Ankle Arthritis and Total Ankle Replacement
Your ankle is a tough and durable part of your body. But even the
toughest body parts can wear out over time, or cause pain and
discomfort because of injury or disease. This might mean that you
would need an ankle replacement.
What causes arthritis of the ankle?
Your ankle is joined to your foot and your leg bone by cartilage.
Cartilage is a tough, rubbery tissue that's more flexible than bone
but stiffer than muscle. Arthritis tends to attack the cartilage in
places where two bones come together, which are called joints.
Arthritis can occur at any joint in the human body. A joint with
arthritis can be painful, swollen, and stiff. Arthritis is more
likely to occur in joints that have been injured or damaged over
the years, and ankles are among the joints people injure the most.
Stepping the wrong way off of a curb and twisting your ankle
generally isn't serious -- but the damage that builds up over time
can be.
In some people, this wear and tear that takes place over many
years causes a condition called degenerative arthritis or
osteoarthritis. Basically, this means the ankle joint is simply
wearing out. Some doctors say worn-out joints have arthrosis. This
condition is more common in older people
What are risk factors for developing osteoarthritis or
arthrosis?
- Obesity
- Family history
- Getting older
- A history of injuries such as fractures
How is arthritis of the ankle treated?
People who suffer from arthritis in the ankle can get some relief
in a number of different ways. Over-the-counter pain relief
medicines, especially those that reduce swelling such as ibuprofen,
can help. You might also try good shoes, shoe inserts, pads, and
arch supports, physical therapy, and a brace or cane. If these
aren't helping, your doctor may inject medicine, such as a steroid,
directly into the ankle joint.
When might surgery be suggested?
If you're still having a lot of pain, your doctor may refer you to
a surgeon for a surgical procedure. These can include arthoscopic
surgery, in which a thin, flexible tube that contains a tiny
television camera is inserted into the joint. This lets the surgeon
see firsthand what is going on in the joint. Then, other thin
flexible tubes that have very small tools attached to them can be
inserted into the joint. These might allow the surgeon treat the
problem.