Are you noticing signs of arthritis in your ankle, such as persistent joint pain, inflammation, or stiffness? If so, you may be in the early stages of ankle arthritis. But don’t fret just yet, there are plenty of treatment options available to combat the early stages of arthritis.
For early-stage arthritis, initial treatment options will typically be nonsurgical as surgery won’t be considered until the arthritis symptoms become severe. In light of this, let’s discuss some of the nonsurgical treatment options that are used to treat early-stage arthritis of the ankle:
- Lifestyle Modifications: Your orthopedic specialist will ask you questions regarding your lifestyle to determine if any changes can be made to combat your One modification may be to switch from high-impact workouts like running, to low-impact exercises like swimming. If you are overweight, a weight-loss regimen may be recommended to alleviate excess stress on your ankle joint.
- Assistive Devices: Assistive devices are excellent ways to help stabilize and support your arthritic ankle joint. Utilizing a brace can help keep your ankle in a comfortable and supported position, relieving stress on your ankle. Orthotic inserts can help to properly position your foot and ankle in a way that alleviates your arthritis pain.
- Medication: There are various over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen that work to combat inflammation and pain in your If these options do not alleviate your pain, your physician may recommend prescription medications.
- Injections: There are a few types of injections used to treat early-stage ankle arthritis such as cortisone, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), and hyaluronic acid Cortisone injections provide pain relief and reduce inflammation in your ankle. PRP injections are composed of the patient’s plasma introduced to the ankle, encouraging the healing of damaged tissue. Finally, hyaluronic acid injections provide lubrication to the ankle joint, providing pain relief and improved mobility.
- Physical Therapy: In the early stages of ankle arthritis, your healthcare provider may recommend physical Personalized, targeted exercises will be used to encourage both strength and flexibility in the affected ankle joint. You and your therapist will concentrate on building muscle to support your ankle as well as practice flexibility to encourage a larger range of motion.
Arthritis is a progressive disease, so seeking treatment in the early stages is essential to prevent the worsening of your ankle arthritis. If you are suffering from early-stage ankle arthritis, you should talk to an orthopedic specialist as soon as possible. Dr. Bryant Ho, a foot and ankle specialist, is ready to help you fight ankle arthritis with extensive, patient-focused treatment options today!
Dr. Bryant S. Ho is board-certified in orthopedic surgery and is trained in the operative and non-operative management of adolescent and adult foot and ankle disorders. Dr. Ho places a strong emphasis on customizing his care for each patient to ensure successful outcomes. He provides all treatment options, including preventative care, conservative management, and operative intervention.
