Arthritis In Ankle: Symptoms, Causes, And Treatment

Arthritis in ankle is a painful condition which can really hinder your day-to-day life activities like walking, standing or even putting on shoes, this is arthritis in the ankle. This disease is characterized by degeneration of the cartilage located in the ankle joint associated with inflammation and stiffness. Although arthritis can be in any joint of the human body, the ankle is more exposed to wear and tear because of the weight-bearing position. In this blog, learn about arthritis in ankle symptoms, causes and treatment options.

Ankle Arthritis Symptoms

Arthritis in feet and ankles is such a problem that needs early detection for proper and prompt treatment. Common symptoms for arthritis in ankle are:

1. Pain: Pain can be felt in the anterior or lateral parts of the ankle, can range from mild to severe, and is commonly observed when you walk.

2. Stiffness: In stiffness, the ankle may feel tight, especially when you wake up in the morning or after a long period of rest.

3. Swelling: Swelling around the ankle joint is also a common arthritis in ankle symptom and typically worsens after exercise.

4. Reduced Range of Motion: The patient will have a reduced ability to move the ankle without any resistance as the ache increases.

5. Grind or Rub Sensation: You are likely to feel a grinding or rubbing sensation on your ankle, from bones hitting one another directly, since the cartilage wears off from between.

6. Deformity: The ankle may deform or lose its normal shape and this might even become unstable in its advanced stage.

Causes Ankle Arthritis

The causes of arthritis in ankle can be multifactorial, like it can result from wear and tear, injury or an underlying health condition. Here are some common causes for aching bones in ankle:

1. Osteoarthritis (OA): This is the most common type of arthritis in feet and ankles. Its main cause arises from the wear and tear that happens on the cartilage within the joint as a result of aging. It normally takes place to older people or to those who had subjected their joints to extreme stress.

2. Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Arthritis may occur as a secondary condition to a sprain, fracture or dislocation of the ankle. The injury to the cartilage may cause arthritis many years following resolution of the original injury.

3. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): RA is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune response of the body attacks the joints. RA characteristically affects several joints and can affect the ankle.

4. Gout: It is one of the forms of arthritis in ankle, which occurs when urate crystals form inside the joints, which often produces pain, redness, and inflammation, primarily of the ankle.

5. Genetics: A hereditary risk factor, especially a strong family history of arthritis, signifies a greater risk for this medical condition.

6. Obesity: Excessive body weight exerts too much pressure on the joint of the ankle, which sometimes leads to the tearing of cartilage in the future and consequently to arthritis.

Management And Treatment

There is no medical cure for arthritis in ankle, however, there are numerous arthritis in ankle treatment that help alleviate symptoms, enhance mobility and foster a better quality of life. Here are some common management techniques for arthritis in ankle.

Over-The-Counter (OTC) Pain Relievers

Another commonly prescribed first-line medication is an over-the-counter medicine like NSAIDs - ibuprofen and naproxen. These drugs ease joint pain and reduce inflammation. It is highly effective in the treatment of mild to moderate symptoms, and it is used only after having a prescription from a doctor as long-term use has side effects.

Corticosteroids

The injections of the corticosteroid can be made directly into the ankle joint, and from there, it subsides the inflammation and brings relief to pain. These are temporary solutions applied when more than OTC medication is required, though they cannot be taken frequently because with repeated shots, the joint may get damaged.

Orthotics

Orthotic devices, such as shoe inserts or ankle braces, are used to assist the joint and reduce tension across the joint. Orthotics redistribute weight and often reposition an individual for better alignment, which promotes comfort and function. Examples are:

1. Ankle Braces: These can stabilize an unstable or weak ankle, thus reducing pain.

2. Insole: It utilizes inserts, either insoles or orthotics, to splay the foot that reduces friction on the ankle while walking. This makes it fairly pain-free.

Surgery

For some patients, conservative treatments will not work, and worse cases of ankle arthritis must be taken through the surgical route. Some of the options include:

1. Arthroscopy: It is a minimal surgical intervention, where a small camera is put within the joint so that loose cartilage or bone fragments causing pain can easily be availed and removed.

2. Joint Fusion: This arthritis in ankle treatment involves the coalescence of bones in the ankle, therefore eliminating movement in the joint, and reduces the severity of pain significantly.

3. Total Ankle Replacement: In some instances, the entire ankle joint can be replaced entirely with an even more prosthetic joint, providing you with far greater motion and relief from pain.

Your physician will decide which surgical option best meets your general health needs and the level of arthritis you have.

Conclusion

Arthritis in ankle is a frustrating thing to live with, but knowing about the symptoms, causes, and treatment options will put you in a better position to manage it effectively. Medication, physical therapy, or orthotics will help you preserve ankle function, minimize pain, or both in early intervention cases. Surgery is also a solution for extreme cases. If you suffer from ankle pain, stiffness, or swelling and the symptoms continue on, you should seek a doctor for further evaluation and treatment planning.

Struggling with an intense pain in your ankle? Try using some home remedies for arthritis like epsom salt and turmeric or get your hands on the three60 pain relief tablet & gel combo. This duo combo is packed with BosPure, Yograj Guggul, Erandmool and Shallaki, which helps with effective pain relief, reduces inflammation and improves mobility. Move your body daily and lead an active lifestyle!

FAQs

1) Is walking good for ankle arthritis?

Osteoarthritis resulting from ankle arthritis can be relieved through walking, though moderation is the key. Walking makes the joint move and stretches the muscle around it, relieving pressure on the joint. However, if you experience pains brought about by walking, talk to your doctor to ensure that you are doing it right with appropriate exercises as well as guidance.

2) What age does arthritis start?

Generally, arthritis can develop in any individual regardless of age, but it occurs more frequently when the people get older. Osteoarthritis is commonly seen in people above the age of 50 because post-traumatic arthritis can occur after injury at any age. Rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune styles of arthritis are found in younger people as well as even in children.

3) What does arthritis in the ankle feel like?

Arthritis in ankle starts with an aching pain in the joint. The area involved is sometimes stiff, swollen, and does not retain its range of motion. Some patients also complain of grinding sensation within the joint, particularly when walking or moving the ankle.

4) What is the best arthritis cream?

Topical cream is the best cream for arthritis in ankle. Or capsaicin, menthol or diclofenac containing creams are the most commonly used creams to soothe pain and reduce inflammation in joints.