Ankle Arthritis Treatment
If you have been diagnosed with ankle arthritis – either osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis – you know how the swelling, stiffness and pain can impact every step you take. But you also know it can affect you when you’re sitting or trying to sleep.
Left untreated, ankle arthritis can progress more quickly causing an escalation in joint damage, significant discomfort and reduced mobility. The orthopedic experts at Midwest Orthopedic Specialty Hospital can help you find relief for your ankle arthritis pain and discomfort.
Treatment for Ankle Arthritis
Non-Surgical
There are several simple and effective ankle arthritis treatments that your physician can consider to help reduce ankle pain, ankle swelling and alleviate stiffness in the ankle.
Conservative (non-operative) management can be useful in the early stages of ankle arthritis, including:
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Shoe inserts or custom-made footwear
- Corticosteroid injections t the pain site
- Physical therapy and arthritis exercise routines
Surgical
Your physician may recommend surgery. Many advances have been made recently in ankle surgery procedures that are much less invasive. Such minimally invasive ankle surgery procedures are revolutionizing the way patients experience and recover from arthritis surgery. New procedures may allow for less postoperative pain, a faster recovery period and a shorter hospital stay.
- Arthroscopic Debridement – an endoscopic camera is used to help remove bone spurs or other material causing ankle pain
- Arthrodesis (joint fusion) – bones are fused together during ankle surgery using screws and rods
- Arthroplasty/Joint Replacement – joint surfaces are removed and replaced with an artificial joint
After ankle surgery, it’s likely your physician will recommend therap and rehabilitation to strengthen your ankle and increase flexibility. Today’s approach typically aims to get you up and walking as soon as possible to help you regain your balance and normal gait.