What is osteoarthritis of the ankle?
Osteoarthritis of the ankle is a deterioration of the ankle joint in which pain is caused by the disappearance of cartilage.
Cause
Possible underlying causes of osteoarthritis of the ankle are aging or an accident involving the ankle (sports injury), but it may also be caused by arthritis and infections.
Signs and symptoms
The pattern of symptoms is characterised by limitation of movement and pain in the ankle that increases whenever any weight is put on the ankle. Walking is particularly painful. The ankle may also be swollen at times. If other joints are also involved then this is an indication of a systemic condition such as arthritis.
How is osteoarthritis of the ankle diagnosed?
The diagnosis is made based on the signs and symptoms of the patient. To establish an ankle motion restriction passive and active bowing and stretching of the ankle are important on physical examination.
Do I need additional examinations?
- Diagnostic examination for other non-physical factors important for your pain, have already been done by yourself trough filling out your pain questionnaires.
- Blood tests are required when systemic conditions such as arthritis are suspected.
- If the knee problems continue to persist: X-rays and an MRI scan
What are my treatment possibilities?
Multidisciplinary Treatment
Depending on the cause of your pain, your pain specialist will decide whether or not to embark on physical treatment. Based on the results of the completed pain questionnaire, additional examinations can be carried out and, apart from physical treatment, other methods of treatment will be suggested.
Non-physical Treatments
If the results of your pain questionnaire are abnormal, your pain specialist will offer you one of the non-physical treatments listed below:
Physical Treatments
Medication
Other Treatments
Interventional Pain Treatments
- Local injection in the ankle joint