Ankle arthritis is a condition that causes pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the ankle joint. While arthritis can affect any joint in the body, ankle arthritis is somewhat less common than arthritis in the knees or hips—but it can be just as debilitating. If you’re experiencing ongoing ankle pain, swelling, or limited motion, ankle arthritis could be the culprit.
What Is Ankle Arthritis?
Arthritis is a general term that refers to joint inflammation. In the ankle, arthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the bones in the joint begins to wear down. This cartilage normally allows for smooth movement of the joint, absorbing shock and preventing bone-on-bone contact. When cartilage breaks down, the bones may grind against each other, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.
There are several types of arthritis that can affect the ankle, but the most common are:
- Osteoarthritis: Often called “wear and tear” arthritis, this form is more common with aging and results from gradual degeneration of the cartilage.
- Post-traumatic arthritis: This can develop after an injury such as a fracture, dislocation, or severe sprain. Even after healing, joint damage can lead to arthritis years later.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks joint tissue, leading to chronic inflammation.
How Does Ankle Arthritis Happen?
The development of ankle arthritis can be influenced by several factors, including:
- Injury: A history of ankle fractures, ligament damage, or repeated sprains can accelerate cartilage wear.
- Age: As we age, our cartilage naturally becomes thinner and less resilient.
- Weight: Extra body weight places more stress on the ankle joints, increasing wear and tear.
- Genetics: Family history can play a role, especially with autoimmune forms like rheumatoid arthritis.
Symptoms of Ankle Arthritis
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Pain in the ankle, particularly during or after activity
- Stiffness and reduced range of motion
- Swelling around the joint
- Tenderness to touch
- Difficulty walking or bearing weight on the affected ankle
- A grinding sensation or audible cracking (crepitus) during movement
Symptoms may worsen over time or flare up after activity. Weather changes—especially cold or damp conditions—can also increase discomfort for some people.
Diagnosis
A podiatrist can diagnose ankle arthritis through a combination of:
- Medical history and physical examination
- X-rays to assess joint space and bone changes
- MRI or CT scans in complex cases to evaluate soft tissue and cartilage
Treatment Options
Treatment for ankle arthritis focuses on relieving symptoms, improving function, and slowing progression of the disease. Options range from conservative measures to surgical intervention:
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Activity modification: Avoiding high-impact activities like running or jumping can reduce stress on the joint.
- Footwear changes: Supportive shoes or rocker-bottom soles can improve mobility and reduce pain.
- Orthotics or braces: Custom shoe inserts or an ankle brace can offload pressure from the joint.
- Physical therapy: Stretching and strengthening exercises can improve joint function and reduce stiffness.
- Anti-inflammatory medications: NSAIDs like ibuprofen can help manage pain and swelling.
- Corticosteroid injections: These can provide temporary relief from inflammation and discomfort.
Surgical Treatments
If conservative treatments aren’t effective, surgical options may be considered:
- Arthroscopic debridement: Minimally invasive procedure to clean out inflamed tissue and bone spurs.
- Ankle fusion (arthrodesis): Fuses the bones of the joint together to eliminate pain, though motion is sacrificed.
- Total ankle replacement: Damaged joint surfaces are replaced with prosthetic components, preserving motion.
Living With Ankle Arthritis
While ankle arthritis can be painful and frustrating, many patients find relief through a combination of treatments tailored to their needs. Early diagnosis and intervention can help manage symptoms and maintain quality of life. If you’re experiencing persistent ankle pain or stiffness, don’t wait—schedule a visit with Dr. Wright to explore your options.