Timonium Foot & Ankle Center

Due to the weather and anticipated road conditions, we will be opening at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 17, 2022.

Good morning Facebook world! Due to inclement weather, our office will be closed today, January 7, 2022. Stay safe and we will see you on Monday, January 10!

Wishing a Happy Hanukkah to those who celebrate! Enjoy the 6th night and the rest of the holiday!

Don't forget to use your FSA/HSA funds before December 31st! Request an appointment on line at www.timoniumfootandankle.com or give us a call at 410-560-2777.

Here we go again!!!

What does a normal joint look like and what does an arthritic joint look like?

The picture labeled normal is a healthy looking 1st metatarsal phalangeal joint. The cartilage is white and shiny with a healthy joint surface.

The picture labeled defect is a joint with cartilage loss from jamming of the 1st metatarsal phalangeal joint and this is classic osteoarthritis. Cartilage normally protects the underlying bone and when there is a defect the subchondral bone (bone under the cartilage) is exposed. This subchondral bone has nerve endings and when there is rubbing or jamming of the big toe against this bone, this leads to joint pain.

In this case, the defect is in a small part of the joint and a drill was used to drill into the subchondral bone to create fibrocartilage (a type of tissue that can restore the joint with scar tissue) and this can reduce joint pain. Additional surgery was performed to salvage the joint by cutting the bone and decompressing the joint to decrease the jamming.

The joint will be carefully monitored over time and if there is a progression of the symptoms then the patient may require a joint fusion in the future. Of course patients are always made aware of this information prior to the surgery.

To learn more Osteoarthritis and/or Hallux Limitus call 410-560-2777 or visit www.timoniumfootandankle.com

A carbon fiber insert like this is something Patrick Mahomes is using in his shoe. This device limits the motion of the first metatarsal phalangeal joint, the joint where the turf toe injury occurred. The idea is to limit motion to the joint therefore limit the stress across the joint and reduce the pain.

This is exactly what Dr. Stewart indicated when the injury occurred last week. These are not one week recoveries. Dr. Jordan Stewart just came out of a boot for about six weeks after having this injury occur two years ago and then re-aggravating it over the summer. If he is playing he likely received a steroid shot. Steroid shots can be good for temporary relief and can last a few months, but should not be repeated over and over again as they can be detrimental to the joint and surrounding soft tissues. The docs will have to keep an eye on this injury over the long term as it can lead to progressive arthritis. Still rooting for him as the Chiefs try to repeat.

Report: Patrick Mahomes Still Dealing With Turf Toe Following the season, Mahomes reportedly will be re-evaluated by a foot specialist to determine if he will need surgery.

Drop foot is a condition that results from weakness of the muscles in front of the leg, making it difficult for the foot to get off the ground. This can lead to tripping and "slapping" of the foot while walking. To help reduce this risk of tripping, we commonly recommend an ankle brace with a spring. Visit us at https://timoniumfootandankle.com/ to see how we can help you!