Coping with Ankle Arthritis: Understanding Your Options
If You Suffer from Arthritis in Your Ankles: Insights into possible treatment procedures
Have you got ankles that ache and creak due to arthritis? The cause might be anything from a past injury to rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, or simply wearing down over time.
Looking for relief? Let's dive into the treatments.
Initial Treatments
Start by modifying activities, working on strengthening your ankle muscles, and practicing balance exercises. Anti-inflammatory medication can help too. Losing some extra weight off your feet and using a cane for support will also alleviate pressure. Shoes with a rocker sole can reduce stress on your ankle.
If you're dealing with inflammatory arthritis, medication management is crucial. Over-the-counter braces might offer some relief too.
Custom braces that limit motion and redistribute pressure are the next step for severe symptoms.
Injections and Surgery
Injections of cortisone, hyaluronic acid, platelet-rich plasma, or even stem cells can provide temporary relief.
If these conservative measures don't work, it's time to consider surgery. For moderate arthritis, debridement and reconstructive procedures may help. For end-stage ankle arthritis, you have two options - ankle fusion (arthrodesis) and total ankle replacement (TAR).
Ankle Fusion
This traditional procedure involves removing the damaged cartilage, aligning the ankle, and holding the joint in place with screws or a plate so your body can grow a bone bridge across the joint. Although you won't regain full motion, you can walk comfortably without a limp. Ideal candidates for this surgery are those with deformities, bone loss, weak ligaments, infections, poor bone quality, obesity, or nerve problems. Results are generally positive, with over 90% of patients expressing satisfaction.
Total Ankle Replacement
Total ankle replacement (TAR) involves resurfacing the ankle joint with metal components, buffered by a polyethylene liner for movement. This surgery offers better range of motion compared to fusion, but long-term durability remains a concern due to higher revision rates compared to hip and knee replacements. Studies show that TAR can improve functionality and reduce pain initially, but over time, complications like component loosening, periprosthetic fractures, and infections may arise.
When choosing between TAR and ankle fusion, consider factors such as patient needs, the condition of the ankle, and the likelihood of long-term satisfaction based on the individual's lifestyle and activity level.
- Maintaining good health and keeping chronic conditions like chronic kidney disease at bay can benefit those with ankle arthritis, as it might be connected to other medical-conditions.
- For those passionate about fitness, sports such as football might require modifications if you're coping with ankle arthritis due to the strain placed on your joints.
- Science has made significant strides in managing chronic-diseases, and in the realm of health-and-wellness, advancements in medicine have led to innovative treatments for chronic-kidney-disease and ankle arthritis.
- Engaging in regular fitness-and-exercise, while monitoring your weight, can lessen the impact of chronic-diseases such as ankle arthritis, contributing to your overall health and well-being.
