Serving Southwest Michigan since 1978

Foot and Ankle Arthritis Treatment in Kalamazoo, MI

Non-surgical care first. Surgery when it is needed. Modern treatment for arthritis in your big toe, midfoot, ankle, or anywhere arthritis is slowing you down.

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Conservative care tried firstMost insurance acceptedWeight-bearing X-rays on site

The five board-certified foot and ankle surgeons of Kalamazoo Foot Surgery in Kalamazoo, MI

Board-Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeons

1978

Serving Kalamazoo Since

Hospital Affiliations

Forms of Arthritis Treated

What Is Foot and Ankle Arthritis?

Arthritis is the wearing down of the cartilage that cushions your joints. The most common type is osteoarthritis, the wear-and-tear form that develops with age. When the cartilage wears thin, the joint surfaces start grinding against each other. That causes the joint pain, stiffness, and loss of range of motion arthritis patients describe.

Your foot has 33 joints. Your ankle has another major joint where your leg meets your foot. Any of them can develop arthritis. The most common spot is the big toe joint, followed by the middle of the foot. The ankle joint develops arthritis less often, but when it does, it can be very limiting. Because your feet have many small joints close together, arthritis in one often puts extra stress on the joints around it.

Where Arthritis Shows Up in the Foot and Ankle

Not all arthritis is the same. The location and the cause both matter for treatment. Here are the forms we most often treat.

Big Toe Arthritis (Hallux Rigidus)

The most common form of foot arthritis. The big toe joint loses range of motion, which makes walking and pushing off painful. The joint often becomes enlarged on top, which can be confused with a bunion.

Midfoot Arthritis

Pain in the middle of the foot, often along the top. Develops after old foot injuries or years of wear, especially in patients who have spent a career on their feet.

Ankle Arthritis

Less common than foot arthritis but more limiting when it shows up. Most often follows old ankle injuries: a bad sprain decades ago, a fracture, repeated rolling. Walking, stairs, and uneven ground get harder over time.

Rheumatoid and Psoriatic Arthritis

Arthritis from an autoimmune disease, where the immune system attacks the joint lining. Often affects multiple joints in both feet at once. Needs care from both a rheumatologist for the disease and a foot specialist for the joint damage.

Gout

Caused by uric acid crystals building up in a joint. Most often hits the big toe first, with sudden, severe pain that can wake you up at night. Manageable with medication and diet, but joint damage builds over time with repeated attacks.

Post-Traumatic Arthritis

Arthritis that develops in a joint years after an injury to that joint. Common in former athletes and people with old ankle fractures, dislocations, or sprains that never quite healed right.

Not sure which joint is the problem? Schedule a Consultation

Bunion or Big Toe Arthritis? How to Tell the Difference

These two get confused a lot because both can cause a bump near the big toe joint. Knowing which you have changes the whole treatment plan.

	A Bunion	Big Toe Arthritis
Visible signs	Bump on the SIDE of the big toe joint. The big toe drifts toward the second toe.	Bump on TOP of the joint, from bone spurs. The toe usually stays straight but stops bending.
Pain pattern	Hurts most in tight or narrow shoes, where the bump rubs.	Hurts most when pushing off to walk, climbing stairs, or going up hills.
What helps	Wider shoes and padding.	Stiff-soled shoes that limit how much the joint has to bend.

It is possible to have both at the same time. X-rays sort it out clearly. If you are not sure which is causing your pain, that is exactly what a consultation can answer.

You’ve Probably Already Tried…

Most patients walking into a foot and ankle arthritis consultation have already tried some version of this list:

Anti-inflammatory medications, NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen, over-the-counter or prescription
Ice or heat
Stiff-soled shoes or rocker-bottom shoes
Custom or over-the-counter shoe inserts
Activity changes, such as less walking, less standing, and no running
Weight loss to reduce pressure on the joints
A cortisone shot from a previous doctor

These conservative treatments help. They are worth trying. Many patients keep their arthritis manageable for years with the right mix. But none reverse the cartilage wear that has already happened. They manage symptoms while the joint continues to wear.

When to See a Foot and Ankle Specialist

Not every aching joint needs a specialist. But here is when it is time to make the appointment:

Pain has lasted six months or longer despite the things you have tried
Stiffness is making daily activities harder, like climbing stairs, getting out of a chair, or walking the dog
Cortisone shots are wearing off faster each time
A second problem is starting, such as the arch collapsing, a toe drifting, or calluses forming
Sleep is interrupted by joint pain in your foot or ankle
You are avoiding activities you used to enjoy

Earlier is easier to treat

If most of those describe you, it is time. Catching arthritis earlier gives you more treatment options than waiting until the joint is severely damaged. The sooner it is evaluated, the more we can do to protect the joint you still have.

You do not have to just live with the pain.

Most new patients are seen within the same week. Schedule your arthritis consultation with one of our five board-certified foot and ankle surgeons and get a clear plan you can take home.

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Treatment Options for Foot and Ankle Arthritis

We start with the least invasive options that fit your case and escalate only if those stop working. Surgery is the last step, not the first.

Non-Surgical
Surgical

Non-Surgical

Most patients improve with these:

Custom orthotics or supportive shoes that take pressure off the worn part of the joint
Anti-inflammatory medications, oral or topical, to bring down swelling and pain
Cortisone shots, a type of corticosteroid injection, for short-term pain relief during flares
Regenerative injections, using your body’s own platelets or other materials, for patients who are good candidates
Physical therapy to improve flexibility and strength in the surrounding muscles
Bracing for arthritis in the ankle or midfoot, when extra support changes the pain
Weight management to reduce the load each joint carries

For inflammatory arthritis like rheumatoid or psoriatic, the underlying disease is treated by your rheumatologist with medication. We work alongside that treatment for the joint care.

Surgical

When non-surgical care has been tried and arthritis is still limiting your life, surgery becomes the next step. The right one depends on which joint, how badly it is worn, and your activity goals.

Joint cleaning and bone spur removal (debridement). For early-stage arthritis where some healthy cartilage remains, the surgeon removes bone spurs and worn tissue to give the joint room to move. For some ankle and large-joint cases, this is done with an arthroscope, a small camera that lets the surgeon see inside through tiny incisions, called arthroscopy. Recovery is the fastest of the surgical options.

Joint replacement (arthroplasty). The worn parts are replaced with an implant, and motion is preserved. Best for certain joints and patients. Total ankle replacement is one example, used for severe ankle arthritis when the patient wants to keep motion.

Joint fusion (arthrodesis). The bones on either side of the worn joint are fused so they no longer move. The pain ends because the joint cannot grind anymore. The trade-off is that the joint will not bend. For the big toe or midfoot, most patients adjust well and walk comfortably. For other joints, replacement may be better.

Realigning the bones. When arthritis is on one side of the joint more than the other, the surgeon can shift the bones to take pressure off the worn side. This can preserve the joint for years.

Your surgeon will walk you through which option fits your case at the consultation.

What to Expect After Surgery

Recovery varies more for arthritis surgery than for many other foot surgeries. The procedure determines the timeline. The timelines below are typical and depend on the joint and the repair.

After Joint Cleaning or Spur Removal

Outpatient procedure, home the same day. Walking in a protective surgical shoe begins right away or within a few days. Back in normal shoes within 4 to 6 weeks. Full activity in 2 to 3 months for most.

After Joint Replacement

Outpatient or a short hospital stay depending on the joint. Protected walking in a boot or cast for a few weeks. Gradual return to walking shoes over 6 to 12 weeks. Full return to most activities, especially low-impact ones like walking, swimming, and cycling, by 3 to 6 months. The joint keeps its motion, which most patients prefer.

After Joint Fusion

Outpatient or an overnight stay. Recovery is longer than the other options. Walking with a cast or boot for the first 6 to 8 weeks, sometimes staying off the foot, especially for midfoot or ankle fusions. Walking comfortably by 3 to 6 months. The fused joint will not bend, but the pain is gone. Most patients say the trade-off is worth it.

After Bone Realignment

Similar to joint fusion in bone healing. Protected walking for several weeks, then a gradual return to normal shoes. Full activity in 3 to 4 months.

Your surgeon will give you a timeline at the consultation, based on the procedure and your health.

Why Patients Across Southwest Michigan Choose Kalamazoo Foot Surgery

Kalamazoo Foot Surgery is built around a simple idea: the right treatment depends on the patient, not the practice. Five foot and ankle surgeons work here, each a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (FACFAS), podiatry’s highest credential in this area. Together, we cover the full range of foot and ankle care, from a guided conservative plan to a straightforward procedure to complex surgery.

With several surgeons and modern techniques under one roof, your plan is matched to your condition and your goals, using the approaches most likely to get you back to the activities you want. The practice has served Kalamazoo since 1978. Patients drive in from across Southwest Michigan, including Portage, Battle Creek, Mattawan, Texas Township, Plainwell, Richland, Galesburg, and Paw Paw.

Dr. Rick Tiller
DPM, FACFAS
Foot & ankle surgery since 1991

Dr. Andrew Robitaille
DPM, FACFAS
Forefoot & reconstructive rearfoot surgery

Dr. Douglas Brewer
DPM, FACFAS
26+ years of experience

Dr. Elizabeth Horton
DPM, FACFAS
Reconstructive surgery, trauma & sports

Dr. Jessica Patterson
DPM, FACFAS
Wound care

What Our Patients Say

Frequently Asked Questions

What is foot and ankle arthritis?

Arthritis of the foot and ankle is the wearing down of the cartilage in one or more joints. As the cartilage wears thin, the joint surfaces grind against each other. That causes pain, stiffness, swelling, and loss of motion. The big toe joint is the most common spot, but arthritis can show up in the midfoot, the ankle, or multiple joints at once.

What are the common symptoms of foot and ankle arthritis?

Common arthritis symptoms include joint pain that worsens with activity, stiffness that is especially bad in the morning or after sitting, swelling around the affected joints, grinding or popping with movement, and a slow loss of range of motion. Some patients also see foot shape changes, like a collapsing arch or a toe that will not straighten. Foot pain that gets worse over months or years, without a single injury, is often a sign of arthritis.

How do you tell the difference between a bunion and big toe arthritis?

A bunion shows a bump on the SIDE of the big toe joint, and the big toe drifts toward the second toe. Big toe arthritis shows a bump on TOP of the joint, and the toe stops bending the way it used to. A bunion hurts most in tight shoes. Big toe arthritis hurts most when pushing off to walk or climb stairs. X-rays sort the two out clearly, and it is possible to have both.

Can foot arthritis be cured?

No. Once cartilage wears down, it does not grow back. But foot arthritis is very treatable. Most patients keep arthritis manageable for years with non-surgical care: shoes, inserts, medication, and the occasional injection. When non-surgical care is not enough, surgery can relieve the pain and restore much of the function.

Will arthritis in my foot or ankle get worse over time?

Usually yes, but the speed varies a lot from person to person. Some patients have the same level of arthritis pain for decades. Others see it progress faster. The progression depends on the type of arthritis, the joint involved, your weight and activity level, and how the joint is being protected.

Do I need surgery for foot arthritis?

Most patients do not. The majority of foot and ankle arthritis is managed without surgery. Surgery becomes a consideration when non-surgical care has failed and pain or limitation is interfering with daily life. Your surgeon’s goal is to keep you out of surgery as long as possible, and to recommend it only when it is clearly the right next step.

What is the difference between joint replacement and joint fusion?

Joint replacement, or arthroplasty, uses an implant to replace the worn parts of the joint, so the joint still moves after surgery. Joint fusion, or arthrodesis, locks the bones on either side of the joint together so they no longer move. The joint cannot grind, so the pain is gone, but the joint will not bend either. Which one is right depends on the joint, your age, your activity level, and the surrounding tissues.

Will I be able to walk normally after joint fusion?

For most foot joint fusions, yes. The big toe and midfoot joints do not need to bend much to walk normally. Your gait may feel slightly different at first, but most patients adjust within months and walk comfortably. Ankle fusion is more limiting. For some patients, total ankle replacement is a better option than fusion for the ankle. Your surgeon will discuss the trade-offs.

How long does a cortisone shot last for foot arthritis?

It depends on the joint, the severity, and the patient. Some patients get six months of relief or longer. Others get only a few weeks. The first injection often works best. Repeated injections in the same joint tend to lose effectiveness over time, which is why your provider will limit how often they are given.

Does insurance cover foot and ankle arthritis surgery?

Most insurance plans cover arthritis surgery when the foot problem causes documented pain, limits what you can do day-to-day, or when non-surgical care has failed. Coverage for specific implants or procedures can vary. Our team will verify your coverage before scheduling.

What is regenerative medicine for arthritis?

Regenerative medicine uses your body’s own healing materials, or other biological materials, to reduce inflammation and support joint health. Common types include injections using your own concentrated platelets, and injections using cells or fluids from amniotic tissue. These are not cures, but for some patients they ease symptoms and delay surgery. Whether they fit you depends on the type and stage of your arthritis.

Can rheumatoid arthritis in my feet be treated without surgery?

Often yes, especially when the autoimmune disease is well controlled with medication from your rheumatologist. Foot care for rheumatoid arthritis usually focuses on supportive shoes, custom inserts, anti-inflammatories, and bracing. Surgery may be needed if specific joints become severely damaged, or if a deformity is interfering with walking.

What is the difference between a podiatrist and an orthopedic surgeon for foot arthritis?

Both podiatric surgeons and orthopaedic surgeons can treat arthritis in the affected joints of the foot and ankle. Podiatrists focus their entire training on the foot and ankle. An orthopedic surgeon treats the whole musculoskeletal system, with some doing fellowship training in foot and ankle. Either can perform arthritis surgery. The five surgeons at Kalamazoo Foot Surgery are board-certified podiatric foot and ankle surgeons (FACFAS), podiatry’s highest credential in this area.

How quickly can I be seen for foot or ankle pain?

Most new patients can be scheduled within the same week. If you are in acute pain or there is something concerning about how your foot looks or moves, call the office and we will do our best to fit you in as soon as possible.

Do you treat conditions other than arthritis?

Yes. Kalamazoo Foot Surgery is a full podiatry practice. Our podiatric foot surgeons treat the full range of conditions our patients bring in: bunions and hammertoes, heel pain and plantar fasciitis, sports injuries, ankle injuries, diabetic foot care, and other foot and ankle problems. Whatever is going on with your feet, we can either treat it or point you to someone who can.

Schedule Your Foot and Ankle Arthritis Consultation

How you move forward depends on where you are.

Ready to schedule a consultation

Request an appointment online or call 269-344-0874. Arthritis consultations include weight-bearing X-rays taken while you stand on the foot, a full exam, and a clear treatment plan you can take home.