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The subtalar joint is the most complicated joint of the foot. This can lead to subtalar joint arthritis and the pain can significantly reduce your mobility. We will explain how this amazing joint works and what can be done both conservatively and surgically. Ideally, we all share with you some new approaches that may delay or eliminate the need for surgery.<\/p>\n
The subtalar joint is in the rearfoot<\/a>. The joint lies below the ankle joint. Biomechanically it complements the ankle joint because the ankle joint allows the foot to move up and down and the subtalar joint allows the foot to move side to side. It is similar to a universal joint on a car. You may have heard of the term’s supination and pronation. These motions include motions in three body plans. Supination includes inversion, adduction and plantarflexion. Pronation includes eversion, abduction and dorsiflexion. If you were to do circles with your foot the majority of this motion would take place in the subtalar joint.\u00a0 The ability to move in all different body planes allows the foot to adjust to irregularities in the surfaces that we walk on.<\/p>\n Orthotics <\/b>– these are custom made arch supports<\/a>.\u00a0 These help by reducing the amount of side-to-side motion that occurs in your foot.\u00a0 It’s very important to understand that the orthotics you get from retail stores, ski shops and other non- specialized healthcare providers may not be adequate. Many healthcare dollars are wasted on the types of devices. As podiatrists we are trained to use a different approach when it comes to the steps to create an orthotic. We believe a non-weight bearing neutral position of your foot. Placing your foot in this position is critical to having a very precise orthotic made.\u00a0 We place the foot where it should be not where it is when you’re putting weight on it. This makes for a much more precise fit. This is important if you’re going to get the maximum benefit from an orthotic.<\/p>\n Braces <\/b>– ankle braces may also be used however they are not as practical in many situations as orthotics.<\/p>\n Cortisone <\/b>– injections of cortisone can also be used to pain relief and to reduce\u00a0 inflammation. It’s important to understand that the long-term effects of cortisone are not good for the joint and in fact will accelerate the deterioration of the joint. So, if the last step in your treatment plan is to fuse the joint then this approach can be appropriate.<\/p>\n Fusion of the joint <\/b>– finally when conservative efforts fail fusion of the joint can be performed. This surgery involves removal of the remaining cartilage from the joint and using bone screw(s) to help fuse it. In some cases a bone graft may be used to assist in the fusion. This requires extensive lay-up, usually off weight bearing for 6 weeks (about 1 and a half months). Full recovery will take months after surgery and\u00a0 you will no longer have the ability to move your rearfoot side to side. However, this limitation will usually be minimal compared to the pain you had before the surgery was performed.<\/p>\n Yes, we also emphasize orthotics as part of our conservative approach, however the use of human cellular tissue products (stem cell) and a procedure called\u00a0joint denervation surgery<\/a>\u00a0is also used.<\/p>\n Our Patient Testimonials – Restorative Medicine<\/p>\nHow do I know if I have subtalar joint arthritis?<\/h2>\n
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What can you do if you think you have subtalar joint arthritis?<\/h2>\n
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What is the cause of subtalar joint arthritis?<\/h2>\n
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\nTreatment of subtalar joint arthritis pain<\/h2>\n
Conventional treatments<\/span><\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\nAt Anderson Podiatry center we offer two key alternatives that should be considered!<\/span><\/h3>\n
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