Pain in the ankle with swelling. The pain is noticeable with activity worsens with walking for longer duration and in late stages, the sleep is disturbed.
Non-operative with pain medications as and when needed and activity modifications.
Injection of steroid and local anaesthetic or PRP (plasma rich protein): This is advised in patients with moderate degree of ankle arthritis.
In patients with early arthritis, an assessment of underlying bony deformity is assessed with special x-rays and MRI scans. Surgical correction of these deformity can alter the forces across the ankle joint thereby delaying the need for joint fusion or replacement procedures.
This can be either be a joint fusion procedure or an ankle replacement.
Joint Fusion
This is traditional way of treating ankle arthritis. It limits the movement of painful joint. This procedure does not fully stiffen the foot as other joints in the foot helps to walk without significant stiffness.
Following joint fusion surgery, the ankle is immobilised in a non-weight bearing plaster cast for 6 weeks, this is followed by protected weight bearing in a walking boot for another 6 weeks. Patients taken average of 6-12 months to recover.
The aim is to replace the worn joint with artificial ankle. This allows range of ankle movements and prevent arthritis in surrounding joints.
