What type of ankle pain is the sign of ankle osteoarthritis? How can we treat ourselves to walk like normal?

These are the differences between common ankle pain and arthritis in the ankle. Common ankle pain includes pain when walking. In some cases, ankle pain may occur in the morning after waking up, having ankle stiffness when standing up, or experiencing more pain after walking or exercising. While ankle symptoms indicating ankle osteoarthritis are severe ankle pain, ankle swelling after dynamic movements, ankle stiffness, warmth or tenderness when pressing the area. In some cases, ankle crepitus when mobilizing or weak joints that cause walking instability are also found.
Causes of ankle osteoarthritis involve age-related ankle degeneration, previous injuries, heavy usage, ankle osteoarthritis from genetic factors or underlying conditions, and excessive body weight.
Ankle symptoms indicating ankle osteoarthritis cover severe ankle pain, stiff ankle with reduced mobility, swelling around the ankle, sounds when moving the ankle, and, most importantly, changes in walking pattern.
The ankle osteoarthritis diagnosis process starts with medical history and physical examination, and probably arthrocentesis in some cases.
Treating ankle osteoarthritis at kdms Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, the patient will receive accurate diagnosis from medical professionals specializing in bones and joints, and precise treatments from the first step into the hospital to the treatment follow-ups, just to ensure that the patients return to their normal quality of life.

Many people have probably experienced sudden ankle pain and wondered what condition they might have. What type of ankle symptoms or pain indicate ankle osteoarthritis? And most importantly, how can we take care of our ankles to maintain smooth mobility?

Table of Contents

What causes ankle pain?

Ankle pain can result from various causes, such as ankle overuse from prolonged walking or running, ankle sprains, fractures, or inflammatory arthritis in the ankle like gout or rheumatoid arthritis. It can be caused by age-related tendon or bone degeneration as well.

Symptoms of common ankle pain

There are various types of ankle pain which are considered normal. Some people may experience dull pain or sharp pain when bearing weight or walking. In some cases, ankle pain may occur in the morning after waking up, having ankle stiffness and difficulty to move when standing up, or experiencing more pain after walking or exercising.

Those are the symptoms of common ankle pain. Now, we will explore pain from ankle osteoarthritis in detail and what makes it different from common ankle pain.

5 main causes of ankle osteoarthritis

If you are currently experiencing ankle pain but not sure whether it is ankle osteoarthritis, let’s check these 5 causes of the disease:

1. Age-related ankle degeneration

As we get older, our bodies naturally deteriorate over time, including the cartilage between joints. This causes increased friction between joints which results in ankle symptoms such as pain and moving difficulty.

2. Previous ankle injuries

People who have previously experienced ankle sprains, ankle fractures, torn ankle ligaments, ankle instability, or frequent ankle injuries are at higher risk of developing ankle osteoarthritis more quickly than others, even though they have recovered from these ankle symptoms.

3. Heavy ankle usage

If you are someone who must walk, stand, or engage in high-impact exercises all day long such as runners, football players, or workers whose jobs require prolonged standing posture, you have a higher risk of developing ankle osteoarthritis faster than normal.

4. Ankle osteoarthritis from genetic factors or underlying conditions

Not everyone has potential to develop ankle osteoarthritis from genetic factors. There are some people who have genetic tendencies that cause faster cartilage deterioration than others, or congenital abnormal ankle structures like flat feet or cavus feet which cause unbalanced weight distribution and increased risk of ankle osteoarthritis. Chronic inflammatory arthritis in the ankle like rheumatoid arthritis can damage cartilage surfaces and lead to faster joint deterioration as well.

5. Excessive body weight

This is another significant cause of ankle osteoarthritis. Because the ankles of overweight or obese people must bear more weight than normal, they have higher risks to develop the ankle symptoms. Moreover, excessive body weight creates pressure on the ankle several times greater than normal body weight in every step of walking, causing cartilage to wear down faster and eventually leading to ankle osteoarthritis.

Now that we understand the causes, let’s examine what ankle symptoms you or someone close to you might have that indicate the signs of ankle osteoarthritis.

5 ankle symptoms indicating ankle osteoarthritis

When joint-connected bones rub directly against each other, it causes inflammation, pain, and abnormal movement. The ankle symptoms that gradually worsen over time and indicate ankle osteoarthritis include these following symptoms:

1. Severe ankle pain

Patients of this disease will experience chronic ankle pain that persists for a long time and continues even when resting the ankle.

2. Stiff ankle with reduced mobility

After waking up or sitting for a long period, patients will feel ankle stiffness and inability to move normally, requiring time to regain ankle mobility.

3. Swelling around the ankle

Swelling will occur around the ankle due to inflammation of surrounding tissues. The area may feel warm or tender when pressed.

4. Changes in walking pattern

With pain and limited mobility, patients with ankle osteoarthritis often walk with less weight on the affected foot, drag their affected foot, or walk on their heels more than normal.

5. Sounds when moving the ankle

Popping sound (crepitus) will occur when moving the affected ankle. This is caused by rough cartilage surfaces rubbing together. Patients with this ankle symptom may feel vibrations in the ankle when these sounds occur.

Ankle osteoarthritis diagnosis

To diagnose ankle osteoarthritis, orthopedic specialists will use various processes:

1. Medical history and physical examination

The doctors will ask you about ankle pain symptoms, severity, duration, and factors that worsen or improve symptoms. They will also examine swelling, joint deformity, or joint movement.

2. X-ray

This diagnosis is used to examine bone damage, gaps between joints, and cartilage degeneration.

3. MRI or CT scan

This diagnosis is used when the doctors require detailed examination of injuries to surrounding soft tissues, tendons, or other components, as well as abnormal bone alignment.

4. Blood tests

This may help differentiate ankle osteoarthritis from other inflammatory arthritis in the ankle like rheumatoid arthritis or gout. In addition, this diagnosis is able to detect the probability of other diseases.

5. Arthrocentesis

In some cases, examination using joint fluid may be needed to detect infection or uric acid crystals that indicate gout.

If a patient is diagnosed with ankle osteoarthritis, the doctors will consider treatment depending on the severity level, ranging from medication and physical therapy to surgery in severe cases.

Treatment methods for ankle osteoarthritis

There are many treatment methods for ankle osteoarthritis. The more precise the treatment is, the better the mobility improves and slower ankle degeneration. Treatment methods for these ankle symptoms include:

1. Non-medication treatment methods

1. Supportive devices

Choose appropriate shoes with good sole and heel supports
Select orthotic insoles that help distribute pressure
Use ankle braces to increase ankle stability and reduce pain in movements

2. Physical therapy

Strengthen muscles around the ankle
Improve ankle flexibility and range of mobility
Improve balance and walking patterns

3. Hot-cold compresses

Cold compress helps reduce inflammation and acute pain
Hot compress helps relax muscles and improve blood circulation, suitable for chronic pain

2. Medication treatment methods

1. Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications

Basic pain relievers like paracetamol
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen to reduce ankle symptoms like inflammation and pain

Topical NSAIDs or creams containing capsaicin

2. Injections

Corticosteroid injections into the ankle joint help reduce inflammation and pain in short to medium term

Hyaluronic acid injections increase moisture and lubrication in the ankle joint

PRP (Platelet-rich plasma) injections containing growth factors assist in reducing joint deterioration and pain

3. Surgical treatment methods

1. Arthroscopy

– This surgery aims to clean the joint, remove loose cartilage fragments, or repair damaged joint surfaces

2. Ankle fusion

– This surgery fuses ankle bones together, which eliminates ankle movements and pain in exchange with losing ankle mobility

3. Ankle replacement surgery

– This surgery replaces the deteriorated ankle with an artificial joint, maintaining ankle mobility but with limited lifespan

What are the perks of treating ankle osteoarthritis at kdms Hospital?

Ankles are a crucial organ that help our lives mobilize independently. Therefore, treating ankle symptoms by medical professionals specializing in bones, joints, and muscles is extremely what patients need. Most importantly, kdms Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, has a team of specialized medical experts in foot conditions, collaborative treatment planning with patients, and treatment follow-ups to ensure that the patients return to their normal quality of life.

Self-care to prevent ankle osteoarthritis

Rest the ankle when experiencing severe pain
Elevate the ankle to reduce swelling, especially after heavy use
Modify surrounding environment by tidying up to reduce risk of falls or re-injury
The most effective ankle osteoarthritis treatment is often a combination of various methods and is personalized to each body condition, disease severity, and patient lifestyle. It’s important to always consult with medical specialists to co-design the most appropriate treatment plan for accelerating the patient’s return to normal life.

In summary

If you experience ankle pain or ankle discomfort for a period of time, you should observe symptoms closely. Don’t underestimate these ankle symptoms as worsening pain can significantly impact your daily life. Therefore, if you notice abnormally increasing pain, you should see a doctor immediately. They might be the signs of ankle osteoarthritis.

Frequently asked questions

Does ankle osteoarthritis mainly occur in elderly people?

Not always. Age-related ankle degeneration accounts for only about 10% of all ankle osteoarthritis patients. In reality, there are other high-risk groups prone to osteoarthritis of the ankle, such as those who have previously injured their ankles, whether tendon injuries or bone fractures, patients with existing inflammatory joint conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, and so on.

If I have ankle osteoarthritis and undergo surgery, will I be able to walk normally again?

After surgery, walking ability can be restored. Main surgical options for ankle osteoarthritis include arthroscopic surgery for patients in an early stage to clean joints and stimulate cartilage regeneration in injured areas, and either ankle fusion or ankle replacement surgery for patients in later stages. Both of these surgical methods allow patients to return to walking and normal mobility, with different advantages and disadvantages. The most suitable approach for each patient should be determined by medical specialists, which will be best for the patient.

An article by Sittha Chuekitkumchorn, M.D., Experienced Foot and Ankle Surgeon

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