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Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that can
affect the joints in any part of the body, including the ankle. With osteoarthritis, the sturdy but elastic tissue that covers the ends
of the bones where the joints meet, known as cartilage, gradually begins to wear away. Early diagnosing
and treating of ankle arthritis can help people manage and
alleviate their symptoms associated with the disease.
On the contrary to osteoarthritis that develops in the hip or knee,
ankle osteoarthritis is an estimated nine times less likely to occur. The most common reason
for ankle arthritis is prior trauma from an injury. Traumatic injuries to
the ankle, such as ankle fractures, are undoubtedly the most frequent reason for developing ankle joint arthritis. It's theorized that
ankle arthritis may develop after injury due to the damage the cartilage may
have received. Post-traumatic ankle osteoarthritis typically develops within 2
years of the injury.
Ankle Arthritis
Symptoms
Ankle arthritis most commonly causes pain surrounding the joint.
The pain associated with this condition is many times the reason why people begin seeking treatment. Other common symptoms of ankle osteoarthritis include swelling
around the ankle joint, followed by stiffness and deformity of the ankle due to
the inflammation of the joint. Bone spurs may also develop, causing the ankle to appear
lumpy. Instability is also a common symptom of ankle osteoarthritis, where the
individual may experience feeling their joints "give out". Less commonly, this type of arthritis can lead to irritation of the
nerves surrounding the ankle joint, causing the well-known symptoms of tingling and numbness in the feet and
toes similar to foot tendonitis.
An individual can accomplish relief for their ankle
osteoarthritis through simple activity modification and lifestyle changes. A
footwear change offering cushioned support for the feet and ankles can help manage and alleviate the symptoms. Limiting impact activities, such as running and
jumping, can also be a good option for a quicker recovery. If
these treatments can’t relieve the symptoms associated with the condition,
invasive treatments, such as surgery, may be considered.
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
