Ankle Arthritis – What are my options?

Ankle arthritis is a painful, often debilitating condition, which commonly occurs in individuals with an unstable ankle joint, who have experienced an ankle injury like a sprain or fracture in the past. Ankle joint arthritis may also be caused by a systemic condition, like rheumatoid arthritis, or an untreated flat foot deformity which places unnatural stress through the ankle joint. Ankle arthritis is simply the result of damage, and progressive degeneration, of the cartilage within the ankle joint, which over time causes the underlying bones to rub and swell, often resulting in severe pain. Other symptoms include stiffness within the ankle joint, loss of range of motion, and swelling within the foot and lower leg.

Conservative treatment for ankle arthritis consists of rest and ice, anti-inflammatories, and bracing. Additionally, cortisone injections can be helpful when administered appropriately. But when conservative treatment fails, surgery is generally indicated to address the underlying damage within the ankle joint. Minimally invasive ankle joint arthroscopy is frequently used to clean out the ankle joint, repair defects within the cartilage, and stabilize the ankle joint by repairing the surrounding ligaments.

For more severe cases of ankle arthritis, ankle joint fusion or total ankle joint replacement may be necessary. The providers at the Podiatry Clinic of Jackson employ the latest technology to help our patients return to their activities with less pain. The total ankle replacement system used by our providers is CT guided and customized to each individual patient undergoing ankle replacement, and the outcomes of this modern ankle replacement system are excellent, resulting in significantly less pain and improved function in most patients. Our fellowship-trained, reconstructive foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Christopher Betrus, DPM can educate you on your specific condition, guide you through your options, and help you make the right decision for how to best address your ankle arthritis.

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above or believe you may be suffering from ankle arthritis and want to know more about your condition and options, make an appointment at the Podiatry Clinic of Jackson today.