Ankle Arthritis

Osteoarthritis of the ankle is the result of degenerative changes or wear and tear to the cartilage covering the bones within the ankle joint.

Arthritis typically develops slowly and is commonly age related. Arthritis can result in mild to severe pain, difficulty bearing weight, swelling, and stiffness to the joint. Treatments include oral or topical anti-inflammatories, pain medication, activity modification, physiotherapy, icing or heat application, and bracing such as ankle-foot orthotics (AFO brace). Alternative nonoperative treatments include cortisone injections which can help reduce inflammation and pain. If nonsurgical treatments fail, surgery may be considered such as an ankle scope to clean up loose cartilage, tissue or bone spurs, ankle joint fusion, or total ankle replacement.

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