Treatment of Ankle Osteoarthritis (Ankle Arthritis) in Düsseldorf
Ankle osteoarthritis occurs comparatively rarely, although the ankle joint has to carry a great deal of weight and is frequently injured. If wear of this joint is present, however, it is accompanied over time by increasing pain. At the outset there are often no noticeable symptoms. Only gradually does pain under load appear, and later the pain can also persist at rest. At the same time the mobility of the joint decreases further and further, which at an advanced stage can lead to stiffening.
Treatment of ankle osteoarthritis in Düsseldorf depends on the stage of the condition and on the individual complaints. In early phases conservative measures are to the fore, such as physiotherapy exercises to improve mobility, anti-inflammatory medication and individually fitted orthopaedic insoles or special footwear to relieve the joint. Injection therapies, for example with hyaluronic acid, can be used in addition. With advanced osteoarthritis and persistent pain, a surgical procedure may also be necessary in selected cases in order to improve the function of the ankle joint and lastingly increase quality of life.
Causes of ankle osteoarthritis
In the vast majority of cases such osteoarthritis goes back to an earlier injury, such as a broken ankle or ligament damage from twisting. Inflammatory rheumatic conditions and infections can also be responsible for osteoarthritis of the ankle joint. We then speak of secondary osteoarthritis. Primary osteoarthritis arises spontaneously, without any recognisable trigger or clear cause.
Symptome einer Sprunggelenksarthrose
In the early stage, ankle osteoarthritis in Düsseldorf initially goes unnoticed or produces only slight swelling and occasional pain. This also happens only when the joint is loaded more heavily and is not felt at rest. The further the osteoarthritis progresses, however, the more cartilage is reduced through load and friction. The pain increases and restricts the patient in their mobility. In the end this can not only lead to stiffening but also produce a limping gait, since the patient tries to relieve the joint when walking.
Treatment of ankle osteoarthritis
The goal of treatment is to relieve the pain and to heal the condition, or at least to slow the progression of the osteoarthritis. Your orthopaedic specialist in Düsseldorf can usually achieve this conservatively. The following measures and treatment components are available and are mostly used in combination:
- complete immobilisation over a defined period
- orthopaedic tapes and supports
- physiotherapeutische Anwendungen
- cartilage-building and cartilage-protecting medication
- cortisone injections in the immediate vicinity of the affected area
- supportive, custom-made orthopaedic aids
Operation einer Sprunggelenksarthrose
If the desired improvement is not achieved with these treatment components, or if the ankle osteoarthritis is far advanced and stiffening of the joint has already occurred, surgery cannot be avoided. There are then three options for a surgical procedure:
- An arthroscopy, which is minimally invasive and in which the joint lining and bone spurs are removed (only possible at an early stage)
- A fusion of the ankle joint, in which the cartilage is removed entirely and the bones are joined with screws or plates so that they grow together. This does restrict mobility, but it is recommended for patients whose ankle joints are exposed to heavy load.
- Fitting an artificial ankle joint. Here the joint and the diseased cartilage are removed and replaced by a prosthesis and a metal implant. This preserves mobility and protects the neighbouring joints.
The earlier treatment begins, the greater the chances of success and the more likely surgery can be avoided. With complaints that raise a suspicion of ankle osteoarthritis in Düsseldorf you should not wait any longer and should have a specialist clarify as quickly as possible whether the diagnosis of ankle osteoarthritis applies.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Ankle Osteoarthritis
Is ankle osteoarthritis curable?
No, osteoarthritis is a progressive degenerative condition and so far not completely curable. There are, however, many treatment options that can relieve the symptoms and slow the progression of the condition.
Can osteoarthritis in the ankle be operated on?
Yes, with advanced osteoarthritis, or when conservative treatment methods are not effective, surgery can be considered. A common method is arthrodesis (joint fusion) or the use of artificial joints.
Where does osteoarthritis in the ankle come from?
Osteoarthritis in the ankle usually arises through long-term overloading, age-related wear or as a consequence of injuries and inflammation.
What should you not eat if you have osteoarthritis?
It is often recommended to avoid foods that can promote inflammation, such as red meat, refined sugar, processed foods and some types of fat.
When is surgery needed for ankle osteoarthritis?
Surgery is generally considered when conservative treatments such as physiotherapy, painkillers and lifestyle changes are no longer sufficient to relieve the pain and preserve the function of the joint.
What can the orthopaedic specialist do about osteoarthritis?
An orthopaedic specialist can make a diagnosis and start suitable treatment, which can include physiotherapy, painkillers, injections or surgical procedures.
What makes osteoarthritis worse?
Overloading the affected joint, lack of movement, poor diet and excess body weight can make osteoarthritis worse.
What can be done about ankle osteoarthritis?
Alongside medical treatment it helps to maintain a healthy lifestyle, to carry out exercises that strengthen the muscles around the joint, and not to overload the joint.
Where does ankle osteoarthritis hurt?
Pain with ankle osteoarthritis generally occurs around the affected joint, that is around the ankle and foot, and can worsen when walking or standing.
Does health insurance cover treatment for ankle osteoarthritis?
Examination, X-ray, physiotherapy, orthopaedic aids and any necessary surgery are covered by statutory health insurance. Cartilage-building injections with hyaluronic acid are mostly private services. We tell you the cost in Düsseldorf in advance.
How long does treatment of ankle osteoarthritis take?
Conservative treatment is designed for the long term and is adjusted regularly. After an arthroscopy the joint can usually bear load again after six to eight weeks, and after a fusion or prosthesis after about three to six months. The course depends on the stage.
Which exercises help with ankle osteoarthritis?
Joint-friendly movement such as cycling and swimming maintains mobility, and balance exercises on one leg strengthen the stabilising muscles. Avoid impact loads such as jumping and running on hard ground. A physiotherapist adapts the programme to your stage.
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