23 Oct Ankle Arthritis: What Are the Treatment Options?
Ankle arthritis might be less common than arthritis in the knee or hip, but it can be no less debilitating. It occurs when the cartilage in your ankle joint wears down, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness.
When you think about it, each step you take involves your ankle bearing considerable weight. If you have ankle arthritis, this will make even routine everyday activities like walking more difficult to manage.
Thankfully, there are various treatment options available to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These include seeing a foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon to discuss your options, and some surgical or medicinal options to consider, depending on the severity of your situation.
Here is a look at the causes, symptoms, and different treatment approaches available, and suggestions on when it might be necessary to see a foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon.
Understanding ankle arthritis
Arthritis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the joints. Ankle arthritis typically affects your tibiotalar joint, where the shinbone meets the top of your foot. There are actually several types of arthritis that can impact your ankle, but the most common are –
Osteoarthritis – This is down to straightforward “wear and tear”, where the cartilage that cushions your joint deteriorates over time.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune condition where your body’s immune system attacks its own joints, including the ankle.
Post-traumatic Arthritis can develop after an injury, such as a fracture or severe sprain. This can even impact years later after an incident.
What are some of the typical symptoms of Ankle Arthritis?
The symptoms of ankle arthritis can vary but you will often experience one or more of the following symptoms –
Pain and stiffness – This is most commonly experienced after periods of inactivity, such as in the morning or after resting for a while.
Swelling around the ankle joint due to inflammation is another prominent symptom.
Limited range of motion – You may experience difficulty in moving your ankle or a feeling of instability when walking.
Difficulty walking – As your cartilage erodes, it may become increasingly painful to put weight on the ankle.
Your non-surgical treatment options
For many experiencing the symptoms of arthritis, non-surgical treatments are the first line of defense to consider. All of these treatments aim to manage these symptoms and improve joint function without the need for invasive procedures.
A good place to start would be by modifying your daily activities to help reduce pain and inflammation associated with ankle arthritis. It’s often best to avoid high-impact activities, like running, and replace them with low-impact exercises, such as swimming or cycling. This can help reduce stress on your ankle.
Losing weight can also help reduce the load on your ankle joints.
Physical therapy is another common treatment option for ankle arthritis. A licensed physical therapist can help you perform exercises that strengthen the muscles around the ankle, improve range of motion, and provide joint support.
You might also want to check your medication options with a medical professional. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. (NSAIDs may have side effects, including allergies and kidney damage and therefore should only be taken under your health care provider’s supervision.)
There is also the option of Corticosteroids. These can be administered as injections directly into the joint to provide relief from pain and swelling. However, corticosteroids are not a long-term solution and may need to be repeated periodically, and have their own set of side effects.
Ankle braces and orthotics
Another potential option would be wearing an ankle brace or custom orthotic shoe insert. This can help stabilize your ankle and reduce the load on the joint. This type of support can alleviate pain and prevent further damage. It may be the case that custom-made orthotics designed by a podiatrist or orthopedic specialist may provide greater relief than over-the-counter options.
Minimally invasive treatment options
Treatment options to consider before resorting to surgery include Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy (PRP), and steroid injections. PRP therapy involves injecting a concentration of your own platelets into the ankle joint. These platelets contain growth factors that may help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
As already highlighted, corticosteroid injections are a short-term solution to control inflammation and pain. However, repeated injections over time can weaken the tendons and ligaments around the joint. That’s why they need to be used sparingly.
Surgical treatment options
When non-invasive options fail to provide the necessary relief, surgical options may have to be considered. Surgery for ankle arthritis typically focuses on either removing damaged tissue or altering the mechanics of the joint to alleviate pain.
One option would be Arthroscopic debridement. This minimally invasive surgery involves the removal of damaged cartilage and bone fragments from the joint. Arthroscopic surgery can help relieve pain and improve mobility, particularly in cases of early arthritis. It is performed using small incisions and a camera to guide the procedure.
In more severe cases of ankle arthritis, fusion of the ankle joint may be recommended. Ankle fusion involves surgically joining the bones in the ankle joint, eliminating movement and, therefore, pain.
Seeing a foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon is highly recommended
If you are experiencing persistent ankle pain despite a variety of treatments, it would be wise to consult a foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon. These specialists have advanced training in diagnosing and treating complex foot and ankle conditions, including arthritis.
An orthopedic surgeon can assess the severity of your arthritis through physical exams and imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRIs. They can then recommend a personalized treatment plan that encompasses both surgical and non-surgical options. They may also be able to perform advanced surgical techniques, such as ankle replacement or fusion, if necessary.
An orthopedic surgeon can help ensure you receive the most appropriate and effective treatment for your condition, potentially preventing further damage to the joint.
Make no mistake, ankle arthritis can severely impact the quality of your daily life. However, many treatment options are available to manage your symptoms and help improve joint function.
Consulting a foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon should be seen as a crucial step in the treatment journey, as they can provide accurate and targeted advice, as well as perform a host of necessary procedures to alleviate pain and restore mobility.
With the right treatment, it’s possible to manage ankle arthritis and maintain an active lifestyle.
For more information:
- https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/arthritis-of-the-foot-and-ankle/
- https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/about-arthritis/understanding-arthritis/osteoarthritis-of-the-ankle
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Last Updated on October 23, 2024 by Marie Benz MD FAAD