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Are There Operations That Can Restore Cartilage, Replace Joints And Stem Cells?
Question: My husband is 53, has arthritis in both feet. Both of his feet have humps on the top of his feet over the arch of his feet. His podiatrist has given him cortisone shot to help relieve the pain. His Doctor has told him the only thing that he can do is to operate and fuse all the bones together which would make him walk funny. He is on his feet constantly and is very worried he will have to stop working. Is there any other operations that can restore cartilage, replace joints, stem cells? He is in so much pain at times he has toyed with the idea of amputation. Any pain meds that would help him without messing with cognitive functioning?
Brief Answer:
There are some other non-operative treatments
Detailed Answer:
hi,
thanks for your question. unfortunately for the joint in the hind and mid foot there are no replacements as yet and there is no way to regenerate or transplant articular cartilage.
there are some other non-operative treatments that could be utilized to help improve his pain.
custom orthotics to better support his foot. mbt shoes that have a mild rocker sole to help with walking. antinflammatory medications and other drugs to help treat and modulate his pain.
if going through an acute flare of pain sometimes a walking boot or cast would be of benefit.
if he really is at the end of the line with his pain then surgery to fuse the joints is a good option and patients generally compensate well through the other joints in the foot. you could always also ask for a second surgical opinion to reassure you.
best wishes
There are some other non-operative treatments
Detailed Answer:
hi,
thanks for your question. unfortunately for the joint in the hind and mid foot there are no replacements as yet and there is no way to regenerate or transplant articular cartilage.
there are some other non-operative treatments that could be utilized to help improve his pain.
custom orthotics to better support his foot. mbt shoes that have a mild rocker sole to help with walking. antinflammatory medications and other drugs to help treat and modulate his pain.
if going through an acute flare of pain sometimes a walking boot or cast would be of benefit.
if he really is at the end of the line with his pain then surgery to fuse the joints is a good option and patients generally compensate well through the other joints in the foot. you could always also ask for a second surgical opinion to reassure you.
best wishes
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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