Introduction to Osteoarthritis of the Ankle
Ankle osteoarthritis, sometimes simply referred to as ankle arthritis, is a joint condition which results from damage and loss of the cartilage in a joint.
Ankle osteoarthritis treatment is essential for managing a degenerative joint condition that causes pain and reduced mobility.
Cartilage is a highly specialised type of tissue which lines the end of bones and allows smooth movement of joints. Loss of, or damage to the cartilage can result in inflammation of the joint and sometimes leads to deformity. For those seeking effective arthritis ankles treatment, accurate diagnosis and tailored care are key.
Osteoarthritis Ankle Pain Symptoms
Ankle arthritis can cause stiffness, pain, swelling, deformity and problems with motion of the joint. Some patients will develop a bony protrusion known as an osteophyte or bone spur and this can lead to pinching of the lining of the joint and this is known as impingement.
In common with osteoarthritis elsewhere in the lower limbs (e.g. hip and knee), ankle arthritis can limit the amount of walking and standing an individual can do.
In the early stages, pain may only occur at the beginning and at the end of an activity but as the condition progresses the pain occurs more frequently to the extent that it can occur with each step and even at rest.
Learn more about arthritis symptoms affecting the ankle.
Causes of Ankle Osteoarthritis
The commonest cause of ankle osteoarthritis is “post-traumatic” and can develop following a fracture of the ankle or even just repeated sprains. Unlike the hip and knee where osteoarthritis often occurs for no identifiable reason (primary OA), the ankle rarely develops arthritic changes without an identifiable cause.
The ankle is a complex joint which is subjected to huge forces during daily activities and especially during running. It is also the joint most commonly injured in the human body. This combination of factors predisposes the ankle joint to wear and tear changes. This wear is a common factor in cases requiring arthritis ankles treatment.
Other causes of osteoarthritis are abnormal foot mechanics (flat and high-arched feet) and there are some diseases associated with arthritis such as haemochromatosis.
Diagnosising Osteoarthritis of the Ankle
The diagnosis of ankle osteoarthritis is made on the basis of the history and examination by an orthopaedic surgeon and is confirmed with weight-bearing X-rays. Sometimes other imaging such as MRI can be helpful in the early stages. Early diagnosis supports more effective ankle osteoarthritis treatment.
Osteoarthritis Ankle Pain Treatment
Non-surgical Ankle Osteoarthritis Treatment
Non-surgical ankle arthritis treatment should always be considered first as it might provide sufficient pain relief. This includes footwear modification, anti-inflammatory medication and physiotherapy in order to allow more flexibility and greater activity. Injections to lubricate the ankle joint or cortisone to damp down inflammation can help but at best their effect is only temporary. If conservative treatment fails to provide sufficient pain relief, surgery may be necessary.
Arthritic Ankle Surgery for Osteoarthritis
If you’re considering what ankle osteoarthritis treatments are right for you, an Arthroscopy (keyhole surgery) is the most common surgical arthritis ankle treatment.
This type of osteoarthritis of the ankle surgery can be effective when non-surgical methods no longer help.
Through arthritic ankle surgery, a surgeon can assess and treat the joint from the inside using a minimally invasive approach. Arthroscopy allows the joint to be tidied up when the arthritic process is not advanced. However, it does not cure the condition of for severe ankle arthritis or halt the progression of the condition.
During the osteoarthritis of the ankle surgery, your surgeon will accesses the ankle through two or three small incisions and uses small instruments to remove loose fragments of bone, cartilage, scar and inflamed tissue. The surgeon can also smooth the cartilage surfaces of the joint during the arthritic ankle surgery.
Book A Consultation
If you’re struggling with severe ankle arthritis or looking for effective ankle osteoarthritis treatment, our team is here to help. Whether you’re exploring non-invasive care or considering osteoarthritis of the ankle surgery, we provide expert diagnosis and tailored treatments.
Contact us today or fill out the contact form below to take the first step towards pain relief and improved mobility.
