How is ankle arthritis treated?
Arthritis of the ankle joint is a chronic and often disabling condition. In the absence of a chronic inflammatory condition (i.e. rheumatoid arthritis) degenerative joint disease of the ankle rarely develops spontaneously. It most often develops after a traumatic event (i.e fracture.) The prevalence of arthritis within the ankle is far surpassed by the other major lower extremity joints (hip and knee.)
Non-operative treatment can be similar to that of the knee and hip. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) are commonly utilized as well as intra-articular steroid injections.
Visco supplementation
(i.e. synvisc, eyflexxa) is currently not FDAapproved for use in the ankle joint. Studies regarding their use in the ankle joint are still lacking.
Brace treatment usually involves some type of rigid orthosis. The purpose of bracing is to off load and immobilize the ankle joint. Response to this type of treatment is variable with most patients reporting at least partial relief of pain while they wear the brace.
Surgical treatment may involve simple debridement of the joint arthroscopically. This procedure may require only a short recovery period, but can be unpredictable in regards to long term pain relief. Fusion of the ankle joint has historically been the gold standard treatment. The basic principle behind this procedure is the elimination of motion in the joint that is the source of pain. Replacement of the ankle joint is another option. The basic principle in total ankle replacement involves the relief of pain while maintaining motion in the ankle joint. Surgical techniques and implants for ankle replacement have improved over the years, but it is important for your orthopedist to determine if you are the right candidate for that procedure.