The Fundamentals of Ankle Arthritis
While ankle arthritis can be one of the less frequent types of arthritis, it can be a very painful one for those who experience it. There are a number of causes of ankle arthritis, and a case of this condition can frequently be attributed to a specific event or injury. This means that if you experience an injury to your ankle in your earlier years of life, arthritis is a condition that you should be on the lookout for as you age. The good news is that there are a number of possible treatment options for this state, and they can range from changing your footwear to a variety of surgical options. Your doctor will be the best source of information in diagnosing and treating your ankle arthritis.
Causes
There are a number of reasons why you might be diagnosed with ankle arthritis, and one of the most frequent is a prior injury to the region, such as a sprain or fracture. These types of injuries can lead to damaged cartilage in the ankle, and can result in accelerated arthritis in the joint as well. It is also possible to cultivate arthritis in your ankle if you are overweight and placing undue stress on the joints. Another possible cause of ankle arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis that can spread to any of the joints of the body, including the ankle joint.
Symptoms
Symptoms of ankle arthritis include pain, stiffness and swelling around the ankle joint. You might also notice that you cultivate bone spurs in the region, or that the joint itself becomes deformed. Another symptom of this form of arthritis is the feeling that the joint will give out, or you could feel that you are not completely stable on your feet. If you are noticing any of these symptoms, you should talk to your doctor about the possibility that you have ankle arthritis and begin weighing your treatment options.
Treatment
Treatment for ankle arthritis can range from gentle strengthening exercises, to medication and cortisone injections, and even surgery in some cases. One of the first treatments that you can try is a straightforward modification of your footwear. Many who go through from ankle arthritis find relief from the pain by simply using cushioned insoles inside of their shoes. If a straightforward process like this does not help to ease your discomfort, your doctor can advise you in the use of anti-inflammatory medications and can prescribe cortisone shots for particularly severe pain. In several cases, surgery will be the best treatment for ankle arthritis, and this can range from arthroscopy to fusion surgical procedures.
Ankle arthritis is far less prevalent than arthritis touching other joints, such as the knee and hip. However, ankle arthritis can certainly be equally debilitating and painful and frequently requires treatment by a physician who specializes in orthopaedics.
If you suspect that you might be suffering from ankle arthritis, talk to your doctor today about a diagnosis and your treatment options. You will be glad you did.
