Walking all day can cause anyone pain in their feet and ankles. Unfortunately, for some people, just mild walking for basic tasks can become extremely painful. The pain can get so bad that it can cause them to slow down or stay off their feet completely. Ankle pain can become very difficult to live with very quickly. If your ankles hurt, swell, and lock into one position, it could mean that you are suffering from ankle arthritis.
What Is Ankle Arthritis?
Ankle arthritis occurs when the joints of the ankle start to wear down. The cartilage gets thinner over time and the ankle becomes painful and swollen. There are three main bones in the ankle that can be affected by this arthritis – they are the talus, the fibula and the tibia.
Not many people realize that arthritis can start in the ankle. A lot of times it is misdiagnosed as arthritis in another area of the body that is affecting the gait, which in turn affects the ankle. In reality, the ankle is just like any other joint and is as susceptible to arthritis as the hands, feet, hips and knees.
How To Test for Ankle Arthritis?
Podiatrists commonly use x-rays to determine whether or not a person is suffering from arthritis. In some rarer occasions, an MRI or CAT scan can be used to further look into the cause of the ankle pain. Blood tests and bone scans can also be used to diagnose arthritis in the ankle.
Effects on Daily Living
While arthritis is manageable, it often goes untreated. Treatment depends on an individual and their medical history and daily factors of their lifestyle. Certain jobs, underlying health conditions, weight and other unique qualities of a person can affect the type of treatment that works best for their arthritis.
Sometimes, in severe cases of arthritis, surgery may be necessary to alleviate the pain. Surgery can replace damaged cartilage and help reduce pain and swelling. In more severe cases whole parts of the ankle bone can be replaced to help cure or treat the disease.
If you are suffering from pain and swelling in your ankles, then you should see a foot doctor immediately to diagnose the cause. Ankle pain can be treated and managed with helped from a trained medical professional. Call Dr. Andrew H. Cohen of Mid-Michigan Foot & Ankle Center, located in Saginaw and Bay City, Michigan. You can reach our office at 989-790-8009 or make an appointment online today. Arthritis can be a pain, but we can help.