Definition
Osteoarthritis of the ankle is a degenerative disorder of the ankle joint related to overload, or to age or systemic diseases, and can be accompanied by inflammation.
Aetiology
The cause of osteoarthritis in the ankle is degenerative changes in the joint due to age, infection, trauma, or systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Primary idiopathic osteoarthritis of the ankle is almost never seen before the age of forty.
Signs and symptoms
The pattern of symptoms is generally characterised by limitation of movement and pain in the ankle, which increases whenever any weight is put on it. Walking is particularly painful. The ankle may also be swollen at times. If other joints are also involved, this is an indication of a systemic condition, such as arthritis. When other joints are involved, a systemic disease is likely.
Diagnostics
Physical Examination
Apart from palpation, on physical examination, passive and active plantar and dorsal flexion of the ankle is important for establishing ankle motion restriction.
Additional Somatic Diagnostics
- Standard X-ray ankle.
- When systemic diseases are suspected, referral to a rheumatologist is indicated.
- RAND-36 (quality of life)
- VAS-Pain (maximal, minimal, actual, average/week)
- PCS (catastrophising)
- HADS (fear and depression)
Additional Psycho-cognitive Diagnostics
Multidisciplinary Treatment
Whether or not somatic treatment is indicated is based on the pain diagnosis. Based on the findings of the pain questionnaires, additional diagnostics and/or multidisciplinary treatment consisting of various non-somatic treatments may be necessary.
Non-somatic Treatment
- Psychological Treatment
- Depression Treatment
- Cognitive-Behavioural Treatment
- Rehabilitation Treatment
Somatic Treatment
Pharmacological treatment:
- Acetaminophen
- Cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2 blockers)
- NSAID
- Topical NSAID
Other Treatments
- Manual/Musculoskeletal Medicine
- Physiotherapy (only exercises)
Interventional Pain Treatment