Ankle Arthritis
Ankle arthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the bones in your ankle joint wears away, causing the bones to rub against each other. This leads to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced movement.
There are three main types of ankle arthritis:
- Osteoarthritis: Wear-and-tear arthritis that usually develops over time with aging or repetitive use.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in the joint lining.
- Post-traumatic arthritis: Develops after an injury, such as a fracture or severe sprain.
Signs & symptoms
If you’re experiencing any of the following, ankle arthritis may be the cause:
- Pain while walking or bearing weight
- Joint stiffness, especially in the morning or after resting
- Swelling or tenderness around the ankle
- Difficulty with activities that require ankle motion (e.g., walking on uneven ground)
- A grinding or clicking sensation in the joint
Diagnosis at Iowa Ortho
At Iowa Ortho, our specialists use a combination of physical exams, X-rays, and, if needed, advanced imaging like CT or MRI scans to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of joint damage.
Treatment options
We offer a full spectrum of non-surgical and surgical treatments tailored to your lifestyle and activity level:
Non-surgical treatments
- Activity modification: Reducing high-impact activities that aggravate symptoms
- Bracing or orthotics: Stabilizes and supports the joint
- Anti-inflammatory medications: Reduce pain and swelling
- Corticosteroid injections: Provide temporary relief by reducing inflammation
- Physical therapy: Improves ankle strength, flexibility, and function
Surgical options
If conservative treatments no longer provide relief, surgical intervention may be the next step. Common procedures include:
- Ankle arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure to clean out the joint
- Ankle fusion (arthrodesis): Fuses the bones of the ankle joint to eliminate pain
- Total ankle replacement: Replaces the damaged joint surfaces with an artificial implant, preserving motion
Your Iowa Ortho foot and ankle specialized orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Joe Galles, will guide you through the best option based on your condition, age, and lifestyle goals.
Why choose Iowa Ortho?
- Expertise in ankle care: Dr. Galles focuses specifically on joint preservation and reconstruction.
- Comprehensive approach: We combine diagnostics, therapy, injections, and surgery all under one roof.
- Patient-centered treatment: Your comfort, activity level, and goals shape your care plan.
Take the first step toward relief
Ankle arthritis doesn’t have to control your life. If you’re struggling with pain or stiffness, the specialists at Iowa Ortho are ready to help you move forward.
Call Iowa Ortho at 515-247-8400 or schedule an appointment online today.