Specializing in Treating Ankle Arthritis
Awarding-Winning Orthopedic Services in Orange County
What is Ankle Arthritis?
Ankle arthritis occurs when the cartilage (padding) in the ankle joint is damaged or wears out, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness in the ankle. The most common cause is post-traumatic, whether due to a previous fracture or a history of multiple ankle sprains and instability.
Symptoms of Ankle Arthritis
Early on, patients may experience intermittent flare ups of pain and swelling with more strenuous activities, and as the arthritis progresses patients experience more persistent pain and will potentially develop stiffness in the ankle as well. These symptoms can make it more difficult and painful to walk. Advanced arthritis in the ankle has been shown to be more debilitating than hip and knee arthritis
Nonsurgical Ankle Arthritis Treatments
In the early stages of ankle arthritis, conservative treatments can help alleviate ankle pain without requiring surgery. Nonoperative care for ankle arthritis includes:
- Activity modification
- Anti-inflammatories
- Physical therapy
- Ankle braces
- Cortisone injection
- Changing shoe types (wider shoes, avoiding high heels, shoes with proper arch support)
- Lifestyle changes (weight loss, limiting alcohol and smoking)
Surgical Ankle Arthritis Treatments
Surgery can be successful in treating ankle arthritis when nonsurgical treatments do not alleviate ankle pain or when the severity of arthritis is more advanced. Mild forms of ankle arthritis can benefit from an arthroscopic procedure to clean up (debridement) the arthritis.
Surgical treatment for advanced arthritis includes either:
- Ankle fusion (arthrodesis)
- Ankle replacement
Find a Foot and Ankle Specialist
Treating ankle arthritis and finding a treatment program that gets you back on your feet and fully active, begins with seeking attention from top ankle doctors or a podiatrist who prioritizes the health and unique goals of patients. At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, we are dedicated to providing sound orthopedic care and comprehensive patient-focused services in state-of-the-art facilities.
To learn more about ankle arthritis treatments,
call
(949) 705-6493
Find an Ankle Surgeon or Podiatrist
