Ankle osteoarthritis (also known as ankle osteoarthritis) is a common condition, especially in older adults or those who have had an ankle injury. It causes pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
Ankle arthritis can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, limited mobility, and difficulty walking. This affects your daily activities. Ankle arthritis is often the result of a previous injury, such as a fracture or dislocation of the ankle. However, with the right treatment, joint pain can be controlled and you can resume an active lifestyle. If you experience ankle pain after standing or walking for long periods of time, be sure to consult an orthopedist to review the symptoms of ankle arthritis.
The ankle joint is formed by the fusion of three bones. The upper part of the talus sits in the joint formed by the lower ends of the tibia and fibula (the thin bones of the leg). Articular cartilage is a smooth, slippery tissue that covers the ends of the bones that make up the joint.
What causes osteoarthritis of the ankle?
Like the knee and hip, the cartilage of the ankle wears away as a result of natural aging. This is the most common cause of osteoarthritis of the ankle. Ankle osteoarthritis is more common in older people because of wear and tear from years of use rather than a sedentary lifestyle.
Other causes of osteoarthritis of the ankle include:
- Rheumatic diseases such as gout.
- Injury from ankle fractures and dislocations.
- Cartilage damage from arthritis in the ankle.
- Avascular necrosis of the ankle, a condition in which the blood supply to the bone is reduced and the bone decays.
What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the ankle?
Symptoms of ankle osteoarthritis vary from person to person, depending on the cause and severity of the disease. In some patients, symptoms may be mild and temporary, while in others, they may be severe and persistent.
The most common symptoms of ankle osteoarthritis are as follows:
- Ankle pain.
- Ankle swelling.
- Slightly increased temperature and redness.
- Sensitivity to touch.
- Limping, limited ankle movement.
- Increased pain after walking and sports activities.
- Limping, hobbling.
This is a deformity that occurs due to damage to the ends of bones after osteoarthritis has progressed.
How to treat ankle osteoarthritis and ankle pain?
1. Use non-surgical treatments at home
In ankle arthritis, as with other types of arthritis, surgical and non-surgical treatments, as well as methods you can use at home, can help you manage your pain. Exercises you can do at home and lifestyle changes are examples of these methods.
2. Apply heat and cold to relieve pain, swelling, and stiffness
Another good method for ankle osteoarthritis is to apply heat and cold, which are effective in reducing pain and swelling. While applying heat to the painful joint due to osteoarthritis is beneficial for stiffness, cold is effective in reducing pain and inflammation. You can do this by applying hot or cold towels.
3. Choose the right shoes to support your ankle
If you have ankle arthritis, choosing the right and comfortable shoes is also an important factor. Therefore, it is important to choose shoes that fit your feet well, are supportive and flexible enough to feel comfortable. In addition, maintaining overall health through a balanced diet and avoiding being overweight will help reduce pressure on the joints.
4. Maintain a reasonable weight and eat healthy
Excessive weight gain can put pressure on the ankle joint, making arthritis worse. Therefore, maintaining a reasonable weight combined with a healthy diet is essential. Prioritize green vegetables, foods rich in omega-3 and limit bad fats, sugar, fried foods. At the same time, drink enough water every day to support the body’s natural anti-inflammatory.
5. Gentle exercise helps maintain joint function
Exercise is one of the most important methods to treat ankle osteoarthritis. With gentle and regular exercises, you can control your weight and improve your range of motion by strengthening the muscles in your ankle.
