What Is Ankle Arthritis?
Ankle Anatomy
The ankle joint is formed by the meeting point of your shin bone (tibia), calf bone (fibula), and talus bone. The ankle joint connects your foot to your lower leg. An ankle is composed of cartilage, ligaments, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. Whenever you move your feet or legs, your ankles will move in two primary directions.
What is arthritis of the ankle?
Typically, ankle arthritis is associated with the upper ankle joint as it affects how your foot moves in the two primary directions, up or down. Ankle arthritis is a result of the degeneration of cartilage which then damages the joint. Cartilage is a spongy, smooth tissue that coats the ends of bones where they all meet to form joints. It acts as a cushion between the bones, absorbing shock and bearing weight. In the case of ankle arthritis, it is the cartilage between your tibia, fibula, and talus that has been worn down. This causes your bones to rub against one another which will result in pain and discomfort.
Symptoms of ankle arthritis
Persistent pain and tenderness in the ankle joint.
Stiffness and limited range of motion.
Swelling and inflammation around the ankle.
Difficulty walking or bearing weight on the affected ankle.
Grinding or clicking in the joint.
Muscle weakness in the surrounding area.
Treatment Options
While ankle arthritis cannot be completely cured, several treatment options are available to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and enhance the overall quality of life for patients with this condition.
Physical Therapy: A structured exercise program designed by a physical therapist can strengthen the muscles around the ankle, improve joint stability, and enhance flexibility and range of motion.
Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with ankle arthritis.
Assistive Devices: Supportive footwear, orthotic inserts, or ankle braces can provide stability to the joint and reduce the impact of arthritis symptoms during daily activities.
Lifestyle Modifications: Maintaining a healthy weight can alleviate stress on the ankle joint. Engaging in low-impact activities, such as swimming or cycling, can also help manage symptoms without placing excessive strain on the joint.
Surgical Intervention: In severe cases where preventative measures fail to provide relief, surgical options like ankle fusion or ankle replacement may be considered. These procedures aim to alleviate pain and restore functionality to the joint.
Ankle arthritis can significantly impact an individual's daily activities and overall quality of life. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and available treatment options is crucial for managing this condition. If you are experiencing persistent ankle pain or suspect you may have ankle arthritis, it is recommended to consult with an orthopedic specialist here at Ortho San Antonio who can provide an accurate diagnosis and guide you toward appropriate treatment strategies.
Meet our foot and ankle specialist here in san antonio, Dr. Sarfani!
Dr. Sarfani, values each of her patient's needs and strives towards helping them feel relief from their foot or ankle injuries through accurate diagnoses & treatments. If you’re suffering from an ankle injury, don’t hesitate - schedule an appointment with her today!