Arthritic Foot Treatment in Miami, Surfside, FL

Miami Feet provides customized care for patients with arthritic feet, a medical condition in which joints become inflamed and painful. With over 40 years of experience, Dr. Gary Curson utilizes non-invasive treatments like MLS and soundwave therapy alongside surgical methods to relieve pain and improve mobility. People experiencing stiffness, swelling, or limited range of motion in their feet and ankles can benefit from our comprehensive and convenient treatments.

Table Of Contents

What Is Arthritis?

Causes of Arthritic Foot

Arthritic Foot Treatments

How to Prevent Foot and Ankle Arthritis?

Candidates

Benefits

Cost of Arthritic Foot Treatment

What Makes Our Arthritic Foot Care Different From Others?

Table Of Contents

What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis in the foot is a medical condition where the joints become inflamed and painful due to wear and tear, certain diseases, genetics, and lifestyle factors. It typically affects the joints in the middle of the foot or near the base of the big toe. Symptoms include swelling, stiffness, and pain that worsens after rest. This condition can make it difficult to walk or stand for long periods.

Osteoarthritis (also called degenerative joint disease) is caused by the destruction of cartilage, a soft tissue that cushions the edges of bones in the joint. Without this padding, bones start rubbing and causing mild to severe pain, depending on the location and complexity of the condition. Osteoarthritis typically affects the joints connecting big toes to the foot, although it can also occur in the midfoot or ankle region.
Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis usually occurs in both feet and targets the same joints on each foot. It is an autoimmune disease where immune cells attack healthy joints, treating them as foreign objects. This leads to pain, inflammation, and discomfort.
Psoriatic arthritis is also an autoimmune disorder. It causes sausage-like swelling in the toes and joint pain. This chronic disease is also characterized by skin irritation and flaking.

Post-traumatic arthritis develops after a significant injury, such as a fracture or ligament tear in the foot. Such accidents can damage the cartilage and bones, leading to inflammation and joint pain. Over time, the cartilage wears down, and bone spurs may form, resulting in stiffness and loss of motion in the foot. Post-traumatic arthritis often develops years after the initial injury.
Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. This condition often affects the big toe joint, making it red, swollen, and extremely painful. Gout attacks can come on suddenly, often at night. This disease is associated with diet and lifestyle factors, such as high-purine foods, alcohol use, and obesity.
Ankylosing spondylitis can indirectly contribute to foot arthritis by causing posture and gait abnormalities, which put higher stress on joints. This condition may also lead to plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and other painful disorders in the feet and ankles.

Causes of Arthritic Foot

There are over 100 types of arthritis, many of which affect the foot. The most common are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. Each of these conditions develops differently and affects the joints in distinct ways.

Arthritic Foot Treatments

MLS Laser Therapy

The Multiwave Locked System (MLS) therapy uses patented technology to deliver two wavelengths of light at 808 nm and 905 nm to the affected joints. It simultaneously reduces pain, inflammation, and swelling in tissues. This FDA-approved treatment aims to provide the benefits of traditional low-power laser therapy, overcome its limitations, and avoid the risks of high-power devices.

Soundwave Therapy

Soundwave therapy utilizes intense acoustic sound waves to provide a non-invasive treatment. The waves transmit pulses deep into the tissue to stimulate cell and tissue regeneration. This treatment helps reduce inflammation and pain. Soundwave therapy is drug-free and does not have any significant side effects.

Custom Orthotics

Custom orthotics are shoe inserts molded specifically to match and support an individual’s feet. They help realign the foot into the proper position to improve its function. By redistributing pressure and providing cushioning, custom orthoticscan relieve pain and discomfort associated with arthritis and other foot conditions. They provide personalized support tailored to an individual’s needs.

Foot and Ankle Surgery

In some cases of advanced arthritis, surgery may be needed to treat significant problems in the foot or ankle. Procedures can range from removing inflamed tissue to joint reconstruction or fusion. The goals of surgery are to reduce pain and improve stability and function. Recovery times vary, depending on the operation performed and the extent of joint deformity.

Wear supportive, well-fitted shoes to distribute weight evenly and reduce pressure on the joints. If you have flat feet or other foot abnormalities, consider custom orthotics.
Exercise regularly to maintain strength and flexibility in the feet and ankles. Low-impact activities, like walking, swimming, or biking, are best.
Manage your weight to avoid placing excessive force on the joints. Losing some body mass can help relieve pressure.

How to Prevent Foot and Ankle Arthritis?

Arthritis is usually caused by foot injury, overuse, or abnormalities in the joint structure. While some risk factors are out of your control, there are preventative measures you can take to avoid developing this condition:

Making these lifestyle choices and seeking medical care when issues arise can help keep your feet and ankles healthy and pain-free. Small preventative steps go a long way.

Patients with osteoarthritis (where cartilage wears down), rheumatoid arthritis (where the immune system attacks healthy joints), and other types of foot arthritis
Individuals with prior foot injuries or surgeries leading to arthritic changes
People with stiffness, swelling, or pain in the joint and limited range of motion
Patients who have not found relief from anti-inflammatory medications or orthotics
People with diabetes, gout, or other conditions that increase arthritis risk in the feet
Patients with bunions, hammertoes, or bone spur growth causing discomfort

Candidates for Arthritic Foot Treatment

Dr. Curson treats foot arthritis regularly. He offers non-invasive and surgical procedures to address the root causes of this condition. The following groups of candidates may benefit from his cutting-edge treatments:

Benefits of Arthritic Foot Treatment

Foot arthritis usually develops slowly over time due to repetitive stress and wear and tear. Therefore, preventative care is essential to avoid more significant issues in the future. Seeking treatment can benefit patients suffering from early or later-stage arthritis feet. Here are some advantages:

Reduced pain and inflammation

Improved range of motion and flexibility

Increased physical activity

Reduced stiffness and swelling

Lower risk of calluses and skin ulcers

Improved balance and stability

Reduced stress on other joints, like knees, hips, and spine

Proper foot function and gait

Higher quality of life

Cost of Arthritic Foot Treatment in Miami, Surfside, FL

Arthritic foot treatment costs in Miami, FL, vary from $50 to $10,000+ depending on the type of procedure. MLS laser therapy prices typically range between $50 and $150 per session. Soundwave therapy requires $150-$300 per visit. Custom orthotics usually cost between $200 and $600. Foot surgery averages $5,000-$7,000, depending on the specific operation.

Part of these expenses may be covered by insurance. Patients should consult Dr. Curson to select the best treatment approach based on their symptoms, health history, and budget.

What Makes Our Arthritic Foot Care Different From Others?

With over 40 years of experience, Dr. Gary Curson is a highly knowledgeable podiatrist providing innovative and personalized care for all foot conditions. He uses cutting-edge technologies and crafts tailored treatment plans to meet each patient’s needs. As a second-generation podiatrist and adjunct professor shaping future practitioners, Dr. Curson is one of Florida’s leading foot care experts.

Our Happy Patients

Sprained Ankle

There are doctors who talk and those who help you walk again pain free. Doctor Curson is among the latter breed. I limped in with a sprained ankle approaching the size of a grapefruit and in pain. An hour later, I was walking normally having had X-rays, a shot, and a laser treatment. If you are in the Bal Harbour, Surfside or Bay Harbor area, don't bother with anyone else. The entire staff is efficient and dedicated. He followed up with me as well. Caroljean Kier

Caroljean K.

Planter Faciatis

Dr. Curson offers a full array of noninvasive treatments for Achilles strains and Planter Faciatis. After 3 months of care with another podiatrist I experienced pain without improvement. I went to Dr. Curson. The results have been excellent. The office staff is friendly, responsive, and competent.

Steve S.

Foot Pain

My experience with Dr. Curson and his staff was excellent. I've been dealing with foot pain for over 6 months and after implementing his treatments my pain has decreased significantly. He fitted me for custom made orthotics (shoe inserts) and after a week of wearing them the pain in my left foot is practically gone. As I wear them more I'm confident I will be able to take long walks again. Without hesitation I recommend Dr. Curson if you have foot issues or pain.

Henny R.

Laser treatment for ankle sprain

Amazing doctor and amazing staff, very friendly and they take the time to know your history and seek the best treatment possible for your specific case. I decided to give them my full confidence for a chronic ankle sprain that just wouldn't go away. The laser treatment was really helpful and they did a set of custom orthotics that are really much better than the off-the-shelf stuff and others I had made before.

Peggy P.

Laser treatment for nail fungus

Amazing experience with Dr. Curson and his office staff. I had 2 issues, pain in my foot from stepping on an object that seemed to be lodged in there somewhere, AND, terrible nail fungus from years and years of cycling and running. Dr. Curson dislodged the object in my foot and treated the nail fungus with a special laser. After the first treatment it was more that 50% better, i can't wait for the 2nd one, I can feel the difference in my nails. Fantastic office and staff and doctor... go see him!

Michael Eisenstadt

Foot pain

Henny Rojas