Foot and Ankle Arthritis Doctor in Kansas City, MO

What Are The Causes of Ankle Arthritis

• Post-Traumatic Arthritis (arthritis caused by a past injury)
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Psoriatic Arthritis
• Gout
• Age
• Repetitive motion wear and tear

Who Gets Ankle Arthritis?

Ankle arthritis is a common condition that can impact anyone, no matter your lifestyle. People most likely to get ankle arthritis are the elderly, people with rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory diseases that affect the joints, athletes, people with a history of ankle injury, and people with occupations that require a lot of standing or walking. Symptoms of ankle arthritis include:

• Clicking and grinding in the ankle joint
• Severe ankle pain
• Decreased range of motion in the ankle and foot
• Stiffness in the ankle, especially in the morning
• Swelling in the ankle joint and foot
• Instability of the ankle and foot or a change in your gait or walking pattern, such as a limp

Ankle Arthritis Treatment Near Me

Ankle arthritis treatment focuses on maintaining the integrity of the joint while keeping inflammation in the affected ankle low and maintaining mobility in the socket. Treatment options to reduce pain and maintain function include:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers such as NSAIDs
• Rest, elevation, compression, and ice the joint or the “RICE” method
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle by staying active and maintaining a healthy diet and weight
• Corticosteroid injections into the joint to relieve inflammation and swelling
• Physical therapy to maintain joint strength and range of motion
• Bracing and orthotics to support the ankle joint and reduce pain
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide ankle and foot support
• Avoid activities that cause more ankle pain or exacerbate joint inflammation
• Surgery is an option for patients who have not seen decreased pain with more conservative methods for those with extreme joint damage.

If you’re suffering from ankle arthritis, talk to your orthopedic care team to decide your next steps. If your ankle pain limits your daily life and prevents you from doing regular activities, reach out to your physician.