Ankle arthritis is a condition where the cartilage inside the ankle joint gradually wears down. Cartilage is the smooth cushioning tissue that helps the bones in your ankle move comfortably against each other.

DeNova Health helps pinpoint the possible cause of your ankle pain and provides treatment options focused on reducing joint stress, improving support, and protecting the joint.

Symptoms of Ankle Arthritis

Ankle arthritis can develop slowly over time or become more noticeable after an injury. Symptoms may come and go at first, then become more frequent as the joint becomes more irritated.

Common symptoms may include:

• Ankle joint pain: Pain is often felt deep in the ankle, especially when standing or walking.
• Reduced motion: The ankle may feel stiff, tight, or harder to bend.
• Swelling or warmth: The ankle joint may become swollen, warm, or sensitive after activity.
• Instability: You may feel like the ankle is weak or "giving out" during walking.
• Deformity: In advanced stages, the alignment of the ankle may change.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

Ankle arthritis most commonly develops after a previous injury, such as a fracture or severe sprain. This is known as post-traumatic arthritis. Other types include osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear) and rheumatoid arthritis (inflammatory).

Risk factors that can increase pressure on the joint include:

• Previous trauma: Historical ankle fractures, dislocations, or repeated sprains.
• Joint misalignment: Abnormal foot mechanics or bone structure that alters pressure.
• Chronic inflammation: Ongoing systemic or joint irritation.
• Weight-related stress: Increased load placing more strain on joint surfaces.
• Age-related changes: Over time, the joint cartilage naturally becomes less resilient.

How DeNova Health Assesses Ankle Arthritis

During your visit, our team will review your symptoms, medical and injury history, and when the pain started. We perform a physical exam to assess your joint range of motion, stability, alignment, and muscle strength.

This comprehensive assessment helps us understand the stage of the arthritis and how it is affecting your movement. We then discuss clinical options tailored to your needs.

Treatment Options at DeNova Health

While arthritis cannot be reversed, treatments focus on supporting the joint, reducing pain, and keeping you active.

• Custom orthotics: Tailored support can help distribute pressure evenly, improve alignment, and absorb shock.
• Orthopaedic footwear: Stiff-soled or rocker-bottom shoes can help reduce joint bending and ease walking.
• Ankle braces: Custom or specialized braces can help stabilize the ankle joint and reduce painful movement.
• Physical therapy and exercise: Guided exercises can help maintain joint motion, strengthen surrounding muscles, and improve balance.
• Injection therapies: Options such as corticosteroids, prolotherapy, hyaluronic acid, or other biologics may be discussed to help manage pain and inflammation.

Referrals for surgical assessment may be discussed when conservative treatments are no longer providing sufficient relief.

When to Seek Care for Ankle Pain

You should seek care if you notice:

1. Pain with weight-bearing: Your ankle hurts when standing, walking, climbing stairs, or putting pressure through the joint.
2. Reduced ankle motion: The ankle feels stiff, tight, or harder to move than it used to.
3. Swelling around the joint: The ankle becomes swollen, warm, or irritated after activity.
4. Changes in how you walk: You start limping, favouring one side, or avoiding certain movements.
5. Pain that keeps getting worse: Symptoms are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, or limiting your regular activities.

Book an Ankle Arthritis Assessment

If ankle pain or stiffness is making it harder to walk, work, exercise, or stay active, DeNova Health can help you understand what may be happening inside the joint.

Book an assessment at DeNova Health to review your symptoms, assess your foot and ankle mechanics, and create a treatment plan focused on reducing pain, improving function, and supporting your mobility.