What is ANKLE ARTHRITIS?
The ankle joint is responsible for the up and down motion of the foot. It’s made up of two leg bones and one foot bone. When you experience ankle arthritis, it can lead to pain and swelling in the ankle joint. Ankle arthritis commonly results from a history of trauma to the ankle. Traumatic injuries, such as ankle fractures, may damage the joint structure or create misalignment, leading to arthritis. Additionally, ankle arthritis can be the cause of a biomechanical imbalance. This occurs when ankle cartilage, which is supposed to be a smooth gliding surface, becomes eroded, coarse, and stiff. Also, the ankle joint can become enlarged and full of bone spurs.
Lastly, ankle arthritis may develop from other causes, such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or a serious joint infection.
At Millennium Podiatry, Dr. Suzanne Levine and her team provide several treatment options to help identify the cause of ankle arthritis and alleviate its symptoms. Contact our state-of-the-art practice in New York, NY to learn more and schedule an initial consultation.
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What are the SYMPTOMS OF ANKLE ARTHRITIS?
Ankle arthritis can be painful and interfere with everyday life. The symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness, and enlargement of the ankle. Standing and walking often make these symptoms worst. Patients with severe ankle arthritis experience limited ankle motion and may have a grinding sound every time they move their ankle joint. Furthermore, in more advanced cases, the ankle joint can develop bone spurs.
How is ankle arthritis TREATed?
Nonsurgical Treatment
- Weight loss and activity modification to limit the amount of loading through the ankle joint.
- Anti-inflammatory and pain medications to control symptoms.
- Ankle bracing and proper rocker-bottom shoewear to help to decrease ankle joint movement.
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. Furthermore, it may be an ideal option for older patients who are not excessively active.
Walk Freely Again
Ankle arthritis can cause significant pain that interferes with your everyday life. Thankfully, Dr. Levine and her 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.