What is ankle arthritis?
Ankle arthritis affects the joint where your lower leg meets your foot. It can damage cartilage, the smooth tissue that cushions the ends of bones and helps them move against each other.
When cartilage wears down or the joint becomes inflamed, walking, climbing stairs, and standing may become uncomfortable.
At Foot & Ankle Specialists of Utah, our podiatrists assess ankle pain and help you understand the type of arthritis involved and the treatments that may help.
What causes ankle arthritis?
Ankle arthritis often develops after a previous injury, such as a fracture or serious sprain. Symptoms may appear years later, even if the original injury healed.
Other causes include osteoarthritis, which involves gradual cartilage damage, and inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, in which the immune system attacks joint tissue.
Joint alignment and ongoing instability can also affect how weight passes through the ankle. Your podiatrist considers these factors when evaluating your symptoms.
What are the symptoms of ankle arthritis?
Common symptoms include:
- Aching or tenderness around the ankle joint.
- Stiffness after resting or first thing in the morning.
- Swelling that increases with activity.
- Reduced ankle movement.
- Pain that makes walking or standing difficult.
These symptoms can also occur with tendon problems, injuries, or other conditions. An examination helps identify the cause.
How is ankle arthritis diagnosed?
Your podiatrist reviews your symptoms, previous injuries, medical history, and medications. The examination checks ankle movement, stability, alignment, and the way you walk.
Standing X-rays are often used to assess joint space and bone changes. Additional imaging or blood tests may be recommended when needed. If an inflammatory condition is suspected, care may involve a rheumatologist.
How is ankle arthritis treated?
Treatment usually begins with nonsurgical options, such as:
- Activity changes: Reducing movements that worsen pain and choosing suitable lower-impact exercise.
- Supportive footwear or bracing: Helping support the ankle and limit painful movement.
- Shoe inserts: Use of Custom orthotics may help manage pressure or alignment in selected cases.
- Physical therapy: Exercises chosen to support strength and mobility.
- Medication: Pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory medicine when appropriate for your health.
- Joint injections: Corticosteroid injections may provide temporary relief for some patients.
These treatments can help manage symptoms, but they do not rebuild worn cartilage.
When is surgery considered?
Surgery may be discussed if arthritis continues to limit daily life despite appropriate nonsurgical care. Options can include removing painful bone spurs in selected cases, ankle fusion, or ankle replacement.
The choice depends on joint damage, alignment, overall health, and activity goals. Your podiatrist can discuss a surgical evaluation or referral.
When should ankle pain be checked promptly?
Seek prompt medical care for a suddenly hot, red, swollen ankle, especially with fever, or if you cannot bear weight after an injury. Do not assume these symptoms are simply an arthritis flare.
For ankle arthritis care in Utah, schedule a visit in Bountiful, Brigham City, Lehi, Ogden, Sandy, Tooele, or West Valley.