Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can affect the joints in any part of the body, including the ankle. With this type of arthritis, the cartilage, a tough but flexible tissue that covers the ends of the bones where joints form, will begin to wear away gradually. Diagnosing and treating ankle arthritis as soon as possible can aid people to manage and alleviate their symptoms.
Unlike osteoarthritis that develops in the hip or knee, ankle osteoarthritis is about nine times less common. The most frequent reason being previous trauma from an injury. Traumatic injuries to the ankle, such as various types of ankle fractures, are undeniably the most common reason for developing arthritis of the ankle joint. Its believed that this type of arthritis develops after injury due to the damage the cartilage may have received at the time. Post-traumatic ankle osteoarthritis usually develops within 2 years of the injury.
Ankle Arthritis Symptoms
Ankle arthritis most commonly causes pain around the joint. The pain associated with this condition is most often the reason people seek treatment. Other common symptoms of ankle osteoarthritis include swelling around the ankle joint, followed by stiffness and deformity of the ankle due to inflammation. Bone spurs may develop, causing the joint to appear lumpy. Instability is also a common symptom of ankle osteoarthritis, where the individual may experience feeling like their joint is “giving out”. Less unlikely, this type of arthritis on the ankle can lead to irritation of the nerves surrounding the joint, causing tingling and numbness in the feet and toes.
An individual can achieve relief for their ankle osteoarthritis through simple activity modification and lifestyle changes. A footwear change offering cushioned support for the feet and ankles can help alleviate the symptoms. Also, limiting impact activities, such as running and jumping, is an important part of treatment for a quicker recovery. If these treatments can’t relieve the symptoms associated with the condition, invasive treatments such as surgery may be considered.
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
Post Disclaimer
Professional Scope of Practice *
The information herein on "Ankle Arthritis" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
Blog Information & Scope Discussions
Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.
We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.
We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.
We are here to help you and your family.
Blessings
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807, New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182
Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Florida
Florida License RN License # RN9617241 (Control No. 3558029)
License Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*
Presently Matriculated: ICHS: MSN* FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
My Digital Business Card
