Osteoarthritis Of The Ankles: A Silent Disease That Many Suffer From

Osteoarthritis of the ankles limits the quality of life of many people. It is a quiet and persistent disease that hinders mobility. Furthermore, the pain it causes does not always subside after taking painkillers.

We must also not forget that the ankle joint is very important to be able to walk. In addition, its function is important so that our axis of posture is formed by the hip, knee and foot being in harmony.

However, there are several factors that affect the health and endurance of all the complex structures that make up this joint.

Osteoarthritis is undoubtedly an evil that acts as a real curse in our quality of life. Below you will find more information about this issue.

We are sure it will help you.

How osteoarthritis of the ankles occurs

This type of osteoarthritis is caused by progressive wear and tear on the cartilage in the ankle joint. It is common for our ankles to become stiff and develop deformities as we age.

Classic joint swelling can also appear, making it a very painful, as well as limited, condition.

The causes that promote osteoarthritis in the ankle can be several:

• After being exposed to several sprains.
• To be an athlete.
• The presence of cysts or abnormal bone growth.

However, autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis ( psoriatic arthritis) or psoriasis can also often lead to progressive outbreaks of this problem.

• Experts also state this strange cause of the condition: deformity of the ankle itself. Sometimes we are more likely to develop osteoarthritis over time just by having flat feet.

It is not always a specific cause of osteoarthritis of the ankle. Sometimes we suffer from what is known as “primary osteoarthritis”, which mainly affects the elderly.

What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the ankle?

The first warning of wear and tear on the cartilage in this joint is pain when we walk. In the beginning, we notice it after a long trip.

• Pressure or more specific sharp pain in the ankle area is felt as you walk, forcing us to rest our ankles  for a few minutes to relieve the pain.

• Later, the ankles may become swollen, and it may also be difficult to wear a particular type of footwear.
• Many patients also complain of pain during the night.
• We can gradually develop painful symptoms that we have mentioned above, due to the progressive deformity that can occur in the ankle.

Treatment

Injection into the ankle joint

One of the most common treatments is articular injections made from hyaluronic acid or cortisone.

Injections temporarily improve the mobility of the joints, as they “lubricate” them. Again, we must point out that the effect is temporary.

Special soles

An examination and statement from an orthopedist is fundamental in these cases. They will recommend the most appropriate treatment for us according to our symptoms.

• Another common strategy is to use corrective insoles. The purpose of using them is to accommodate and correct foot deformity in the patient.
• They can also help reduce the strain on the ankle, thus reducing pain.
• There are also certain types of footwear on the market, which have special insoles that take care of our ankles.

Surgical treatment

If the orthopedist thinks we need surgery, we will have the opportunity to alleviate this disease through a procedure called arthroscopy.

• It is effective in the early stages of this condition, where the joint is corrected by a simple and generally rapid operation.

On the other hand, and only in the most serious cases where the injuries to the joints have come very far, a total ankle prosthesis can be chosen.

This is how we get back the total mobility of joints.

How can I avoid osteoarthritis of the ankles?

We must not forget that osteoarthritis of the ankles can be devastating. We should avoid it as much as we can, to at least delay progress.

Take notes – here are some simple strategies:

• Practice mobility exercises in the pool.
• Walk on flat surfaces where there are no bumps.

• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Avoid excessive use of high heels.
• Try walking barefoot for a few hours at home, as this is the least dangerous way to do this activity.

To conclude, we should also remind you of an important aspect. Osteoarthritis problems are usually caused by genetics. Therefore, it is common for us to start noticing some symptoms of this condition at the age of 55.

Consult an orthopedist about techniques or advice you should follow to take care of joint health, or at least to curb the development of this disease.