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Treatment for arthritis of the Subtalar joint in the ankle
I was diagnosed with moderate arthritis of the subtallular ankle joint. Dr. says no research has been done indicating help for arthritis in this joint. He said that this joint is very complicated. The only recourse is to adjust my orthotics. He does not believe that any injections will help including cortizone, PRP, or stem cell. He said way down the road, a fusion might be considered. I will never have a fusion or any surgery done on my ankles or feet. I do not want to wait for my condition to get that bad to have anything done. Is there anyone out there with this condition? Is there any research or trials to test treatment for this particular joint? Is there anyone who can advise me on what to do about arthritis in the ankle?
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Hi, subtalar fusion and ankle fusion are very different. The subtalar joint provides the heel with left to right movement, and if fused doesn't affect function of the ankle joint. I've had my subtalar joints fused on both feet this year and am happy to share my experiences if they are of use to anyone.
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2 ReactionsHi. Did you have this done @ Mayo?
My son has problems with his subtalar joints as well....He has Down syndrome and is 32. He can't do lots of walking which makes things difficult. I'd love to hear your experience on the fusions if we ever have to do this.
@lovetennis
Can you get a 2nd opinion?
I can’t believe that nothing will help this.
I have a condition called osteochondral lesion in the subtalar joint. The doc I went to did use guided needle with sonogram (sonogram? I think it’s called) so she could see where she was going. I received five hyaluronic injections into the joint and it’s good so far! Walking pain free is not for me to take for granted any longer. Out of pocket expense, but to be out of pain it is well worth it. Maybe you can look around and find a doc who does this.
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2 ReactionsI have to say your post sounds “willful“ and your doctor sounds really wise. Doctors these days are mistaken for arrogant or not caring when in reality they just have a lot of patience to deal with and they get to the bottom line. I have been through many fusions and joint replacements And I can tell you when you have the best orthopedic surgeons money can buy (or medical coverage can provide) life goes on much better after fusion surgery. I know it sounds scary to have a surgery where your freedom is removed from your control but if your pain and your safety Become issues, it’s a better choice than living a life of pain and falling. Falling brings danger and damage and limit your freedom even more than having the surgery. So if I were you, I wouldn’t say never to anything and I would take a step back and look at your options. Your doctor just saved you a ton of money from snake oil salesman and quacks that are willing to take your money and not provide you with long-term solutions. That was one thing that came through from your post that your doctor gave you the bottom line and didn’t mess around. We don’t know how far away you are from that surgery. The only recommendation is to strengthen the musculature around the connective tissue and the bones and that is pretty intensive. Do you want to do that? Or do you want to be released from that and have the eventual surgery? Or do you wanna waste your money with private doctors will be happy to take it and give you services that will only be temporary? Arthritis is a mother and since I’ve suffered with it, and my ancestors also suffered with that I am observant of what my options might be and how to protect against it over the years. Good luck on whatever you decide. Here’s some information which you might find helpful: https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/docs/librariesprovider65/foot-ankle/patient-handouts/ankle/subtalar-arthritis.pdf?sfvrsn=513573bb_2
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