When your ankle feels like it is locking up or catching with every step, it is hard to enjoy the rugged beauty of Southern Oregon. At Medford Foot & Ankle Clinic, Jeffery D. Zimmer, DPM, FACFAS, Joshua B Millward, DPM, and Ryan Mayberry, DPM, help patients in Medford, OR, find clarity on what is happening inside their joints. Often, the best way to fix a persistent problem is through ankle arthroscopy. This minimally invasive procedure uses a tiny camera to look inside the joint, allowing our doctors to repair damage through small incisions. It is a fantastic option for residents of Medford, Grants Pass, and Central Point who want to avoid the long recovery times associated with traditional open surgery.

One of the most frequent reasons we perform arthroscopy is to solve ankle impingement. This happens when bone spurs or inflamed soft tissue get caught in the joint as you move your foot up and down. It is a common issue for local hikers and athletes who put a lot of miles on their boots. Dr. Zimmer finds that by shaving down these spurs or removing the bunch of irritated tissue, he can restore a full range of motion almost immediately. This eliminates that sharp, pinching sensation that often makes walking on uneven terrain so difficult.

The smooth cartilage that coats your bones can sometimes become chipped or worn due to a severe sprain or repetitive stress. These are known as osteochondral lesions. Left alone, these floating pieces of debris can cause the ankle to swell or feel unstable. Our podiatrists use the arthroscope to smooth out these rough patches or remove loose fragments of bone and cartilage that act like sand in a gear. For our patients in the Medford area, this specialized cleaning helps prevent the onset of early arthritis and keeps the joint gliding smoothly during daily activities.

If you have suffered multiple sprains over the years, your ankle may have built up an excessive amount of scar tissue. This internal scarring can cause a persistent ache and a feeling of tightness that stretches don't seem to touch. The podiatrists at Medford Foot & Ankle Clinic can use arthroscopy to carefully debride this tissue, freeing up the joint. Additionally, the camera allows us to inspect the ligaments for tears that might be causing chronic instability. By fixing these issues through a few small points, we help you regain a sense of security in your stride without the trauma of a major operation.

The beauty of this technology is that it gets you back to your routine much faster than older methods. Because the incisions are so small, there is less pain and a lower risk of complications after the procedure. If you are tired of living with a joint that clicks, pops, or hurts, reach out to Jeffery D. Zimmer, DPM, FACFAS, Joshua B Millward, DPM, and Ryan Mayberry, DPM, today to see if you are a candidate for treatment. Schedule an appointment at Medford Foot & Ankle Clinic in Medford, OR, by calling (541) 770-1225.