What is ankle arthritis?
Ankle arthritis is a degenerative condition (which means it gets worse over time) that causes pain, swelling and reduces the range of movement in your ankle joint.
It often occurs when you have previously injured your ankle but can sometimes be the result of an auto-immune or other condition.
What treatment options are available?
Surgery to reduce the symptoms of ankle arthritis is an option. However, your first treatment options will most likely be non-invasive.
These include:
- use of pain or anti-inflammatory medications
- changing your activities to reduce impact on your ankle
- use of orthotics or braces to help stabilise your ankle.
Your doctor will recommend the best treatment options for you.
Ankle surgery
Surgery on your ankle is an option that may be recommended if non-invasive treatment doesn’t work.
It is important to remember that your doctor will recommend the best surgical option to suit your needs and your lifestyle.
The two main ankle surgery options are:
- joint-preserving surgery: such as arthroscopy or osteotomy for mild to moderate arthritis
- joint-sacrificing surgery: including arthrodesis (ankle fusion) and replacement surgery in complex or severe cases.
Care for your ankle
Injuring your ankle does not automatically mean that you will develop arthritis, but it is important to be aware that arthritis can occur and can affect your mobility particularly as you age.
To enable you to continue doing everything you love as you get older, make sure you care for your ankles and rehabilitate any ankle injury appropriately.
