Ankle Arthritis
What is Ankle Arthritis?
Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease where the cartilage of the joints is worn away over time or by repetitive motions. Arthritis can also be caused by an auto-immune disease, rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis causes stiffness, swelling, and pain in the affected joint.
What Causes Ankle Arthritis?
Arthritis may be caused by:
- Injury
- Wear and tear
- Aging
- Deformity
- Inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis
Ankle Arthritis Symptoms
Symptoms of ankle arthritis may be:
- Tenderness affecting the ankle and/or foot
- Difficulties moving, walking or putting weight on the affected ankle and/or foot
- Joint stiffness
- Joint swelling
- Ankle pain
Ankle Arthritis Diagnosis
Our ankle specialists can determine if your ankle pain is caused by arthritis. Your doctor will take your medical history and conduct a physical exam. During the exam, your doctor will look for swelling, redness, and warmth of the joints and check your joint mobility. Your doctor may suggest some of the following tests:
- Laboratory tests of blood, urine, and joint fluid
- X-rays
- CT scan
- MRI
- Ultrasound
Ankle Arthritis Treatment
Our ankle specialists can develop a treatment plan that works for you. Your doctor may recommend:
- Pain medications
Anti-inflammatory drugs - Counterirritants – these topical creams may interfere with the transmission of pain signals from the joint
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) – used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, DMARDs slow or stop your immune system from attacking your joints
- Biologic response modifiers – drugs that target the immune response
- Corticosteroids – reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system
- Physical therapy
- Surgery, if necessary