Ankle arthritis is a common condition characterised by the inflammation of the ankle joint. It may develop as a result of cartilage damage (osteoarthritis), as an immune response (rheumatoid arthritis), or following injury.
As with arthritis in any joint, ankle arthritis can result in pain and inflammation that makes it difficult to undertake normal activities. The onset of pain may be gradual or acute, and the joint may be tender to the touch.
Ankle arthritis can severely limit mobility, given the associated pain and limitations on joint range of motion. Any movement of the joint may be accompanied by a grinding sensation (crepitus).
Ankle arthritis can be caused by a number of factors. These include:
Age-related wear and tear (osteoarthritis): involves the gradual erosion of cartilage, causing direct contact between bones in the ankle joint and triggering calcium deposition and the formation of bony outgrowths.
Rheumatoid arthritis: a chronic autoimmune disorder that results in the immune system attacking the ankle joint, damaging cartilage and ligaments, and in some cases, causing bone softening.
Trauma: injury resulting in cartilage damage.
Gout: a build-up of uric acid crystals within the joint, causing pain and inflammation.
In addition, infection can result in septic arthritis, while obesity and overweight can contribute to the accelerated breakdown of the component parts of the ankle joint.
Non-surgical treatment modalities for ankle arthritis are targeted toward symptom reduction and joint stabilisation, to reduce the impact of the condition on daily life. These can include:
Surgical treatment options are typically considered only when non-surgical alternatives have been proven insufficient to allow normal function. Surgical options include:
Arthroscopic debridement: the minimally-invasive surgical removal of damaged cartilage, loose bone, bone spurs or inflamed synovial tissue, with a view to reducing pain and improving joint function. The procedure is most effective in early-stage patients where the joint surfaces are partially intact. To learn more about ankle arthroscopy, and what to expect from the procedure, visit our ankle arthroscopy page.
Ankle arthroplasty (total replacement): involves the total replacement of the components of the ankle with a prosthetic implant, thereby relieving pain and allowing normal movement. The procedure is typically reserved for advanced cases. To learn more about total ankle replacement, and what to expect from the procedure, visit our ankle arthroplasty page.
Ankle fusion (arthrodesis): involves the permanent and irreversible surgical joining of the bones of the constituent bones of the ankle joint (the tibia, fibula and talus) using plates and screws, to eliminate movement.
Osteotomy: involves cutting the bone close to the joint to redirect force away from the damaged part of the joint.
For further inquiries, or to arrange a consultation, please contact Professor Al Muderis’ office at +61 2 88829011 or book an appointment online.
Need an urgent appointment? No problem.
Need X-rays? X-ray facilities available at all clinic locations
Professor Dr Munjed Al Muderis is an orthopaedic surgeon specialising in osseointegration, hip, knee and trauma surgery. He is a clinical professor at Macquarie University and The Australian School Of Advanced Medicine, a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and Chairman of the Osseointegration Group.