Osteoarthritis (OA) is a condition that affects joints and their cartilage, causing structural and functional deterioration. While it commonly affects joints like the knee and hip, ankle osteoarthritis is less discussed due to its lower occurrence. Two main treatments for ankle OA are total ankle replacement (TAR) and ankle arthrodesis (AAD).
How Common It Is and Who Gets It? (Epidemiology)
Ankle osteoarthritis is less common compared to OA in other joints, such as the knee or hip, but it still significantly impacts a portion of the population, especially older adults and those with a history of trauma, fractures, or other joint deformities. Ankle OA is also more common in individuals with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, previous ankle surgeries, or those with chronic instability. While TAR is a growing treatment option, AAD remains widely used due to its long history of effectiveness.
Why It Happens – Causes (Etiology and Pathophysiology)
Ankle OA develops when the cartilage within the ankle joint deteriorates, leading to pain, stiffness, and loss of motion. This can occur due to:
- Trauma or Injury: Previous fractures or sprains can lead to long-term damage to the joint.
- Degeneration: The natural aging process leads to wear and tear on the cartilage.
- Inflammatory conditions: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can also contribute to cartilage breakdown in the ankle joint.
How the Body Part Normally Works? (Relevant Anatomy)
The ankle joint is where the tibia and fibula meet the talus bone. Healthy cartilage covers these bones, allowing smooth movement when walking, running, or jumping. In OA, the cartilage deteriorates, causing bone-on-bone contact and pain. In both TAR and AAD, the goal is to address this degeneration and restore function: TAR replaces the joint with an artificial implant, while AAD fuses the bones to prevent movement and alleviate pain.
What You Might Feel – Symptoms (Clinical Presentation)
Ankle OA can cause:
- Persistent pain, especially with weight-bearing activities
- Stiffness in the ankle joint
- Swelling and tenderness around the joint
- A reduced range of motion, particularly in dorsiflexion and plantarflexion
- Difficulty walking, running, or standing for extended periods
How Doctors Find the Problem? (Diagnosis and Imaging)
Ankle OA is typically diagnosed through:
- Physical Examination: To assess the range of motion, pain levels, and joint stability.
- X-rays: To check for joint space narrowing, bone spurs, or other signs of OA.
- MRI: To assess soft tissue damage, such as cartilage wear, ligament injuries, or bone bruises.
Classification
Treatment options for ankle OA are generally based on the severity of the condition:
- Mild OA: Often treated with conservative measures like bracing, physical therapy, or corticosteroid injections.
- Moderate to Severe OA: Surgical options like TAR or AAD are considered for patients who do not respond to non-surgical treatments.
Other Problems That Can Feel Similar (Differential Diagnosis)
Conditions that may mimic ankle OA include:
- Achilles Tendonitis: Inflammation in the Achilles tendon that can cause ankle pain.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Pain in the bottom of the foot that may be confused with OA.
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: Nerve compression in the ankle leading to pain and discomfort.
Treatment Options
Non-Surgical Care
- Physical therapy: Exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
- Bracing and orthotics: To support the ankle and reduce pain during movement.
- Medications: NSAIDs to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Corticosteroid injections: To reduce inflammation and manage pain.
Surgical Care
- Total Ankle Replacement (TAR): Involves replacing the damaged ankle joint with an artificial implant to restore motion and reduce pain.
- Ankle Arthrodesis (AAD): Fusing the bones of the ankle joint to provide pain relief and joint stability.
Recovery and What to Expect After Surgery (Recovery Process)
Post-surgery, recovery will vary depending on the procedure:
- TAR: Patients will typically wear a protective boot or cast and gradually begin partial weight-bearing. Physical therapy will be required to restore motion, strength, and function. Full recovery may take 6 months to a year.
- AAD: Recovery also includes wearing a boot and gradually increasing weight-bearing, but it generally takes longer than TAR. Complete recovery may take up to 12 months, as fusion requires the bones to heal together.
Possible Risks or Side Effects (Complications)
Risks associated with both TAR and AAD include:
- Infection: A risk with any surgery.
- Implant failure (TAR): The artificial joint may loosen, fracture, or shift.
- Nonunion (AAD): The ankle bones may fail to fuse properly.
- Adjunct joint arthritis: In cases of AAD, adjacent joints may develop arthritis due to altered biomechanics.
- Wound healing issues: Incisions may become infected or fail to heal properly.
Prognosis (Long-Term Outlook)
The prognosis for both TAR and AAD is generally good, with most patients experiencing pain relief and improved function. However, TAR is considered a more flexible option, offering a more natural range of motion. AAD, while effective in alleviating pain, restricts ankle motion, potentially leading to stress on adjacent joints.
Out-of-Pocket Costs
Medicare
CPT Code 27702 – Total Ankle Replacement (TAR): $226.36
CPT Code 27870 – Ankle Arthrodesis (Fusion): $236.43
Medicare Part B covers 80% of the approved cost for these procedures once your annual deductible has been met, leaving you responsible for the remaining 20%. Supplemental Insurance plans such as Medigap, AARP, or Blue Cross Blue Shield typically cover this remaining 20%, ensuring minimal or no out-of-pocket expenses for Medicare-approved surgeries. These plans are structured to coordinate with Medicare, reducing the patient’s financial responsibility.
If you have Secondary Insurance such as TRICARE, an Employer-Based Plan, or Veterans Health Administration coverage, it will act as a secondary payer after Medicare. These plans usually cover any remaining balance, including coinsurance or small deductibles, which typically range from $100 to $300 depending on your plan and provider network.
Workers’ Compensation
If your Total Ankle Replacement (TAR) or ankle fusion is required due to a work-related injury, Workers’ Compensation will cover all associated medical expenses, including surgery, rehabilitation, and follow-up care. You will have no out-of-pocket expenses, as the employer’s insurance carrier directly covers all approved treatments.
No-Fault Insurance
If your ankle injury or need for fusion or replacement surgery resulted from an automobile accident, No-Fault Insurance will typically cover the entire cost of treatment, including surgery and postoperative care. The only potential out-of-pocket cost may be a small deductible or co-payment based on your policy terms.
Example
John Smith underwent Total Ankle Replacement (CPT 27702) due to severe arthritis in his ankle, with an estimated Medicare out-of-pocket cost of $226.36. Later, he needed an ankle arthrodesis (CPT 27870) due to failure of the TAR. Since John had supplemental insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield, his remaining balance was fully covered, leaving him with no out-of-pocket expenses for either procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Total Ankle Replacement (TAR)?
Total Ankle Replacement is a surgical procedure where the damaged ankle joint is replaced with an artificial implant to restore motion and reduce pain from arthritis or injury.
What is Ankle Arthrodesis (AAD)?
Ankle Arthrodesis (AAD) is a procedure where the ankle joint is surgically fused to relieve pain and improve stability in cases of severe arthritis or deformity.
What are the main differences between TAR and AAD?
TAR preserves ankle motion by replacing the joint with an artificial implant, while AAD fuses the bones together, providing pain relief but limiting joint movement.
How do I prepare for TAR or AAD surgery?
Preparation includes a physical exam, imaging studies, discussing medical history, avoiding smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight to reduce stress on the ankle during recovery.
What is the recovery time for TAR and AAD?
Recovery time varies: TAR typically requires 6 months to a year for full recovery, while AAD may take up to 12 months due to the bone fusion process.
What are the risks of TAR and AAD?
Risks include infection, implant failure (TAR), nonunion (AAD), and adjacent joint arthritis.
How effective is TAR and AAD for ankle arthritis?
Both procedures are effective, with TAR offering better motion and function in the short term. AAD provides long-term pain relief but limits ankle mobility.
Is physical therapy required after TAR or AAD surgery?
Yes, physical therapy is essential to restore strength, range of motion, and balance after surgery.
Summary and Takeaway
Total ankle replacement and ankle arthrodesis are both effective surgical options for severe ankle arthritis. TAR offers the benefit of preserved ankle motion, while AAD provides stability but restricts movement. The choice of surgery depends on the patient’s specific needs, goals, and health condition.
Clinical Insight & Recent Findings
A recent large German study compared long-term outcomes of ankle fusion (arthrodesis) and total ankle replacement (TAR) in patients with severe ankle osteoarthritis. The analysis found that reoperation rates were initially higher with TAR but improved significantly over time as surgical techniques and implant designs advanced.
By the later years studied, both TAR and fusion showed similar rates of unplanned reoperations, suggesting TAR has become a safe and effective alternative to fusion for many patients. Risk factors such as osteoporosis, diabetes, and younger age increased the likelihood of additional surgery, underscoring the need for individualized treatment planning.
Overall, the study supports the growing role of ankle replacement alongside fusion in treating advanced ankle arthritis. (“Study comparing ankle fusion and replacement – see PubMed”)
Who Performs This Surgery? (Specialists and Team Involved)
Total ankle replacement and ankle arthrodesis are typically performed by orthopedic surgeons specializing in foot and ankle surgery. The surgical team includes anesthesiologists, nurses, and physical therapists to assist in preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care.
When to See a Specialist?
You should see a foot and ankle specialist if you experience significant pain, swelling, or limited mobility due to arthritis in the ankle joint. If conservative treatments have not provided relief, surgery may be considered.
When to Go to the Emergency Room?
Seek emergency care if you experience sudden severe pain, swelling, or instability in the ankle after surgery. This could indicate a complication such as infection or implant failure.
What Recovery Really Looks Like?
Recovery varies, but most patients can return to light activities within 6 months. Full recovery, including return to high-impact activities, typically occurs within 12 months.
What Happens If You Delay Surgery?
Delaying surgery can lead to worsening arthritis, increased pain, and limited mobility. Early intervention helps improve outcomes and reduce the risk of complications.
How to Prevent Recurrence or Failure?
To prevent complications, follow all post-surgical instructions, wear the recommended footwear, and engage in physical therapy to support healing and mobility.
Nutrition and Bone or Joint Health
A diet rich in protein, calcium, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids supports bone and joint healing after surgery. Maintaining overall health is key to a successful recovery.
Activity and Lifestyle Modifications
Engage in low-impact activities such as swimming or cycling during recovery. Avoid high-impact activities until cleared by your surgeon. Regular stretching and strengthening exercises will help maintain joint health.
Do you have more questions?
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a term that refers to inflammation of the joints. There are many types of arthritis, but the most common ones are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA): This is the most prevalent form of arthritis and occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down over time. It commonly affects joints in the hands, knees, hips, and spine, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced joint flexibility. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): RA is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium, the lining of the membranes that surround the joints. This can lead to inflammation, joint damage, and pain. RA often affects multiple joints and can also have systemic effects on other organs. Arthritis can cause a range of symptoms, including joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and a decreased range of motion. It can be a chronic condition and may impact a person’s quality of life. Treatment options vary depending on the type of arthritis and may include medication, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, or in some cases, surgery. It’s essential for individuals experiencing joint symptoms to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management plan.
What is ankle arthritis?
Ankle arthritis involves inflammation and deterioration of the ankle joint cartilage. Ankle arthritis can cause a range of symptoms, including joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and a decreased range of motion. It can be a chronic condition and may impact a person’s quality of life.
What causes ankle arthritis? How do you get arthritis in your ankle?
In vast majority of patients (60-80%) ankle arthritis occurs secondary to injury. This can be a fracture of the ankle or an impact injury without fracture. The initial insult to ankle cartilage results in a slow deterioration of the joint. Over time this progressively results in worsening progressive arthritis. To a lesser extent, ankle arthritis can also be due to a patient’s natural history, infection, gout, or underlying medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis / hemophilia. In many of these cases, an initial fracture/impaction injury results in uneven force dissipation across the ankle joint. This causes the ankle to be overloaded in certain area. After years of walking on this unevenly distributed joint, the cartilage starts to wear thin, and inflammation ensures.
Is ankle arthritis common? How common is ankle arthritis?
Ankle arthritis is less common that larger weight bearing joints such as the knee or hip. The incidence of ankle arthritis is approximately 30 per 100,000 people. Global approximation is roughly 1% of the population.
What does arthritis in ankle feel like?
Often patients will experience pain around ankle joint. This is most commonly with weight bearing, walking, or exercises. Swelling at the joint line is very common. Over time the joint will become stiff, and range of motion will be lost. If this goes on long enough, the alignment of the joint will change, and a progressive deformity will ensue. The natural history of all arthritis is to slowly and chronically progress, with worsening pain exacerbation episodes.
How do you diagnose ankle arthritis? how is ankle arthritis diagnosed?
A surgeon will obtain a thorough history and perform a physical examination. If there is a convincing clinical presentation, we will confirm our suspicion with X-rays and advanced imaging. Additional testing may be required.
Does ankle arthritis show up on X-ray?
Yes. Most of the time we are able to detect arthritis on X-rays. In the cases of very focal disease, or early arthritis, additional advanced imaging may be required (MRI / CT scans).
What does ankle arthritis look like on an X-ray?
Ankle arthritis will show up as narrowing of the joint space at the ankle joint line. There may also be formation of new bony spurs. In severe cases the ankle will start to drift medially or laterally, resulting in deformity.
How to treat arthritis in ankle arthritis? What can be done for ankle arthritis? What can I do for arthritis in my ankles?
The treatment of ankle arthritis is divided into non-operative and operative techniques. In vast majority of patients, we initially encourage non-operative treatment. The goal of non-operative treatment is to avert or delay surgery. No intervention can “cure” arthritis. We try to maximize your time with a natural joint. Most of these strategies are aimed at keeping you strong and allowing you to cope with the pain from ankle arthritis. Non-operative interventions include activity modification, shoe modifications, weight loss, bracing, walking aids, physical therapy, and pain medications / anti-inflammatories. You can try turmeric and topical capsaicin as natural remedies. Some patients report improvements in pain. You should maintain optimal levels of Vitamin D and Calcium. This is important for bone and cartilage turnover. Icing and elevation can help with swelling related symptoms. Once these options are exhausted, we typically turn in injection options. This includes cortisone injections, Hyaluronic Acid injections, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections, and Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) injections. Cortisone is a strong anti-inflammatory and can provide temporary relief of pain symptoms. Recent literature suggests having too many cortisone injections can hasten joint deterioration. See the article below. Thus, frequent cortisone injections are not ideal. Hyaluronic Acid injections act as lubrication and can help with pain symptoms. These tend to provide temporary pain relief and return of function. PRP are injections where we take blood, spin out the red blood cells, and run the plasma layer through a filtrate. This concentrates growth factors, inflammatory singling molecules, and immune modulators. This can help stabilize cartilage and provided more long-term pain relief. MSC is a more invasive procedure where we harvest stem cells from your pelvic. We then use a special centrifuge to separate the stem cells, and this is then injected into the arthritic joint. These cells secrete the same proteins that are found in your plasma. However, since we are injection cells, the effect of this injection tends to be longer. See the article below that summarizes these non-operative arthritis management strategies. Once all non-operative options have been exhausted, and you are no longer able to cope with ankle arthritis, surgical options are indicated. Continue reading for further information on how surgery can be helpful for treating ankle arthritis. https://journals.lww.com/jbjsjournal/abstract/2021/11170/rapidly_destructive_hip_disease_following.2.aspx https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2473011419852931
Do ankle braces help with arthritis? Will an ankle brace help arthritis?
Yes. Most ankle arthritis braced work by reducing motion at the ankle joint. This helps prevent excessive motion and helps reduce pain. However, it can worsen ankle stiffness. Use it sparingly. Try to maintain ankle range of motion with stretches / exercises,
What surgery is done for ankle arthritis?
Once all non-operative options have been exhausted, and you are no longer able to cope with ankle arthritis, surgical options are indicated. Continue reading for further information on how surgery can be helpful for treating ankle arthritis. There are many surgical approaches to treating ankle arthritis. This depends on several factors. This can be patient factors such as underlying medical conditions, level of activity, goals of treatment, and expectations. Joint related factors also come into play. This includes how severe the arthritis is, whether there localized or global disease, severity of arthritis, presence of deformity, and involvement of surrounding soft tissue structures. Furthermore, concomitant foot deformity must also be considered. Early ankle arthritis, that is well localized, in young active healthy patients, is amenable to debridement with ankle arthroscopy. This is a minimally invasive procedure where a camera is inserted into the joint, and areas of arthritis are debrided away. This can provide pain relief, more range of motion, and long-term symptom control for patients with early ankle arthritis. See the ankle arthroscopy section for more information regarding these options. Speak to one of our experts if you think you may be a candidate. More extensive arthritis is typically treated with two main options: fusion (arthrodesis) or replacement (arthroplasty). Both options have their benefits and pitfalls. It is critical to have a discussion with your surgeon to determine which option is right for you. Ankle fusion (arthrodesis) is considered the gold standard for cases of severe ankle arthritis. It has been the go-to procedure for decades. Here we expose the joint, remove any residual cartilage, and oppose the talus bone to the end of the tibia bone. These two bones heal to one another, forming one bony structure. Functionally the joint is eliminated. There is no motion across the joint anymore. However, there is also no pain. Ankle replacement (arthroplasty) is a newer procedure that has been advancing quickly over the last 2 decades. Replacement surgery is much more involved than ankle fusion. It provides pain relief similar to fusion surgery. However, it allows us to maintain motion at the ankle joint. This is thought to prevent neighboring foot joints from deteriorating. The recovering and healing form this is more difficult. Ask one of our experts if you are a candidate for one of these procedures.
How is an ankle fusion done? How does ankle fusion work?
In order to do an ankle fusion, we first make the decision to do it using a traditional open incision, or arthroscopically (though a camera). This depends mainly on how severe the arthritis is. In either case, we expose the joint and removed any residual cartilage. Bony ends of the talus and tibia are exposed. All debris is removed. We then Make perforations that facilitate healing. We then oppose the bony ends of the talus and tibia in a functional position. We use screws or plates to compress and hold this bony apposition. The incisions are closed. After the procedure the ankle is casted, and you are kept non-weight bearing for a minimum of 6 weeks. After that point, we start the rehab process.
How is ankle replacement done? How does ankle replacement work?
In order to perform an ankle replacement, we often will utilize advanced imaging and patient specific instruments. This requires a CT scan before the procedure. Custom cutting jigs will be 3D printed. These improve the location of bony cuts and reduce operative time. We make an incision in the front of your ankle, avoiding nerves and vessels. We dissect down to the joint, preserving soft tissues. We apply and secure 3D printed custom cutting jigs. These are secured. We then cut the tibia and talus to accommodate metal implants. Once cuts are made, we remove excess bone and debris. We apply trial implants to ensure sizing and tension. Once we have determined the correct size implants, we place metal components in the tibia and talus. We then place a high-density polyethylene component. At this stage we stress test the ligament structures. If there is ligament deficiency, we may perform a reconstruction acutely, or stage this to a later time. Similarly, if there is a foot deformity this may be addressed at the time of surgery or staged to a later time. All incisions are closed and a cast is applied. This can be present for 2-4 weeks. After this point, rehab is initiated.
What is recovery like after an ankle replacement (arthroplasty)?
Once the surgery is complete, you are placed into a cast. The cast is required for minimum of 2-4 weeks. We will remove the sutures 2-3 weeks post op. You will have to remain non-weight bearing for minimum of 2-4 weeks. Once the cast is removed, we can start weight bearing and rehab. Often, we will transition you to a rigid removable boot, to start weight bearing. This will be weaned as you progress in physical therapy. It will likely take 3-4 months before you feel that you can walk on the ankle comfortably. The fusion will continue to heal and remodel for over a year. Swelling will be present for at least 6 months. In some cases, swelling is present for over 18 month. It goes away eventually as you rehab.
Is ankle replacement better than ankle fusion? Which surgery is better for ankle arthritis?
This is a difficult and complex question. For many decades, there have been similar outcomes in terms of post operative pain, function, and satisfaction when comparing ankle replacement to ankle fusion. Both offer similar pain relief and function. However, ankle replacements preserve motion. Additional, ankle replacements are high risk surgeries. There is higher risk of complications such as infection, fracture, nerve / vessel injury, and requirement for further surgery in the future. Historically, ankle fusions were the surgery of choice for vast majority of patients. However, as ankle replacement implants evolve, there is a paradigm shift. We are starting to see better outcomes for replacement patients compared to fusion. Patients are happier, more functional, and have more motion. There is also a lesser risk of neighboring joint degeneration because ankle motion is preserved. This means that there is a lesser risk of the rest of the foot deteriorating because of a fused ankle. Have a look at the below study, which demonstrates this.
Can ankle arthritis be cured? Can arthritis be removed from ankle? How to cure arthritis in the ankle?
For all arthritis, there is no “cure”. No medication or surgery will give you the cartilage you had in your twenties. Nothing can reverse the deterioration of the joint. Non-operative treatments are aimed at decreasing pain and improving function. However, the arthritic process continues to progress. Surgery is aimed at eliminating or replacing the joint. This does not restore cartilage, but instead allows for the joint pain to be eliminated.
Can you get arthritis of your ankle?
Yes. See the FAQs above for more information.
Can arthritis cause swollen foot and ankles?
Yes. This is a very common symptom of ankle arthritis. You can get swelling in your ankle and in the foot.
Can a sprained ankle cause arthritis?
Most ankle sprains do not result in ankle arthritis. However, if the ligaments are severely torn due to injury, or there are recurring injuries, this can lead to ankle arthritis.
Can arthritis in knee cause swelling in ankle?
Yes. As the knee joint swells, it can cause pressure on the vessels in the back of the knee. This generates back pressure which causes ankle and foot swelling.
Can hip arthritis cause ankle pain?
This is very unlikely. There are most probably two separate issues.
Can knee arthritis cause ankle pain?
Typically knee arthritis does not cause ankle pain. Occasionally, in severe knee deformities, ankle pain results due to abnormal loading of the ankle.
Can rheumatoid arthritis affect your ankles? Can rheumatoid arthritis cause swollen ankles?
Yes. See the FAQs above for more information.
Is walking good for arthritis in the ankle? Is cycling good for ankle arthritis?
Generally, low impact exercise is considered helpful for arthritis related pain. This includes walking, cycling, swimming, etc. High impact exercise can exacerbate pain and cause progression of arthritis. This includes running, jumping, and repetitive impact-based exercises.
Is exercise good for ankle arthritis?
Generally, low impact exercise is considered helpful for arthritis related pain. This includes walking, cycling, swimming, etc. High impact exercise can exacerbate pain and cause progression of arthritis. This includes running, jumping, and repetitive impact-based exercises.
Can I run with ankle arthritis?
Yes. However, high impact activities, such as running, are more likely to exacerbate ankle arthritis.
What are the signs of arthritis in your ankles? What does arthritis in the ankle look like?
Pain on range of motion, swelling, and stiffness are the most common signs of ankle arthritis. You gait may be affected, causing a limp.
What are the symptoms of ankle arthritis? what does arthritis feel like in your ankle?
Pain at the ankle joint line with range of motion, walking, and weight bearing. The pain tends to be worse with acute activity and progresses slowly over years. Often the pain will come in exacerbations. These will become more frequent and severe.
Does cracking your ankle cause arthritis?
No. Most ankle cracking are tendons moving over one another. This does not result in arthritis of the ankles. Thus far, there have not been any convincing evidence that cracking any joint results in arthritis.
How to ease arthritis pain in ankle? how to get rid of arthritis in ankle? How to help ankle arthritis?
There are several non-operative ways to improve ankle pain. See the treatment FAQs above.
How to know if you have arthritis in your ankle?
A clinician must perform a history and examination of the ankle. Once this is done, confirmatory studies such as X-rays will be done. Once the work-up has been completed, we can determine the cause of ankle pain. There are several causes for ankle pain.
How to prevent arthritis in ankle?
Most ankle arthritis is caused by trauma (fractures), and thus are difficult of avoid. However, proper shoe wear, avoidance of high impact activity, avoiding of high-risk activities, and weight reduction, can all help reduce the risk of ankle arthritis.
Is ankle arthritis a disability?
Ankle arthritis can cause disabling pain and functional limitations.
What helps arthritis in ankles? What to do for arthritis in ankle?
See the treatment FAQ above for more information.
What is the best ankle support for arthritis?
A semi rigid AFO can help reduce pain in the ankle from arthritis. Rocker bottom shoes can also be helpful. You may also find a removable semi-rigid ankle brace useful for pain and stability. See one of our experts to get a prescription and orthotist recommendation.
What type of arthritis affects the ankles?
Most commonly, ankle arthritis is post-traumatic. See the above FAQs for more information.
Does ice help arthritis in ankle? Does elevation help with ankle arthritis? How to reduce swelling in ankles due to arthritis?
Yes. Especially if there is swelling. We recommended icing and elevation for 15 min while there is swelling. Try to do this as much as possible to help reduce symptom duration and frequency.
Can massage help ankle arthritis?
Some patients find pain relief with massage treatments. We recommend trying it if you are interested. See a reputable licensed provider.
Can physical therapy help ankle arthritis?
Yes. The goal of physical therapy is to help obtain and maintain range of motion of the ankle. A physical therapist will give you a home program. It is important to try and these home exercises every day. When you go to see the therapist, they will try to do those activities you cannot do on your own at home. This includes using modalities such as massage, TENS, shockwave, ultrasounds, and manipulations.
Can ankle arthritis cause leg pain? Can ankle arthritis cause shin pain?
Some patients report radiation of ankle arthritis pain into the leg or shin. However, most of the pain is typically prepared at the ankle joint line.
Can ankle replacement help arthritis?
Yes. See the treatment FAQs above for more information.
Can I feel arthritis in ankle malleolus?
Patients with arthritis of the medial or lateral malleolus will often complain of pain on that corresponding side.
Can I still play basketball with arthritis in my ankle?
Yes. However high impact activity such as this is likely to exacerbate arthritis pain.
Can knee arthritis cause pain in hip and ankle?
Knee arthritis pain tend so radiate distally, but the pain is rarely perceived in the ankle or in the hip. You may feel radiation of pain into the shit. Rare does it radiates to the ankle.
Can psoriasis arthritis affect the ankle?
Yes
Can rheumatoid arthritis affect the ankle?
Yes.
Can treadmills cause ankles arthritis?
No. There is no evidence that this is the case. However, read all safety warnings when using any equipment. Improper use can result in injury.
What causes ankle arthritis? How do you get arthritis in your ankle?
In vast majority of patients (60-80%) ankle arthritis occurs secondary to injury. This can be a fracture of the ankle or an impact injury without fracture. The initial insult to ankle cartilage results in a slow deterioration of the joint. Over time this progressively results in worsening progressive arthritis. To a lesser extent, ankle arthritis can also be due to a patient’s natural history, infection, gout, or underlying medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis / hemophilia.
What is ankle arthritis?
Ankle arthritis involves inflammation and deterioration of the ankle joint cartilage. Ankle arthritis can cause a range of symptoms, including joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and a decreased range of motion. It can be a chronic condition and may impact a person’s quality of life.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a term that refers to inflammation of the joints. There are many types of arthritis, but the most common ones are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA): This is the most prevalent form of arthritis and occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down over time. It commonly affects joints in the hands, knees, hips, and spine, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced joint flexibility. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): RA is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium, the lining of the membranes that surround the joints. This can lead to inflammation, joint damage, and pain. RA often affects multiple joints and can also have systemic effects on other organs. Arthritis can cause a range of symptoms, including joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and a decreased range of motion. It can be a chronic condition and may impact a person’s quality of life. Treatment options vary depending on the type of arthritis and may include medication, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, or in some cases, surgery. It’s essential for individuals experiencing joint symptoms to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management plan.
What is an ankle fusion (arthrodesis procedure)? What is ankle arthrodesis? What is the definition of ankle arthrodesis?
An ankle fusion procedure, also known as ankle arthrodesis, is a surgical intervention aimed at stabilizing and immobilizing the ankle joint. This is typically done to alleviate pain and address severe arthritis, deformities, or instability within the ankle.
