Ankle Arthritis - Symptoms, Treatments, and What to Avoid

As a foot and ankle specialist, I frequently see patients struggling with ankle arthritis - a condition that can cause persistent pain and limit mobility. If you’re dealing with stiffness, swelling, or discomfort in your ankle, you’re not alone. In this blog, I’ll explore common questions about ankle arthritis, treatment options, and how to manage your symptoms effectively.

What Is Ankle Osteoarthritis?

Ankle osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage covering the bones of the ankle wears away. Without this protective layer, the bones rub against each other, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. Over time, osteoarthritis can lead to deformity and loss of function.

What Does an Arthritic Ankle Feel Like?

Ankle arthritis typically causes stiffness, swelling, and pain that worsens with activity. Many patients describe a deep, aching pain in the joint, often accompanied by a grinding sensation due to cartilage loss or wear and tear.

Morning stiffness or discomfort after a period of rest is also common, as is difficulty walking on uneven surfaces. As arthritis progresses, the joint may become increasingly stiff, limiting range of motion and affecting daily activities.

How Do You Treat Arthritis in the Ankle?

There is no single “fix” for ankle arthritis, but various treatments can help manage symptoms and improve function. The right approach depends on the severity of your condition and your lifestyle.

Treatment options include:

• Lifestyle modifications: Remain mobile by continuing to walk, swim or cycle, but try and avoiding more high-impact activities. Choosing supportive footwear like trainers, can help reduce stress on the joint.
• Physiotherapy: Strengthening the surrounding muscles of the lower limb, and improving you balance and flexibility can help to stabilise the joint and reduce pain.
• Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help alleviate pain and inflammation but shouldn’t be used in the long-term.
• Injections: Corticosteroid injections can provide good relief from pain and swelling, while hyaluronic acid injections or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy may also offer longer-term benefits.
• Surgery: In advanced cases, procedures such as ankle fusion or ankle replacement may be considered to restore function and reduce pain.

Is Walking Good for Ankle Arthritis?

Many patients ask whether walking is beneficial or harmful for ankle arthritis. The answer depends on the severity of your condition. In mild to moderate cases, walking can help maintain joint mobility and prevent stiffness. However, it’s important to wear supportive shoes and avoid prolonged walking on hard or uneven surfaces. If walking becomes too painful, using a cane or stick to reduce the weight going through that joint can allow you continue to be mobile. You may also find that an ankle brace helps to offer you some comfort and support when you walk.

What Not to Do with Ankle Arthritis

Managing ankle arthritis effectively means knowing what to avoid:

• Limit high-impact activities: Running, jumping, and sports that involve sudden changes in direction can exacerbate symptoms.
• Unsupportive footwear: Try and avoid wearing High heels, flimsy sandals, or shoes without proper cushioning can worsen symptoms.
• Ignoring persistent pain: Delaying treatment can lead to further joint deterioration, making future interventions less effective.

The Four Stages of Ankle Osteoarthritis

Ankle osteoarthritis progresses through four stages:

1. Early-stage arthritis: Mild cartilage wear with occasional pain and stiffness.
2. Moderate arthritis: Increased cartilage loss, swelling, and discomfort during movement.
3. Severe arthritis: Significant cartilage loss, chronic pain, and restricted mobility.
4. End-stage arthritis: Complete cartilage loss, bone-on-bone contact, and severe pain requiring surgical intervention.

Conclusion

Ankle arthritis can be a challenging condition, but with the right approach, symptoms can be managed effectively. Whether through lifestyle adjustments, injections, or surgery, there are options available to help you stay active and pain-free.

If you’re struggling with ankle arthritis, don’t hesitate to get in touch and book an appointment- early treatment can make all the difference in preserving your mobility and quality of life.