What is Ankle Arthritis?

Ankle Arthritis is the type of arthritis in which a sufferer experiences heavy pain in the ankle joint. It is not true that only older persons are susceptible to Ankle Arthritis. In fact, Younger women are much more susceptible to ankle arthritis and arthritis of the feet than are men of the same age. This is mainly due to their tendency to wear high heels. The ankle is the main joint that supports the entire body’s weight and movement. The ankle joint moves in all directions, so there are chances of rapid deterioration of cartilage.

Like any other form of arthritis, ankle arthritis causes swelling and pain in the joint. There are three bones that make up the ankle joint: tibia, fibula and the talus. Any one or a combination of the three may be affected by arthritis, which causes tremendous pain and may restrict mobility. It is, unfortunately, difficult to assess the progression of ankle arthritis without question, because of factors like activity level and past injury.

Though there are arthritis treatments available, you should limit or exclude high heels from daily wear. Your doctor may give you a regimen of exercise designed to maintain mobility and alleviate pain. The medications are also available which can help with the pain level as well: these include acetaminophen, NSAIDS and topical ointments. There are also surgeries available, if your swollen ankles need more help.