Ankle Arthritis

Every door needs a hinge to remain in place. Similarly, every human body needs an ankle to connect the leg and foot to enhance brisk movement. Unfortunately, deterring factors like rust impedes the steady performance of a door and on the same note; deterring factors like ankle arthritis impedes the vigour in our stride. Although, the ankle joint is much less affected by arthritis than other joints, it is possible that it may get affected too. Ankle arthritis wears out the joint between the shin bone (tibia) and ankle bone (talus), which is alternatively referred to as the tibiotalar joint. Many of us are unintentionally self-destructive and very often, the ankle falls victim to many a perks. The injuries borne by ankles may lead to degeneration, which occurs several years after injury. This condition called ‘osteoarthritis’ is characterized by inflammation of a joint due to wear and tear. It is hence essential for patients sustaining injury like ankle fractures where the cartilage may be damaged to be wary of accelerated arthritis. However, not everything is in our hands. Here are the causes, symptoms and treatment for ankle arthritis.

Causes, Symptoms And Treatment For Ankle Arthritis

Causes

Previous Ankle Injury
It could have been during an intense game of football or a bike accident. We can’t erase what has already happened but we can evade the ramifications. An injured ankle is greatly susceptible to osteoarthritis. Under these circumstances, a portion of the bone restricts the blood flow. This condition can inevitably lead to ankle arthritis.

Joint Infections
Infections of joints rampage through our insides and often threaten to impair the cartilage cells. Bearing in mind the scientific proven reality that cartilage cells do not grow again, the damage from an infection may last permanently, thus possibly leaving you physically handicapped.

Genes And Obesity
Not much has been ascertained, but the effect of genetics plays a vital role in the development of arthritis and may cause joints to wear out faster than usual. For those that are overweight, they are definitely more susceptible to being diagnosed with ankle arthritis, primarily because they tend to exert more weight on their hips, knees, ankles, and feet.

Rheumatoid Arthritis
If rheumatoid disease is visibly on a patient’s card, the struggles of ankle arthritis will soon follow. Rheumatoid disease causes joint inflammation and damage to the cartilage. Over time, this can lead to significant problems, necessitating treatment.

Symptoms

• Ankle arthritis is most often accompanied by tremendous pain in and around the ankles, thus making it difficult to walk, let alone run.
• Stiffness of the ankle and distension around the joint are a very common symptom that deters one’s ability to move from one place to another without any hassle.
• Bone spurs are frequent which cause lumpy appearing joints.
• Deformity of joints, discomfort, instability, paranoia that the joint may “give out” may occur.
• Joint locking, joint clicking joint warmth and joint redness.
• Ankle arthritis can lead to irritation of the nerves around the joint causing tingling and numbness in the feet and toes. 

• An examination and X-ray are essential preliminary diagnostic steps to locating joint inflammations.
• Simple shoe modifications are ideal in curing ankle arthritis. Cushioned inserts in footwear are known to help alleviate symptoms. Adding a 'rocker-bottom' to the sole of the shoe will vanquish all desires to visit the doctor.
• Changing your lifestyle might strike you as redundant and difficult. However, it is imperative to make several alterations if you wish to avail of surgical treatment for ankle arthritis. Patients should try to limit impact activities including running and jumping.
• A brace can be fabricated to help hold the ankle joint in position. Commonly identified as ‘ankle-foot-orthosis’, they lend support to the joint and effectively prevent excessive motion.
• Anti-inflammatory medications sedate moderate symptoms of ankle arthritis. When there is an acute flare up of pain, ‘cortisone injections’ come to the rescue.
• Ankle arthroscopy works wonders for small bone spurs that develop around the joint that inevitable lead to “impingement”. This surgical process shaves the bone spur to enhance motion of the joint.
• Ankle fusion surgery is the standard treatment for advanced ankle arthritis which removes the worn out portion of the joint, and then permanently holds the bones in a solid position.
• NSAIDs, aspirin and COX-2’s are used for more persistent pain or where there is evidence of an inflammatory component.
• ‘Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Agents’ (DMARDS) are used in treatment of inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis and arthritis associated with connective tissue disorders.