What is ankle arthritis?
Ankle arthritis happens when the smooth cartilage that covers the ends of the bones in the ankle joint wears away. It often follows an old injury, such as a fracture or repeated sprains, and it can also be caused by inflammatory arthritis or by wear over time.
Common symptoms
Pain deep in the ankle, often worse with activity
Stiffness, especially first thing in the morning
Swelling around the ankle
Difficulty walking on slopes, stairs or uneven ground
How it is diagnosed
Mr Chan will ask about your symptoms and any previous injuries, examine your foot and ankle and review weight-bearing X-rays. A CT or MRI scan is sometimes helpful to plan treatment.
Treatment options
Non-surgical care
Activity changes, physiotherapy, supportive footwear, insoles and bracing.
Learn more
Ankle replacement
A modern implant that keeps movement in the ankle.
Learn more
Ankle fusion
Joining the bones so that the painful joint no longer moves.
Learn more
What the evidence shows
Both ankle replacement and ankle fusion can relieve pain for people with advanced ankle arthritis. A replacement keeps some movement in the ankle; a fusion gives a stiff but usually comfortable ankle. The right choice depends on your age, activity level, the alignment of your foot and the health of the joints nearby, and Mr Chan will talk you through the evidence for your situation.
This page is general information and is not a substitute for a consultation. Every treatment carries risks, which Mr Chan will explain before you decide.
Questions patients ask
Will I need surgery?
Not necessarily. Many people manage well for years with non-surgical treatment. Surgery is considered when pain is affecting daily life despite these measures.
Is a replacement better than a fusion?
Answer to follow: awaiting client copy.
How long is the recovery?
Answer to follow: awaiting client copy.
