How is Ankle Arthritis Diagnosed and Treated?

So, you broke your ankle 20 years ago, but suddenly, it’s painful and swollen again. You may have ankle arthritis. 

How to diagnose ankle arthritis?

A patient’s history and physical exam can give many clues that a patient has ankle arthritis. First, a simple radiograph can show the ankle joint and diagnose arthritis. The radiographs are taken from different views to give a full evaluation of the ankle. Radiographs also show the alignment of the ankle joint, as ankles can become angled in arthritis. 

If there is extensive arthritis or deformity (when the ankle becomes crooked), sometimes a CT scan (3D x-ray) or MRI can be ordered to evaluate the ankle joint. 

What does an x-ray of ankle arthritis look like?

When you are standing on your ankle when an x-ray is taken, the joint often looks narrower than a healthy joint. Also, bone spurs can be seen around your ankle. Bone cysts around your joint can be a sign of arthritis. 

How to treat ankle arthritis?

If the x-rays show that you have ankle arthritis, don’t worry! There are many treatments for ankle arthritis.

The orthopedic surgeons at Southwest Orthopedic Group can evaluate your ankle and customize treatment for your ankle arthritis. 

In general, there are non-operative treatments and operative treatments for ankle arthritis. 

What are non-operative treatments for ankle arthritis?

First, what most patients don’t want to hear is, "if it hurts, don’t do it." Activity modification is a staple for arthritis treatment. Sometimes patients have to transition from high-impact running to lower-impact cycling or swimming. Evaluation for proper shoes for support can help ankle arthritis. 

Anti-inflammatory medications, like NSAIDs, can be used to treat the pain and inflammation. If a patient has gastrointestinal issues, sometimes their PCP does not allow them to take NSAIDs. 

Ankle bracing can be used for ankle arthritis. An over-the-counter ASO brace can be used for some support. 

An Arizona brace, which is a custom ankle brace built from a mold of your leg, can also help the symptoms. This brace is much more supportive than an over-the-counter brace, but it’s also bigger. 

A steroid injection can control some symptoms of ankle arthritis, particularly in early stages or in mild disease. Physical therapy can also help ankle arthritis. 

What are surgical treatments for ankle arthritis?

This topic needs its own blog post! Next month, we will dive into surgical treatments of ankle arthritis.

The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) has more information about ankle fractures at FootCareMD.

For more questions or to set up an evaluation, contact Dr. Stautberg’s office at 281-977-4870. 

Author

Eugene Stautberg, MD