Toe Joint Arthroscopy for Pain Relief

Advances over the last several years have made arthroscopy a standard of care in many areas –especially in the relief of small toe joint pain. Compared to traditional “open” surgery, toe joint arthroscopy reduces incision size and greatly reduces recovery time and pain since there is no need to fully open the area to expose the joint. Moreover, there is an increase in the rate of success of the procedure due to fewer traumas to the surrounding connective tissue.

Toe joint arthroscopy is performed by creating two very small incisions; one for the camera and one for the small surgical instrument. For instance, for toe joint arthroscopy we generally use a 1.9, 2.7, or 4.0 camera to clearly visualize and treat the toe joint. The instrument most commonly used in the arthroscopic procedure is known as a shaver, which is used to clean and suction out the buildup of scar tissue, loose cartilaginous fragments, and/or overgrowth of unwanted tissue that is impinging and causing pain in the toe joint.

Once the toe joint is “cleaned” using the toe joint arthroscopy, patients will begin to notice less of the symptoms that had been previously causing them pain.

Patients experience less downtime, less pain, and quicker healing with arthroscopy!

We are some of the most experienced foot and ankle arthroscopic surgeons in Michigan. For more information or if you think arthroscopy may be right for you, give us a call today!

What are some of the symptoms of a damaged joint?

Chronic Pain
Swelling
Sense of instability
Stiffness

What causes joint pain symptoms?

Wear and tear from use
Incomplete or improper healing from old injury
Arthritis

What are the alternative treatment options to toe joint arthroscopy:

Immobilization
Injection Therapy
Physical Therapy
Bracing

How long does it take the skin incisions to heal after toe joint arthroscopy?

Bandages/dressings can usually be removed after 5 to 10 days.

Benefits of Arthroscopy vs Open surgery:

Smaller incisions
Less connective tissue damage
Less scarring
Improved outcome/success
Less pain
Low-risk procedure/low rate complications
Less trauma to surrounding areas
Lower risk of infection to the site

Where would I have the Toe Joint Arthroscopy performed?

hospitals
outpatient surgery centers

How long will I be in the hospital or surgery center?

Arthroscopy is often a “same day” procedure allowing the patient to return home shortly after surgery

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What Postoperative Care is involved with Toe Joint Arthroscopy?
Your podiatric surgeon may recommend rest, ice, compression, and elevation (“RICE”) to help speed healing.
REST: Ask your podiatric surgeon how long you should rest or restrict activity.
ICE: Ice reduces swelling, bleeding, and pain following surgery.
COMPRESSION: Dressings help reduce swelling and stabilize the joint, preventing unnecessary motion. Dressings should be snug but should not interfere with proper circulation.
ELEVATION: Keep the foot at or above the level of your heart to drain excess fluids away from your foot. This helps to reduce swelling and discomfort.

Contact Our Foot Care Specialists Today

If you need treatment for toe joint pain, call our Novi, Livonia or Southfield office at 248.258.0001 to schedule an appointment. Arthroscopy of the toe joint is covered by many health insurance plans.

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The Best Arthroscopy Toe Joint Doctors provide foot and ankle treatment and surgery to patients in but not limited to Livonia, Northville, Farmington, Farmington Hills, West Bloomfield, Redford, Westland, Garden City, Dearborn Heights, Canton, Plymouth, Wayne, Novi, Southfield, Walled Lake, Wixom, Commerce, Milford, Highland, White Lake, Waterford, South Lyon, Brighton, Howell, Whitmore Lake, Lyon Twp, Oak Park, Royal Oak, Ferndale, Hazel Park, Madison Heights, Clawson, Centerline, Lathrup Village, Detroit, Berkley, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Twp, Troy Pontiac, Rochester Hills and all other Metro Detroit areas.