Key Takeaways
- It may be time to see an ankle surgeon when ankle arthritis pain, stiffness, or swelling keeps limiting your daily life even after nonsurgical treatment.
- Ankle arthritis is most often caused by a past injury, such as a broken bone, and it can also come from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or infection.
- Most people start with nonsurgical care, such as bracing, supportive shoes or orthotics, physical therapy, activity changes, and medicine.
- For advanced arthritis, surgeons may recommend ankle fusion or ankle replacement, and full recovery may take 4 to 12 months.
- Paragon Podiatry is an expert provider of ankle arthritis care in the Bronx, Manhattan, and East Setauket, so request an appointment to learn which treatment fits your ankle.
What Is Ankle Arthritis?
Arthritis means swelling and damage in a joint. In the ankle, the smooth cartilage that covers the ends of the bones wears down over time. Without that cushion, the joint can become painful, stiff, and swollen.
According to the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society's FootCareMD page on ankle arthritis, ankle arthritis is most commonly caused by a prior injury, such as a broken bone. This is called post-traumatic arthritis. Other causes include:
- Osteoarthritis: Wear-and-tear arthritis.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: A condition where the immune system attacks the lining of the joints.
- Infection in the joint.
Common Signs of Ankle Arthritis
Ankle arthritis symptoms can come on slowly or suddenly. They may also get better and worse over time. Common signs include:
- Pain in the ankle, especially when you stand or walk.
- Stiffness in the ankle joint.
- Swelling around the joint.
- Trouble walking on uneven ground, hills, or ramps.
If you have had an ankle sprain or fracture in the past and now have ongoing ankle pain, it is a good idea to have it checked.
Nonsurgical Treatment Options for Ankle Arthritis
Most people with ankle arthritis start with nonsurgical care. Common options include:
- Bracing: Braces limit motion in the ankle, which can help reduce pain and protect the joint.
- Supportive shoes and orthotics: Paragon Podiatry designs custom orthotics, which are made to fit your feet and may help reduce pain in the feet and ankles for people with arthritis.
- Physical therapy: Exercises build the muscles that keep the ankle steady.
- Activity changes: Swapping high-impact activities for low-impact exercise, like cycling or swimming.
- Medicine: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), taken by mouth or applied as a gel, may ease pain and swelling.
Some doctors may also suggest steroid injections. FootCareMD notes that these injections typically give 3 to 4 months of pain relief, but they are not a good option for long-term pain management.
When Is It Time to See an Ankle Surgeon?
FootCareMD states that surgery should only be considered if nonsurgical treatment does not work. The Mayo Clinic overview of ankle surgery also explains that ankle surgery is done when other arthritis treatments do not improve pain and movement in the ankle.
It may be time to talk with an ankle surgeon if:
- Your pain keeps you from walking, working, or sleeping well.
- Bracing, orthotics, therapy, and medicine no longer help enough.
- Your ankle is getting stiffer or more swollen over time.
- You have changed or stopped activities you enjoy because of ankle pain.
- You had a past ankle injury and now have pain that will not go away.
Seeing a specialist early gives you more time to try nonsurgical options and plan ahead if surgery becomes the best choice.
Surgical Options for Ankle Arthritis
The type of surgery depends on how severe your arthritis is. For mild cases, surgery can be used to remove bone spurs or loose pieces of bone in the ankle. For advanced arthritis, surgeons may recommend ankle fusion or ankle replacement.
Ankle Fusion vs. Ankle Replacement
| Factor | Ankle Fusion (Arthrodesis) | Ankle Replacement (Arthroplasty) |
|---|---|---|
| What happens | The damaged bone ends are joined with screws, plates, rods, or pins so they heal into one bone | The damaged bone ends are removed and replaced with a metal and plastic joint |
| Main goal | Relieve pain by stopping movement in the joint | Relieve pain and improve range of motion |
| Possible risks | Bones not fully joining, poor alignment, more arthritis in the foot, broken screws | Slow healing, infection, loosening of the new joint, continued pain |
| Full recovery | May take 4 to 12 months | May take 4 to 12 months |
Mayo Clinic notes that research has not shown one of these procedures to be significantly better than the other. Your surgeon will help you weigh the options based on your ankle, your health, and your goals.
What Recovery May Look Like
After fusion or replacement, people usually need crutches or a walker for several weeks. You will wear a cast, brace, boot, or a mix of these while you heal. Your surgeon decides when you can put weight on the ankle, and physical therapy may follow. According to Mayo Clinic, full recovery may take 4 to 12 months. Many people can walk, bike, swim, and hike afterward, but high-impact sports like running and jumping are usually discouraged.
How Paragon Podiatry Treats Ankle Arthritis
Paragon Podiatry treats ankle arthritis along with other ankle conditions at its offices in the Bronx, Manhattan, and East Setauket. If you are looking for an ankle surgeon near you, Paragon's podiatrists can:
- Examine your ankle and review past injuries.
- Use onsite X-ray and ultrasound to check the joint.
- Start with conservative care, such as custom orthotics.
- Evaluate whether surgery is right for you if pain continues.
When surgery is needed, Paragon Podiatry specializes in minimally invasive surgery aimed at shorter recovery times. Learn more about ankle surgery at Paragon Podiatry.
Get Relief From Ankle Arthritis Pain With Paragon Podiatry
Ankle arthritis does not have to control your day. Many people find relief with nonsurgical care, and surgery is an option when other treatments are not enough. Paragon Podiatry can help you find the right next step.
Request an appointment with Paragon Podiatry in the Bronx, Manhattan, or East Setauket to talk about arthritis treatment and ankle surgery at Paragon Podiatry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main cause of ankle arthritis?
Ankle arthritis is most commonly caused by a past injury, such as a broken bone. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and infection can also cause it.
Can ankle arthritis be treated without surgery?
Yes. Many people manage ankle arthritis with bracing, supportive shoes or orthotics, physical therapy, activity changes, and medicine. Surgery is usually considered only when these treatments do not help enough.
Is ankle fusion or ankle replacement better?
Neither is clearly better for everyone. Mayo Clinic notes that research has not shown one procedure to be significantly better than the other. The right choice depends on your ankle, your health, and your activity goals.
How long does it take to recover from ankle arthritis surgery?
After ankle fusion or ankle replacement, full recovery may take 4 to 12 months. Recovery from smaller procedures may be shorter, so ask your surgeon about your timeline.
Where can I find an ankle surgeon near me for arthritis?
Paragon Podiatry has offices in the Bronx, Manhattan, and East Setauket. Paragon's podiatrists can evaluate your ankle arthritis and help you decide whether surgery is right for you.
