Arthritis is oftentimes viewed as a condition that affects older individuals who have put decades of stress on their joints, but arthritis can also develop in the wake of trauma to an area. If you’re involved in an automobile accident, a sports collision or you fall off a ladder, direct trauma to an area can make it more likely that arthritis will develop in that joint. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at how we can help you treat post-traumatic ankle arthritis.
Understanding Post-Traumatic Ankle Arthritis
Upwards of 15 percent of people diagnosed with osteoarthritis – the most common form of arthritis – are dealing with it in the form of post-traumatic ankle arthritis. The condition can affect people of any age, and it’s actually more common in younger, active individuals in the wake of significant trauma to the ankle. Severe damage to the ankle joint increases your risk of developing arthritis seven-fold, so it pays to be aware of some of the long-term problems that could arise after a significant ankle injury.
Symptoms of post-traumatic ankle arthritis following an injury to your ankles include:
- Dull, chronic pain
- Stiffness
- Difficulty walking
- Reduced flexibility or range of motion
- Discomfort that worsens with activity or pressure
Diagnosing And Treating Post-Traumatic Ankle Arthritis
If you are dealing with any of the above symptoms months or years after a significant ankle injury, consider connecting with a foot and ankle specialist. They’ll conduct a physical assessment of your ankle, talk with you about your symptoms and conduct some imaging tests to get an inside look at the structures inside your ankle joint. If post-traumatic ankle arthritis is suspected, your doctor will walk you through some treatment techniques.
Post-traumatic ankle arthritis is commonly managed through a combination of conservative techniques, including rest, icing, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and custom bracing or foot orthotics. Doctors may also recommend that you work to lose some weight, as this will take pressure off the arthritic ankle and make movements easier.
Most people notice a decrease in symptoms by following these conservative steps, but if discomfort isn’t getting any better, a more hands-on approach may be recommended. Corticosteroid injections may make it easier to pursue some of the treatments listed above, or a fusion operation can help to limit painful movement inside the ankle joint. It doesn’t typically reach this stage, but it is an option in more severe cases.
