrome comes on quite slow, and because of this, patients do not realize the severity of the condition. In fact, many in healthcare do not even realize the severity, and their hands are tied because, in many cases, they’re not sure how to help.

Aside from all the physical symptoms, maybe the worst of them all is the psychological effect. This includes the anxiety people experience during the day- not wanting to think about what’s going to happen when they go to bed at night- to the anxiety of being up at night when everybody else in the world seems to be sleeping. Then comes the morning and you are absolutely exhausted.

The good news is, for many of you, you can come out of the bushes because at Anderson Podiatry, we understand how severe this is. In fact, we actually have a solution for many people suffering from restless leg syndrome. This is something we’ve been practicing for approximately seven years.

The Conventional Approach to Treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome

In conventional medicine there’s no known cause for restless leg syndrome, so people are often left helpless. In many cases, people also find that their doctors or loved ones do not understand the severity of the problem. This is incredibly unfortunate because restless leg syndrome is a very serious problem that can affect people’s general health. Recent studies have shown that there’s a higher incidence of early death with people experiencing severe restless legs due to lack of sleep. This lack of sleep can cause all sorts of secondary problems, such as increased incidence of diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. 

In the world of conventional medicine, the treatment options are very minimal. They usually involve pharmaceutical medications that deal with dopamine levels in your brain, or band-aiding the pain with medications that are used for treatment of neuropathy (namely Lyrica and gabapentin). Outside of this realm of drugs is the possibility that some of your restless legs could be caused by your back. Maybe you have a pinched nerve in your back that could be radiating symptoms in the leg.

So basically, the restless leg syndrome treatment options are relegated to two things; either it’s coming from the back, or in the vast majority of cases, it’s something the medical community does not know how to treat. However, many of these treatments, especially the drugs, can have detrimental side effects patients don’t like, including significant weight gain.

Our Concept

At Anderson Podiatry we prefer to call this disorder “restless legs compression syndrome” because we’ve been able to reverse the symptoms by opening up tight nerve pathways in the lower extremity. When the nerve tunnels become tight it can be damaging, which results in restless legs syndrome symptoms for many. For most, the success rate is incredibly high and there is minimal chance of worsening the condition. We also treat patients with restless leg syndrome non-surgically by utilizing laser and e-stim. Both of these treatments help to restore more normal nerve function and have proven very effective. However, for many patients with severe restless legs, the surgical option may be the best treatment of choice.

So you may be wondering, what do we do when we do surgery? We’re basically opening up nerve tunnels- usually three, but sometimes just two. Two of these nerve tunnels are in the lower leg just below the knee, and third is down in the front of the lower one-third of the leg. These tunnels can create a lot of pressure on the nerves in the legs. Instead of treating you with pharmaceuticals, or hoping that maybe treatment of the back will help, we have found that the fire is truly in the nerve tunnels of the lower extremity. While many treatment options simply blow away smoke from the fire, we believe that we’re able to get rid of the problem by directing our attention to the flames.

Many people are desperate for a solution, and our method of treatment is something you’re not going to hear conventional medicine speaking to. Why? Well, in many cases, it’s because big pharma has no interest in supporting what we’re doing, as it would be contrary to what they want you to think (that restless leg syndrome patients have to be on medication).

In conclusion, if you’re looking to target the direct cause of your problem, consider coming to our office for evaluation of restless leg syndrome treatment. For many, surgery may not be the option you desire, and this is a decision that we can mutually discuss. If you have any other further questions, please contact our office to get a better understanding of how our treatment options work. It’s time for you to get your life and sleep back.

Please visit our YouTube channel, where we have plenty of information about what we do, as well as testimonials from patients that have successfully gone through our surgical procedures and nonsurgical treatment options.

Tora’s Recovery From Arthritic Feet With Stem Cell

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Tora came to Anderson Podiatry with pain due to her arthritic feet, making it hard to walk or stand for long periods of time. After a treatment with stem cell. Anderson Podiatry was able to significantly reduce her pain and keep Tora on her feet!

Tora had some arthritic joints in her mid food, and about 4 months ago we treated her with regenerative medicine. According to Tora, she was was having a lot of pain in her feet and could not walk for long periods of time. Her feet would especially hurt at night after being up all day. After her regenerative medicine procedure, Tora’s feet are much better. She can be up for longer periods of time and can walk 2x the distance she could before.

If pain in your feet, ankles, knees, hips, or shoulders is keeping you from being active, breakthrough regenerative medicine can help turn back the clock. Regenerative medicine can stimulate your body’s NATURAL healing process, relieving pain with a small downtime.

Regenerative medicine is an exciting, advanced treatment option that has been offered at Anderson Podiatry Center for over eight years. It is a incredibly popular treatment among our patients since it can reduce or eliminate the need for surgery. The treatments are also very safe, with little to no downtime when compared to surgical options, and have lasting results.

At Anderson Podiatry, we have been using this technology to treat conditions below the knee, and have seen great success. We have also recently added it as a treatment option for the nerve disorders we treat, including neuropathy and Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS).

The treatment stimulates your body at a deep level to regenerate damaged tissues or joints, decreasing pain. As we get older, our joints, soft tissues and tendons will begin to degenerate.

Sports Or Other Injuries? Mls Laser Therapy Can Help Manage Pain, Reduce Inflammation, And Speed Recovery

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Have you ever been injured? If you have, you know that anyone who has had a physical condition, sports or any injury that affects mobility or quality of life has the same goal: A rapid return to everyday activities. From practicing cryotherapy to speed up muscle healing, to spending thousands of dollars on therapy… people will do just about anything to recover faster.

At Anderson Podiatry Center, our foot doctors and medical doctors have an innovative technology that promotes cellular reproduction and growth to allow your cells to repair themselves, faster! Anderson Center for Laser Therapy is proud to be on the medical technological forefront by offering MLS Laser Therapy. You will benefit from our investment in the very best technology as a key component of our continuing quest to offer you the finest in health care.

MLS Laser therapy has been cleared by the FDA and proven safe and effective as evidenced by extensive and credible studies conducted in our country’s finest institutions including Harvard University.

MLS Laser Therapy Treats

  • Back Pain
  • Shoulder & Elbow Pain
  • Arthritis/Degenerative Joint Conditions
  • Bursitis
  • Sports Injuries
  • Muscle Sprains, Strains, Tears and Soreness
  • Tendon and Ligament Injuries
  • Occupational Injuries
  • Repetitive Motion Injuries
  • Pre-Surgical Treatment and Post-Surgical Swelling
  • Wounds
  • Bruising
  • Neuropathy and other Neurological Conditions
  • Headaches
  • Neck Pain

MLS Laser Therapy uses specific wavelengths of light that have a strong anti-inflammatory, anti-edema effect on tissues that are exposed to the laser. Cellular reproduction and growth are accelerated, so the cells of tendons, ligaments and muscles repair themselves faster.

As inflammation is reduced, pain subsides very quickly. In simple terms, laser energy kick-starts the healing process, thereby speeding recovery. Unlike some pharmacological solutions, there are no known negative side effects.

MLS Laser Therapy is pain-less. Most patients report no sensation at all while receiving laser therapy. Treatments average 8 minutes. MLS Laser Therapy is fast-acting; many patients in high levels of acute pain experience relief after the first or second treatment. Over 90% of patients experience positive results after the 3rd treatment, with the average course of treatment being 7 to 10 sessions. In many cases, by the 3rd or 4th treatment, swelling is greatly reduced and there is a rapid relief of pain. The effects of MLS Laser Therapy are cumulative; therefore, expect to see improvement as you proceed through your treatment plan. Chronic conditions can be controlled with regular treatments. Acute conditions usually subside quickly, typically within one phase of treatments. It is critical that once you start, you complete the course of treatments recommended by your doctor or symptoms are likely to re-occur.

Benefits of MLS Laser Therapy

  • Rapid relief of pain
  • Strong anti-inflammatory effect

Timely healing of sprains and strains

  • Rapid recovery of the structural integrity of injured region
  • Rapid resolution of painful swollen areas
  • Immediate improvement of local blood circulation
  • Rapid repair of superficial injuries, such as wounds and ulcers
  • Affordable cost

Call us to see if MLS Laser Therapy is right for you!

Call us today at our Fort Collins location (970) 484-4620, Broomfield location (720) 259-5053 or use our online scheduling system to book your appointment.

Grace’s Story: Arthritis in Big Toe Joint

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On My Feet All Day

As a kindergarten teacher for many years, Grace was used to being on her feet all day. “I was busy,” Grace says, “And I just didn’t have time to address all my aches and pains.”

Grace had pain in her big toes, but she ignored it and kept up with her active life, and her daily one-mile walks. “I just sucked it up,” Grace says, “I think a lot of people do that when they are busy.”

Then The Pain Kicked In

When Grace retired from teaching, suddenly the pain kicked in. “I was having trouble walking because of the pain. Finally, I got tired of dealing with it and decided to find treatment.”

Grace went online, began researching, and soon found Dr. James Anderson, DPM. “I didn’t realize I had arthritis in my big toe joints,” she said. “You just know you have pain, but you don’t really know what’s going on until you go in and make an appointment.”

Regenerative Medicine + Surgery

Dr. Anderson says, “Because of the arthritis, there was a bone spur on her joint. I recommended surgery to remove it and clean up the bone. Then, we could follow up with a regenerative medicine injection.”

Grace decided to have the surgery, and then followed up with the regenerative injection, and laser therapy to help reduce inflammation and prevent scar tissue from forming.

“Regenerative medicine works by stimulating the body’s natural ability to heal, and the stem cell components help to regenerate the damaged cartilage,” says Dr. Anderson. “If we see the patient early enough, we can often use regenerative therapies to avoid surgery completely.”

“For Grace, this treatment approach helped us to save her joint and improve function! Many times, patients will have to have a joint fusion or replacement, and we were able to prevent that.”

Hitting the Trails Again

It wasn’t long before Grace was living the retired life she had hoped for. “I’m back to doing anything that I want,” Grace says.

“I can go hiking, and I can travel! I walk two miles every day, and I can wear any shoes I want to!”

Her advice for others is this. “Don’t wait any longer to address your pain. The longer you put it off, the more damage can occur. And then, that’s more time and money you will have to spend to resolve it.”

“Take the time to take care of yourself. It’s important.”

Call today to make an appointment, and we can discuss treatment options with you.

To learn more about regenerative medicine, click here. 

CJ’s Story: Chronic Tendon Pain (The Power of Regenerative Medicine)

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CJs testimonials chronic tendon pain

The new year is here, and for many of us that means it’s time to focus on our health, and address some of those lingering issues we’ve been putting off.

Today, I will share a success story of a patient who was dealing with chronic joint and tendon pain for several years. My goal is to help instill hope in many of you who have been experiencing similar pain, and have perhaps given up on finding a solution. So, here we go.

52, Healthy and Active

This patient is a 52 year-old female, who was healthy and active. We will call her CJ. She came into my office with a variety of foot complaints. The primary issue was chronic joint and tendon pain in her right foot and ankle, and this had been going on for several years.

Seven years prior, a horse stepped on her foot and she was diagnosed with a “hairline fracture” and wore a cast for three months. Once she was out of the cast, she could get back to activity with little pain. However, over the next five to six years, she started having more and more pain in the area that began to significantly limit her activity. This gradually led to weight gain, which only made the problem worse.

Plantar Fasciitis, Arthritis and Tendon Pain

When I first saw CJ, she was planning on having gastric bypass surgery, but was concerned that she would not be able to exercise properly after the surgery because of her foot and ankle pain. She had previously been treated for plantar fasciitis by another doctor.  She had steroid injections and wore a night splint, but neither treatment seemed to give her any relief.

During her initial exam, her X-rays showed that the old injury had been more than just a hairline fracture. She had evidence of post-fracture arthritis in two joints in the middle of her foot. The fracture had healed, but left joint damage behind. Her other main issue of ankle pain was diagnosed as a partial tendon tear. This had likely been aggravated by compensating for the joint pain.

Regenerative Medicine + Surgery

Many times, when patients present with arthritis, tendon pain, or plantar fasciitis, we use regenerative medicine therapy to help stimulate healing and avoid surgery altogether. But, in CJ’s case, we needed to use several different treatments to help address all the issues that had been accumulating for all these years.

We performed surgery to repair the tendon tear and used regenerative injections to help heal the joint damage. To better support the damaged joints, we fitted her for custom orthotics. She then began physical therapy to improve her strength, balance, and flexibility.

Ten Weeks Later

CJ was on crutches for four weeks after the tendon repair. But, once we cleared her to start walking, she progressed quickly. She was highly motivated and committed to her therapy and post-operative rehab. Ten weeks after surgery and regenerative therapy, she was already back to walking and elliptical workouts daily. She still has the occasional sore muscles, but no longer has anywhere near the pain she did before. CJ is still considering gastric bypass surgery. But, she now feels she will be able to lose the weight without it since she can exercise without pain.

So, if you or someone you love is struggling with daily foot or ankle pain, please don’t wait any longer to address it. Call today to make an appointment, and we can discuss treatment options with you.

2018 can be your last year to deal with chronic pain. It’s time to get on the path to healing, together.

Raymond’s Story: Decades of Chronic Foot Pain

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24 Years in the Military

Raymond Evans was accustomed to toughing out pain. But after serving for 24 years in the military, he was experiencing chronic foot pain that had become debilitating. Now working in the mail business, Raymond’s job required him to be on his feet all day every day, and it was becoming harder and harder for him to get through the day.

Many Diagnoses, No Relief

Raymond went to doctor after doctor to try to find a solution. “I was diagnosed with a bone spur, and plantar fasciitis, and I was seeking treatment but I wasn’t getting any relief,” Raymond says. “It was getting to the point that sometimes I would have to crawl to get from point A to point B, and I was worried I was going to lose my job.”

Finally, A Referral That Brings Hope

Raymond was being treated at the VA Center nearby where he lives in Spearfish, South Dakota. He had tried many treatments, and even more holistic options like acupuncture and yoga, but nothing was working.

One day his doctor referred him to Dr. James Anderson, and the seed of hope was planted.

A Specialist Six Hours Away

“I didn’t know much about Dr. Anderson at the time,” Raymond said, “But I knew he was a specialist in his field, and that’s what I needed.” Although Fort Collins, CO is  6-hour drive from where Raymond lives in South Dakota, he was more than ready to make the trip. “I would have gone across the country to get help at this point,” Raymond said. “I was having trouble just walking, and I needed answers.”

A Treatment Plan That Worked 

“Raymond had seen multiple doctors for this chronic pain in his left foot. After a thorough physical exam and testing, I diagnosed him with arthritis,” Dr. Anderson says. Dr. Anderson recommended a nerve resection in Raymond’s foot to help with the pain.

“We performed surgery on one nerve above the ankle, and he got relief from that, so we did a second surgery to resect the other nerve,” Dr. Anderson explains. He also used a regenerative injection during surgery to stimulate the cells heal faster. “Sometimes we use regenerative treatment to help patients avoid surgery altogether, but in Raymond’s case, this was a great option to save him from needing a much more painful and intense surgery to fuse the joints together.”

Chronic Foot Pain, Gone

Today, Raymond is back on his feet. “I give Dr. Anderson 10 out of 10 stars,” Raymond says. “He takes the time to really figure out what’s going on. He has the passion, and he knows what he’s doing.”

Raymond is back to work on his feet every day, and he has resumed his normal activity level without pain. He also has custom orthotics made just for his feet, and he wears them every day to help provide continued support.

Raymond’s advice to other is this. “If you are in pain, don’t let it go on and on without addressing it. Eventually it can get to the point that you are struggling just to get through each day. I feel like this treatment saved my job, and in a lot of ways, really, it saved my life. I am truly grateful.”

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Learn about more treatment options for arthritis and chronic foot pain. 

To make an appointment, click here.

Chronic Foot Pain: Why Am I Still in Pain?

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It’s never fun to suffer an injury of any kind. There is always the initial pain and limitations. But, what happens when the pain doesn’t go away even when the injury is “healed?”

Does it just need more time? Are you doing something wrong? In many cases, the injuries look completely healed on X-rays or MRI, but the pain continues. So what do you do next?

I’d like to tell you a story about a patient who had just this problem. We will call her Alice.

The Ankle Fracture that “Healed”

Alice is a 32 year-old female patient. She came to see me for severe daily pain in her foot and ankle, which initially started after she fractured her ankle. Alice fell on her ankle and heard/felt a pop. She was evaluated in the ER and properly diagnosed, and subsequently had surgery to repair the fracture. The repair went as planned and after six weeks her X-rays showed a completely healed fracture.

She was then allowed to start walking on it again. That was when her pain really started. After surgery, she had experienced the normal post-op pain, but it wasn’t until she was out of a cast that she began having constant ankle and foot pain that was not relieved by much of anything. It hurt when she walked and it hurt when she didn’t walk. The pain woke her up and kept her awake.

Time to Put on My Detective Hat

Alice was at the end of her rope, and was even considering possible amputation if the pain could not be relieved. With any patient in this much pain, my first impulse was to throw the kitchen sink at her problem to try to find some way of getting her relief. However, in order to help these patients, I know I have to put on my detective hat, do a thorough review of their injury, treatment, and health history, and then put together a step-by-step plan to hone in on the primary cause of the pain.

A Painful Scar

Alice had pain throughout her foot and ankle, but the majority of the constant pain was along the inside of the ankle and down into the foot. This area was so sensitive that any light touch would send pain up and down her leg. She was especially sensitive along a surgical scar from her ankle fracture repair.

She had mentioned this to the surgeon who fixed her ankle and he assumed it was simply a painful scar and would improve with time but instead the pain grew steadily worse. An X-ray showed the screws and plates in the bones did not appear to be causing any problem and the scar itself did not appear thickened or contracted. However, the location of the incision was right over one of the main nerves in the leg, and I considered the possibility that the nerve had been damaged or cut during the fracture repair.

Testing the Theory

A simple way to test this theory was to perform a diagnostic nerve block of the nerve higher up the leg with a long-acting local anesthetic and a small amount of steroid. This will decrease inflammation and reduce sensitivity of the nerve for 2-3 days after the injection.

If the patient’s symptoms significantly improve for a few days after the injection, then it is a good bet that the nerve itself is the source of the pain and not just the messenger. If it only feels better while it is numb, then it’s time to head back to the drawing board. Alice had significant improvement for 3-4 days after the block before the pain returned. This is normal and expected because you can only use this injection for diagnosis, not treatment.

The Source of the Pain

Once we knew the nerve was the source of her pain, it was time for treatment. In this case, I recommended a procedure called a neurectomy of the nerve. This involves making a small incision over the nerve, farther up the leg than the damaged portion. I then locate the nerve, and cut it to shut off the pain signals. It’s kind of like throwing a breaker on an electrical outlet.

Although this might sound drastic, it is a much safer and effective option than other chronic pain management options (opiates or a spinal stimulator for example). For Alice, it worked very well. Once the nerve pain was eliminated, she was finally able to participate in physical therapy to address the other tendon pain and weakness that had developed from how she was compensating for the pain.

Finally, Pain Free

At Alice’s last follow up, she was pain free. She still had a bit of residual limp that will continue to improve with therapy. I present Alice’s story as an example of the complex diagnostic work-up often involved with post-traumatic chronic pain.

No two patients are the same and no two injuries are the same. What worked on one may not work on the other. As a doctor, when I see patients with chronic pain, I have two goals in mind.

1. Identify the primary problem.

2. Do not aggravate the pain any further with unnecessary treatments.

Once we identify the root of the issue, we can then proceed with the appropriate treatment to relieve the patient’s pain.

If you are experiencing chronic injuries or unresolved pain, please come see us! We can help. Come visit your podiatrist in Fort Collins or Broomfield for further consultation.

To learn more about our treatment options, click here.

Book your appointment here. 

Reconstructive Foot Surgery: Part 1

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What is reconstructive foot surgery?

“Reconstructive surgery” is a term you may have heard from time to time. This can mean very different things depending on what we are “reconstructing” and why. Reconstructive surgery can correct a condition you were born with like clubfoot or cleft palate. Or, it can correct something that developed due to an injury or chronic condition. Examples of this are arthritis or a deformity caused by injury, neurological condition, etc. These conditions can range in severity from “mild but annoying” to “severe and debilitating” and everywhere in between.

Examples of reconstructive surgery could be something as simple as a correction of a bunion deformity or a hammertoe deformity. In other cases, it could be a more severe deformity, such as a flat foot deformity that may need to be addressed surgically both in the child or in the adult. For others, it could be addressing an arthritic joint surgically. In many situations the option of reconstructive surgery occurs when conservative measures fail and if the symptoms are severe enough to affect a patient’s activity of daily living. One should be properly educated about the potential risks of surgery and consequences of delayed surgery.

It’s important that you as the patient understand why you are going to have the procedure done and what other options are available to you. When treating patients with these issues, our goal is get maximum improvement without needing surgery. when surgery is needed, we’ll advise you and consult with you about the various treatment options that we offer.

If you have questions, please schedule an appointment and come see us for an evaluation. We would love to help you get back on your feet.