Like all joints and especially after previous trauma, the ankle can develop arthritis. The most common form of arthritis is degenerative arthritis. This is “wear and tear “ arthritis and is a process that may develop quite slowly, often over a long period of time.
People with arthritis will complain of pain with exercise, stiffness and a general decrease in their ability to perform higher-level exercise comfortably. The pain is related to the ankle joint itself and is usually felt at the front of the ankle region. It may however also be felt in the back of the ankle.
Treatments will include arthroscopy in some cases, but often more significant surgical therapy. Dr Miniter will discuss the options that pertain to your particular case. Sometimes we might recommend an injection and there are several alternatives available in this regard.
The final treatment is either ankle fusion, a very successful stiffening procedure and perhaps ankle replacement.