Suffering From Ankle Arthritis? Learn Whether You're a Good Candidate for Ankle Joint Replacement

About 1% of adults in the United States develop ankle arthritis, a degenerative condition that often develops after trauma to the ankle joint. While the condition is more common in older adults, people may be susceptible to arthritis at a younger age if they’ve experienced multiple ankle injuries.

At Adler Foot and Ankle in North Miami Beach and Hallandale, Florida, our highly skilled podiatrists specialize in ankle replacement surgery to preserve your ankle function. Laura Adler, DPM, and Charlton Adler, DPM, have extensive experience using the latest surgical techniques to replace part or all of your damaged joint. 

Why you have arthritis in your ankle

Ankle arthritis develops when the protective cartilage that lines your joint bones wears away or becomes damaged by trauma. This type of degenerative, “wear-and-tear” joint damage is called osteoarthritis (OA).

A lack of sufficient cartilage allows the bones of the joint to rub together, creating friction and inflammation. Because cartilage acts as a shock absorber, too, its loss can also lead to stress fractures and joint deformities as time goes on.

Many people develop ankle arthritis as a natural side effect of aging. Your everyday movements cause the cartilage and other joint structures to break down and wear out over time. Early onset ankle arthritis can occur at a younger age if you have a history of ankle injuries from childhood or your young adult years.

Ankle injuries commonly occur in falls, auto accidents, or other unexpected events. Athletes at every level may also be at increased risk for ankle arthritis at a younger age from repetitive use sports injuries that are common with soccer, running, and other high-impact activities.

Recognizing early warning signs of ankle arthritis

Ankle arthritis develops gradually over time. In the earliest stages of the disease, you might experience occasional stiffness and pain in the affected joint.  As the condition worsens, you may have swelling and limited range of motion in your ankle.

Symptoms of ankle arthritis often worsen during daytime activity and may temporarily resolve with rest. However, when arthritis is severe, your symptoms may become chronic, affecting your mobility and making it hard to get a good night’s sleep.

Early treatment options for ankle arthritis include:

• Anti-inflammatories
• Activity modification
• Physical therapy
• Corticosteroid injections
• Daily stretching exercises
• Custom orthotics
• Bracing

If your symptoms persist even with treatment and you’re limited in what you can do, our team can determine if you’re a candidate for ankle joint replacement surgery.

The benefits of ankle replacement surgery

Ankle joint replacement surgery is often a last-resort treatment for chronic ankle pain, swelling, and mobility issues. In younger people, joint replacement can restore your quality of life and ensure you can stay physically active for many years to come.

During surgery, our highly skilled foot and ankle surgeons remove the damaged bone and cartilage from your joint, replacing them with mental joint surfaces held in place with medical cement.

The artificial joint works just like your natural joint, giving you improved range of motion in your ankle. Surgery also provides lasting relief from pain, swelling, and other arthritis symptoms after you recover from surgery.

If you’re a younger person, ankle joint replacement surgery can give you a new lease on life, so you can continue to live an active lifestyle. If you’re an older individual who qualifies for surgery, joint replacement can improve your quality of life and eliminate your dependence on pain-relievers and other medications.

Do you have questions about ankle joint replacement surgery? We have answers. Call your nearest Adler Foot and Ankle office in North Miami Beach or Hallandale, Florida, today, or use our easy online booking feature to schedule a consultation anytime.