Ankle Arthritis Diagnosis and Treatment
Ankle arthritis often results from an injury, such as a sprain or fracture, but can also be caused by a systemic condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis. While arthritis can occur in any joint in your body, it is common in the small joints that make up the foot and ankle. There is no cure for arthritis, but it can be managed with proper treatment.
Ankle Arthritis Symptoms
Ankle arthritis manifests as a condition characterized by inflammation and degeneration of the ankle joint or catrilage, leading to a range of symptoms. Sometimes due to the shape of a person’s ankle joint or the way they walk. Individuals with ankle arthritis often experience persistent pain and stiffness in the affected joint, especially during movement or weight-bearing activities. Swelling and tenderness around the ankle joint are common, accompanied by reduced flexibility and a diminished range of motion.
As the condition progresses, individuals might notice a gradual decrease in their ability to engage in physical activities and even daily tasks. In some cases, a noticeable grinding sensation within the ankle joint could occur. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for early diagnosis and management, as timely intervention can help alleviate discomfort and maintain optimal joint function.
Ankle Arthritis Treatment
Conservative treatment for ankle arthritis consists of an anti- inflammatory medication and bracing. Cortisone shots can also be very helpful. When conservative treatment fails, surgery is indicated and may consist of ankle joint arthroscopy, which entails cleaning out the ankle or repairing defects in the cartilage with tiny instruments. This procedure is minimally invasive.
For more severe cases of ankle arthritis, ankle joint fusion or total ankle joint replacement may be necessary. The surgeons at Certified Foot and Ankle Specialists are leaders in the ankle replacement arena, performing more total ankle replacements in this area than any other group. The ankle replacement used by our doctors is CT guided and customized patient by patient. The outcomes of current ankle replacements are amazing, resulting in much less pain and much better range of motion in the vast majority of patients. This procedure is extremely rewarding as a foot and ankle surgeon because it changes the patient’s life for the better.
ANKLE ARTHRITIS
If you’re experiencing symptoms of ankle arthritis and want to find out what treatment options are available for your particular case, make an appointment with the podiatrists at Certified Foot and Ankle Specialists. We have 7 South Florida locations to serve you and are continuing to grow! Give us a call at 1-855-550-FEET.
