Ankle Arthritis Treatment
IN NYC

Millennium Podiatry in New York City provides specialized care for individuals seeking ankle arthritis treatment tailored to their unique condition. With years of expertise in managing common and complex ankle disorders, our team focuses on accurate diagnosis and effective solutions. Every case is approached with attention to the specific structures involved and how arthritis affects each patient’s ability to move comfortably. From mild joint discomfort to more advanced degenerative issues, care is guided by precision and innovation. Our practice is committed to restoring comfort, confidence, and stability with lasting results.

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What Is Ankle Arthritis?

Ankle arthritis is a condition that occurs when the cartilage in the ankle joint gradually wears down, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. It often develops over time due to aging or repeated stress on the joint but can also result from a previous injury. For instance, a severe sprain can damage the cartilage or alter joint mechanics, increasing the likelihood of arthritis later on. Simple movements like walking or climbing stairs can become difficult as the condition progresses. Although it affects people of all ages, ankle arthritis is prevalent among those with a history of joint trauma.

What Are the Symptoms of Ankle Arthritis?

Ankle arthritis can affect daily life by limiting movement and causing persistent discomfort. While the severity may vary, there are several common symptoms that may indicate the presence of arthritis in the ankle joint:

Types of Foot and Ankle Arthritis

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of ankle arthritis and is often referred to as a degenerative joint disease. It develops when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down over time, leading to bone-on-bone contact, pain, and stiffness. In response, the body may produce inflamed tissue around the joint, contributing to swelling and discomfort. This type of arthritis worsens gradually and is more common with age or after injuries like fractures or repeated strain.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease that affects the lining of the joints, including those in the feet and ankles. Unlike osteoarthritis, it is an autoimmune condition, meaning the body’s immune system mistakenly perceives certain parts of the joint as foreign tissue. This leads to chronic inflammation, pain, and potential joint deformity. Rheumatoid arthritis often affects both feet symmetrically and can significantly impair mobility if left untreated.

Your Initial Consultation

Our specialist reviews the patient’s medical history and symptoms during a consultation to help diagnose arthritis accurately. A thorough physical examination is performed to assess pain levels, joint function, and any visible changes in the joint area. Imaging tests such as a bone scan may be ordered to detect inflammation or early cartilage loss that might not appear on standard X-rays. In some cases, bony outgrowths, also known as bone spurs, can be observed and may contribute to discomfort and limited mobility. These diagnostic steps help determine the extent of damage and guide the most appropriate treatment plan.

How Is Ankle Arthritis Treated?

Nonsurgical Treatment

Surgery for Ankle Arthritis

Common operative treatments include:

Exostectomy: A procedure that reduces pain and increases range of motion by removing the arthritic bone spurs.
Arthroscopic debridement: Cleaning out (debriding) the ankle joint is a good choice if the ankle arthritis is not severe.
Ankle fusion: A procedure where the arthritic ankle joint is removed, and the bones are mended (fused) together, which is ideal for patients with severe arthritis.
Ankle replacement is an artificial replacement of the ankle joint. It may be an ideal option for older patients who are not excessively active.

Each surgery performed by our specialists is carefully planned to achieve the desired results.

Reviews

“Dr. Suzanne Levine and her team are the best! I had a bad infection on my toe that looked dreadful. Dr. Levine treated it with a laser that was gentle, quick, and effective. After two treatments, my toe looked 100% better! I would definitely trust them with any foot issues in the future”

– Jeffrey Greenstein

“Dr Levine and her staff are gracious and professional during each step of the surgical process. From diagnosis to recovery their professional attentiveness to my comfort and wellbeing is a great relief. I highly recommend Dr. Levine her knowledge and skills are unsurpassed!”

– Dianna Lynn

“Dr. Levine and her team are real top professionals in the field of podiatry. I came here because of a misdiagnosed foot problem. Dr Levine identified the issue immediately. Also the office is state of the art and supper efficient!”

– Kim Opiatowski

“Thank you millennium podiatry. I was treated for ankle pain and inflammation with non invasive laser treatment and custom made orthotics for my everyday shoes and high heels and I am pleased to say I’m extremely satisfied and happy. They have the best bed side manner after my procedure as well. Will recommend eyes closed.”

– Luca Beato

Candidates for Ankle Arthritis Treatment

Ankle arthritis can affect people differently depending on the cause, severity, and progression of the condition. Candidates for treatment often fall into specific groups based on symptoms, imaging findings, and how much the condition impacts daily life.

Individuals with significant damage to ankle cartilage
Patients experiencing persistent pain from advanced arthritis
Those with difficulty walking or standing for extended periods
People who have not responded to conservative therapies
Individuals with a history of ankle injuries or fractures
Patients with limited ankle mobility due to joint degeneration

Benefits of Ankle Arthritis Treatment

Treating ankle arthritis can lead to meaningful improvements in mobility and quality of life. Treatment can help restore function and manage long-term joint health depending on the chosen approach. Our procedures:

Cost of Ankle Arthritis Treatment in New York City

The cost of ankle arthritis treatment in New York City ranges from $300 to $20,000+, depending on the severity of the condition and the chosen approach. Conservative treatments, such as physical therapy, medications, and braces like an Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO), typically fall on the lower end of the cost spectrum. More advanced treatment options, including surgical treatments, can increase expenses. Procedures involving artificial implants for joint replacement tend to be the most costly, especially when factoring in hospital fees and post-operative care. Ultimately, the cost varies based on the combination of therapies selected to manage the condition effectively.

Walk Freely Again

Ankle arthritis can cause significant pain that interferes with your everyday life. Thankfully, Dr. Levine, Dr. Landsman, and their team at Millennium Podiatry offer advanced procedures to help alleviate symptoms and allow you to walk and move more comfortably. Learn more by scheduling your initial consultation today at our Park Avenue facility in New York, NY.

FAQs

What is the difference between ankle joint arthritis and arthritis of the foot?

Ankle joint arthritis affects the cartilage and movement between the ankle bones, while foot arthritis may involve several smaller joints spread throughout the foot. The midfoot, hindfoot, and forefoot are commonly affected in foot arthritis, whereas ankle arthritis is specific to the joint that connects the leg to the foot.

Can arthritis affect the big toe?

Yes, arthritis can affect the big toe, also known as the great toe. The affected joint may become stiff, swollen, and painful due to damage to the cartilage cells. While the big toe is commonly involved, other toes can also be affected, especially since each of the smaller toes has three joints that are vulnerable to arthritic changes.

Can physical therapy help relieve arthritis?

Yes, physical therapy is often used for pain relief in arthritis and can improve joint function and mobility. In many cases, it can help delay or even avoid the need for surgical procedures.

How to prevent arthritis?

Preventing arthritis involves staying active through exercises, weight control, and other conservative measures. These strategies can help reduce joint stress before pain starts and are especially helpful in the early stages of joint wear.

Ankle Arthritis Treatment IN NYC