Foot & Ankle Arthritis Treatment in Brighton, MI

Arthritis is inflammation in and around the joints that causes pain, stiffness, and swelling. In the foot and ankle, arthritis is one of the leading causes of chronic pain and mobility loss — affecting millions of Americans and becoming more common with age. It typically falls into one of two categories: acute arthritis, which develops after a specific injury or trauma; and chronic osteoarthritis, which results from progressive joint deterioration over time. When cartilage breaks down, bones begin grinding against each other causing pain, reduced function, and deformities if left untreated. If you’re dealing with foot or ankle arthritis in Brighton, MI, Dr. Castelein offers a full range of conservative and surgical options to help you move better and feel better.

Most Common Joints

Your feet have 28 bones and more than 30 joints. Arthritis most commonly affects the following areas:

Symptoms typically include tenderness, reduced range of motion, and stiffness or swelling in the affected joint. Dr. Castelein uses targeted imaging to diagnose the presence and severity of arthritis before recommending a treatment plan

Advanced Imaging

Accurate imaging is essential for diagnosing arthritis and planning treatment. Depending on your symptoms, Dr. Castelein may use one or more of the following:

X-Ray: When Dr. Castelein suspects arthritis, an x-ray will be taken to show the shape and position of bones, joint structure, , and any other conditions or changes present in the bones that could lead to arthritis in the future.
MRI: In some instances, Dr. Castelein may order an MRI to further assess the swelling in the bone and to directly evaluate the cartilage deterioration that can be noted in arthritic patients.
CT Scan: A CT scan is another imaging modality that Dr. Castelein may utilize when diagnosing arthritis. This advanced imaging scan will examine and show the shape of the bone(s) being affected by arthritis.

There are many different options to treat arthritis of the foot, ankle, and big toe.

Non-surgical options are always explored first. These include custom orthotics for joint support, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and cortisone injections to reduce localized inflammation and pain. PRP injections are also available as a holistic alternative — using your body’s own healing factors to reduce inflammation longer term without medication.

When non-surgical options aren’t enough, Dr. Castelein offers three surgical approaches depending on the type and severity of your arthritis:

Joint Repair Surgery

Joint repair surgery is best suited for earlier-stage arthritis or younger patients. By removing bone spurs and repairing cartilage, the joint is able to move more freely with less pain and inflammation. Depending on the joint, Dr. Castelein uses either an open or endoscopic approach — larger joints can often be treated with a camera and minimal incisions, while smaller joints may require an open procedure. It’s worth noting that joint repair does not prevent future arthritis development, and additional surgery may occasionally be needed down the road.

Joint Replacement Surgery

Joint replacement is an option for arthritis at the base of the big toe or in the ankle. Due to the complexity and size of foot and ankle joints, only these two are commonly replaced.

For big toe arthritis, bone spurs are removed and damaged joint surfaces are replaced with an implant that restores range of motion and function. Patients are typically walking the same day.

For advanced ankle arthritis, Dr. Castelein uses a custom patient-specific guide created from an MRI or CT scan to ensure a precise implant fit. The surfaces of the tibia and talus are replaced with implants during this outpatient procedure, with early range of motion and activity encouraged from the start.

Joint Fusion Surgery

In severe cases, joint fusion permanently removes the painful arthritic joint by fusing the affected bones together with plates or screws. All joints in the foot can be fused, making this a highly versatile option. Dr. Castelein incorporates advanced biologic stem cells to promote faster healing, and may also use platelet-rich plasma or bone marrow concentrate techniques during higher-risk procedures. All fusion surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis, and many allow for immediate weight bearing.

You don’t have to just manage the pain. Dr. Castelein offers a full range of conservative and surgical options to help you move better and feel better. Book online or call us today.

Julie

I'm so happy to have found Brighton Foot And Ankle in Brighton. The office staff and assistant are very pleasant. Dr. Bryant Castelein is a great knowledgeable Dr. Who has eased my worry over my medical condition. Plus he's handsome. I would highly recommend this practice for anyone needing podiatry help.

Amy

What great people to help you! From receptionist to doctor, they are top notch! You would not regret going here for any of your foot/ankle problems, they will fix you up with the utmost care and compassion.

Yo K

Dr. Castelein and staff were friendly, knowledgeable , efficient and took the time to get to know me and understand my medical needs. I would not hesitate to go to Brighton Foot & Ankle. They go out of their way to treat their patients like family.

Robert

Dr. Castelein is great; he is very nice, patient, and professional. His staff is also excellent and friendly. It's only been about three hours since having my big toenail removed and, with acetaminophen and ibuprofen, there is very little pain(sometimes I completely forget about it); he did an excellent job. Overall, I am very impressed with Dr. Casteleins Practice and I would highly recommend his office.

Joseph

Doctor & staff were so professional, friendly & efficient. I had a high risk condition that they expertly guided me through 5 months of healing. Thankfully a full recovery. I give them my best recommendation.

Lexi

Very friendly and accommodating front desk staff. Dr. Castelein and Jennifer always take their time and do an amazing job! Great variety of quick pick up over the counter products that are always affordable too. Best experience I have had at an office.

Christena

Dr. Castelein is very friendly and extremely knowledgeable in his field. During my visit he did a great job explaining my situation and was very encouraging of any questions. I never felt rushed and I believe to have received the best care possible. Highly recommend this doctor and this facility.

Nicole C

Excellent staff and exceptional doctor. I went in with Bunion issues. Dr. Castelein listened to my concerns and addressed my options. 4 days post-op bunion surgery I can say he did an amazing job. Best experience I have ever had. I would definitely recommend; I promise you won't look further.

Ashley

The staff and Dr. Castelein are all amazing. They are polite and very respectful. I came to see them in 2019 for bunion and hammer toe issues among some others. Dr. Castelein and his assistant listened to my concerns and gave me my options. He explained everything to me in detail and all my questions were answered.. I have seen other podiatrists and he is beyond the best. I would recommend him to anyone.

Alex

Friendly staff and intelligent doctor! I went in for some ankle X-rays and was given a great strategy on the different ways to heal my ankle, and how to progress forward if less invasive treatment doesn't help. I would highly recommend them to anyone with foot or ankle problems!