Non-Surgical Treatment for Foot Arthritis

The foot contains more than two dozen small joints, and arthritis can develop in any of them, most commonly at the base of the big toe, across the midfoot, or in the joint just below the ankle. At Palm Beach Regenerative Sport and Spine, Dr. Ghattas offers image-guided orthobiologic treatments aimed at reducing inflammation and supporting healthy joint function in appropriately selected patients with foot arthritis.

Results vary. Not all patients are candidates. Dr. Ghattas will discuss realistic expectations for your specific condition.

What Causes Foot Arthritis?

Foot arthritis develops when the cartilage that cushions the small joints of the foot breaks down over time. Common contributors include prior injury or fracture, years of repetitive stress, structural issues such as bunions or flat feet that change how weight moves through the foot, and inflammatory forms of arthritis. The big toe joint (a condition often called hallux rigidus), the midfoot joints, and the subtalar joint beneath the ankle are among the most frequently affected areas.

What Are the Symptoms of Foot Arthritis?

  • Pain with standing, walking, or push-off during activity
  • Stiffness, especially first thing in the morning or after rest
  • Swelling around the affected joint
  • Reduced range of motion in the toe or midfoot
  • Difficulty finding comfortable, well-fitting shoes
  • Visible bone spurs in more advanced cases

How We Approach Foot Arthritis

Our image-guided orthobiologic treatments for foot arthritis focus on reducing inflammation, managing symptoms, and supporting healthy tissue function in the affected joint. Many patients experience meaningful improvement in pain and mobility, though results vary based on the severity of arthritis and individual factors.

Important: these treatments do not regenerate cartilage. They work by reducing inflammation and supporting your body’s natural healing processes. For patients with severe, bone-on-bone arthritis, surgical options such as joint fusion may be more appropriate. Dr. Ghattas will review your imaging and provide an honest assessment of all your options.

Who May Be a Candidate?

Patients with mild to moderate foot arthritis, who still have retained joint space on imaging, tend to be the best candidates for orthobiologic treatment. Patients with advanced, bone-on-bone arthritis are often better served by a surgical consultation, and Dr. Ghattas will discuss this honestly during your evaluation.

What to Expect

  • Consultation: Comprehensive review of your imaging and a physical examination to identify which joint or joints are involved.
  • Treatment: Image-guided injection of orthobiologic material into the affected joint under ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance.
  • Recovery: Most patients resume normal activities within days and are asked to avoid high-impact activity for a period of weeks.
  • Follow-up: Systematic tracking of your symptoms and function over time.

Like all medical procedures, orthobiologic treatments have potential risks and benefits. Results vary by individual. Not all patients are candidates. Dr. Ghattas will discuss your specific situation, realistic expectations, and all treatment options, including when surgery may be more appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions

The right treatment depends on which joint is affected and how severe the arthritis is. Options range from bracing and physical therapy to orthobiologic injections or, for advanced cases, surgery. Dr. Ghattas will help you understand which approach fits your situation.

Many patients with mild to moderate foot arthritis explore non-surgical options first, including orthobiologic treatment. Results vary, and not everyone is a candidate.

Most patients are back to normal daily activities within a few days, though higher-impact activity is typically limited for several weeks while the treated area recovers.

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No medical procedure can guarantee an outcome. What you should expect is an honest discussion of the evidence, a careful assessment of candidacy, and a recommendation based on your condition.

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