Ankle arthritis can put a real damper on your step. Whether caused by wear and tear over time or as a result of a previous injury, managing and treating ankle arthritis is essential for maintaining comfort and mobility. Let’s explore the effective options to help you step up your game against ankle arthritis.
Understanding Ankle Arthritis
Ankle arthritis occurs when the cartilage cushioning the ankle joint wears away, leading to bone-on-bone contact, inflammation, and pain. According to research studies, the majority of ankle arthritis is related to previous trauma.1 Persistent discomfort in the ankle joint, especially during movement or weight-bearing activities, is often one of the first signs of arthritis. Other common symptoms include stiffness and swelling. Recognizing the symptoms early is key to managing the condition effectively.
Non-Surgical Management
The initial approach to treating ankle arthritis involves non-surgical methods:
- Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain and inflammation. In severe cases, stronger medications may be prescribed.
- Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that aggravate your ankle pain, like high-impact sports, can prevent further damage.
- Physical Therapy: Exercises can strengthen the muscles around your ankle joint, improve flexibility, and help maintain stability.
- Bracing and Orthotics: Supportive braces or custom-made orthotics can provide stability and pain relief.
- Weight Management: Reducing pressure on your ankle joint by maintaining a healthy weight can improve symptoms.
Surgical Options
When non-surgical treatments do not provide sufficient pain relief, surgical options may be considered:
- Ankle Arthroscopy: Removing damaged cartilage and bone fragments through small incisions using arthroscopy.
- Arthrodesis: Fusing the ankle joint bones together to eliminate pain and instability.
- Total Ankle Replacement: Replacing the damaged ankle joint with an artificial joint, typically considered for severe cases.
Staying Ahead of Ankle Arthritis
Managing ankle arthritis is a collaborative effort between you and your orthopedic specialist. With a combination of lifestyle changes, therapy, and possibly surgery, you can manage your symptoms and maintain an active lifestyle. If you're experiencing ankle pain or stiffness, don't wait—reach out to the team at Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan. Together, we can tackle ankle arthritis and keep you moving forward.
Dr. Jeremy Walters is board-certified in foot surgery with abilities ranging from treating sports medicine and orthopedic injuries and fractures to the management of non-surgical conditions. Dr. Walters has a passion for caring for each of his patients on an individual basis at Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center with offices in Suffolk, Harbour View, and Chesapeake, Virginia.
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