Ankle arthritis refers to damage to the smooth cartilage which normally lines the ankle joint. This can be caused by wear and tear, as a result of a previous injury, or can come on for no obvious reason. It sometimes runs in families. It typically affects people in their 60s and 70s, but not uncommonly affects younger adults, particularly those involved in a lot of contact sports. When the cartilage wears down to bare bone the condition becomes serious.
How do I know if I have ankle arthritis?
“Patients with ankle arthritis typically experience pain at their ankle joint, particularly with activity,” said foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon, Dr Parth Parekh. “This pain may be associated with symptoms such as swelling, stiffness, or a sense of instability.”
If you are experiencing ongoing pain and stiffness in your ankle and having difficulty with walking or other activities, make an appointment with a foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon. They will review your medical history, perform a physical exam, and take X-rays to determine the type and severity of your ankle arthritis.
What can I do to relieve ankle arthritis pain?
Based on their diagnosis of your ankle arthritis, your surgeon will recommend a treatment plan. Dr Parth Parekh, MD, a foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon, urges patients to try nonsurgical treatments to improve symptoms before considering surgery. These treatment options can include rest, limiting activities, anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections into the joint, or specialty braces that stabilize the ankle.
If you are still experiencing ankle pain and difficulty walking after trying nonoperative treatments, you may be a candidate for surgery. Doctors note that there are two common surgical procedures for end-stage ankle arthritis that can help patients decrease pain and as a result participate in more normal activity.
1. Ankle Fusion
An ankle fusion is a surgery that removes the cartilage of the ankle joint and uses plates and screws to attach (or “fuse”) the leg bone to the foot bone. This surgery eliminates motion in the ankle and the pain associated with it.
2. Total Ankle Replacement
Similar to a hip or knee replacement, ankle replacement surgery removes the ankle joint and replaces it with an artificial implant made of metal and plastic. This implant allows the patient to have movement in their ankle without pain.
Studies have shown that both ankle fusion and ankle replacement significantly improve patients’ pain and function. Talk to a foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon to identify the procedure that is most appropriate for you based on your medical history and risk factors.