What is ankle arthritis?

The ankle joint contains three bones called the tibia, fibula and talus that are surrounded by cartilage, or connective tissue, which cushions the bones during everyday movements. Ankle arthritis is characterized by damage or deterioration of the cartilage surrounding any or all of these bones, which results in joint inflammation, pain and swelling. Since the ankle joint moves every time you take a step, the condition can make walking very difficult.

What causes ankle arthritis?

Ankle arthritis is caused when the cartilage that surrounds the bones in the ankle joint is worn down. As a result, the bones in the joint begin rubbing together, causing inflammation and pain. This deterioration of cartilage may occur due to normal wear and tear over time, caused by a specific injury, or the result of an inflammatory disease such as rheumatoid arthritis.

What are the types of ankle arthritis?

There are several types of ankle arthritis, including:
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is characterized by the progressive deterioration and eventual loss of cartilage in one or more places in the ankle joint. Osteoarthritis is also very typical in the big toe joint.

Post-Traumatic Arthritis
Post-traumatic arthritis is characterized by damage to the ankle’s cartilage that develops following an injury, such as a fracture or severe sprain.

Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by the deterioration of cartilage in the ankle joint due to the immune system attacking the tissues. This type of arthritis can also affect the joints in the hands.

What are the symptoms of ankle arthritis?

If you have ankle arthritis, you will likely experience:

• Stiffness and pain in the ankle joint
• Inflammation and swelling around the joint
• Difficulty walking and moving the joint up and down
• Reduced range of motion in the ankle
• Pain that worsens with an increase in activity

What are the risk factors for ankle arthritis?

There are several factors that can increase your risk for ankle arthritis:

• Age – the incidence of ankle arthritis increases as you get older
• Gender – women are more likely than men to develop osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
• Ankle injuries – significant or repeated injuries to the ankle including fractures, sprains or rolling the ankle can damage the joint’s cartilage and make post-traumatic ankle arthritis more likely
• Physical conditions – certain physical conditions including flat foot and obesity have been linked to the development of osteoarthritis due to the increased pressure placed on the ankle during everyday movements
• Family history – a family history of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis puts you at an increased risk for developing arthritis in the ankle

What are the treatment options for ankle arthritis?

If you are experiencing stiffness or pain in the ankle joint, call our office at 212‑434‑4920 or fill out the schedule appointment form on this page so Stuart Katchis, M.D. can evaluate and diagnose your condition. Ankle arthritis is a progressive condition that gets worse over time and treatment outcomes are significantly improved if medical evaluation is sought when symptoms first start.

In many cases, symptoms of ankle arthritis can be successfully managed long-term with nonsurgical methods.

Nonsurgical Treatment

Nonsurgical treatment options may involve:

Surgical Treatment

Surgery may be required if nonsurgical treatments will not prove effective for relieving pain, particularly in cases of more severe ankle arthritis. The type of surgical procedure recommended by Dr. Katchis will depend upon each patient’s unique situation.

Surgical treatments include:

What does the recovery process entail?

Surgical treatment for ankle arthritis involves several weeks or months of recovery depending on the type of surgery performed. With any type of surgery for this condition, it may require you to wear a firm and flat postoperative shoe to protect your foot and ankle while the bones heal.

Whether you undergo nonsurgical or surgical treatment for ankle arthritis, Stuart Katchis, M.D. will provide recommendations for long-term measures designed to keep your symptoms from flaring up, such as taking anti-inflammatory medications, wearing orthotics or receiving cortisone injections periodically.