Ankle Arthritis

The ankle (tibiotalar) joint is frequently affected by arthritis (cartilage degeneration). This is after an injury in at least 85% of cases – ranging from severe injuries to subtle ankle sprains.

Less commonly the ankle can become worn out due to inflammatory problems such as rheumatoid arthritis, due to severe foot deformity or out of the blue. Patients often present with constant ankle pain that is unremitting.

Standing Xrays, CT scans and /or MRI scans are necessary for confirmation of diagnosis and surgical planning.

Figure 1: standing Xrays demonstrating osteoarthritis of the ankle joint

Treatment options:

Non operative treatment

  • Soft orthotics with a cushioned heel

  • Ankle braces

  • Oral anti-inflammatory medications

 

Injections

  • Steroid injections done under ultrasound by a radiologist

  • Platelet rich plasma injections

Operative treatment is reserved for those patients with severe disease and symptoms

Surgeries performed for this condition include: