Inflammation of joints is known as arthritis, and it has more than 100 forms with different symptoms and treatment methods. Some of the commonly affected joints with arthritis are knee and hip joints. But that is not our concern in this post. We are present here to discuss foot and ankle arthritis.

Generally, no one talks about this condition as it is not so common, but we will shed some light on ankle arthritis to make you aware of what it is.

What is Arthritis?

Before moving on to the topic, let us have a brief look at what arthritis is.

Arthritis is the inflammation of joints that results in pain and swelling. This condition could affect any joint in our body, and if it is ignored, the condition could become serious. Arthritis becomes worse with age hence; proper treatment is necessary in the early stages to avoid any serious complications. In severe arthritic cases, orthopedic devices like locking variable angle plate, locking screws, and others may be applied surgically. If we talk about the most common forms of arthritis, then osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the ones to be considered. These types of arthritis are also seen in the foot and ankle.

What Are the Types of Arthritis that Affect Ankle?

Ankle pain is the most common reason for arthritis, and it is important to know which type is causing that. Below mentioned are the forms of arthritis that are commonly seen in the ankle:

Osteoarthritis

This is one of the common forms of arthritis and it generally occurs due to age-related degradation of bones. Osteoarthritis can also be seen in the ankle.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

It is a chronic inflammatory disease where the immune system attacks its own body. RA can also affect the ankle.

Gout

Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs due to elevated levels of uric acid in our body. The first symptom of gout is most often pain and swelling in the big toe. It can also affect the ankle.

Post-Traumatic Arthritis

Post-traumatic arthritis occurs after bone fracture or dislocation. This could be even noticed a long time after the injury.

How is Ankle Arthritis Diagnosed?

For the diagnosis, the doctor will perform a medical history check. This will help the doctor make the right diagnosis. The questions that the doctor will ask may include:

• When did the symptoms begin?
• Whether any injury occurred earlier?
• The sites where the pain is experienced
• Movements that cause pain

After this, a physical examination will also be performed to check the swelling and tenderness. At last, for confirmation, imaging tests like X-rays will be ordered. In some cases, blood tests may also be performed to check the inflammation level, uric acid level, and other related parameters.

How is Ankle Arthritis treated?

There is no cure for ankle arthritis, but the treatment aims at relieving symptoms associated with the condition. Most often, non-surgical procedures are found to be effective in the treatment. Below mentioned are some non-operative treatment methods that may be used:

Medicines

Medicines like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, steroid injections, and oral corticoids may be prescribed depending upon the condition. These medicines help relieve pain & inflammation.

Application of a splint

Splinting may also be suggested to provide support to the ankle joint in some serious cases.

Physical therapy

Physiotherapy is always known to help strengthen bones, joints, and muscles. Hence, targeted physical therapy may also be suggested.

Use of assistive devices

An ankle brace or custom-made shoes might also help provide support to the ankle joint and relieving pain.

If these treatment methods fail to provide relief, the doctor may recommend surgery. It is also preferred in severe cases.

During surgery, either the joint will be fused, or the complete ankle joint will be replaced with an artificial orthopedic implant. In the early stages of arthritis, arthroscopy could also be a great option.

Siora Surgicals Pvt. Ltd. manufactures an extensive range of trauma implants that are required for the surgical fixation of different orthopedic conditions. The company is also looking to establish its presence in America by finding distributors and being counted among the most trusted Orthopedic Device Manufacturers in USA.

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