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Ankle Arthritis

Conveniently located to serve Artesia and Rancho Cucamonga

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Improve impaired mobility by coming in for prompt treatment for ankle arthritis in Artesia. Ankle arthritis may be caused by several factors, including the natural wear and tear of the cartilage on your joints. The symptoms of this ailment can get in the way of your day-to-day activities, which is why finding a solution is paramount.

What Is Ankle Arthritis?

Ankle arthritis is due to two differing problems. The first is due to acute sprain due to trauma to the rear foot which results in a dislocation or fracture of the rear foot. This in some cases requires surgery.

The second cause is degeneration of cartilage due to abnormal wear and tear or chronic abnormal motion of the rear foot.

Conservative therapy includes: physical therapy, injection, orthotic and bracing. In most cases a period of relief may be available with conservative care. However, the arthritic process willankle-pain-conditions-and-treatments-300x299 continue to get worse and, in most cases, surgical correction is often required. In cases of mild to moderate arthritis arthroscopic surgery can be done.

In cases of severe arthritis, a fusion of the ankle is required to relieve pain. Most patients do well after surgical fusions of the ankle joint. Other new surgical techniques such as total ankle replacement are an option also but implants are not well designed yet, in the next decade this may change.

Am I an Ideal Candidate?

If you are experiencing pain and swelling in the joints of your feet, you may be a good candidate for ankle arthritis treatment. You may be recommended to undergo surgery depending on the extent of your symptoms. If you have trouble walking due to your symptoms, it may be best to seek treatment at My Foot Clinic.

It is important that you are in good overall health and have no underlying conditions that could get in the way of your healing.

Your Consultation

Your consultation will involve a physical examination of your joints. Additional laboratory and imaging tests may be requested for proper diagnosis. You will be asked about your medical history and lifestyle, particularly past surgeries and current medications.

You may also be asked to undergo a gait analysis, in which you will be asked to walk around so that measurements of your stride can be taken. The way you walk will also be evaluated.

Surgical Ankle Arthritis Correction

Surgical correction of ankle arthritis can be done in different ways. Arthroscopic surgery is performed for early-stage arthritis, and it involves the use of an arthroscope. This small instrument is inserted into the joint.

The arthroscope projects a detailed image onto a screen. The surgeon then uses tiny shavers, forceps, and knives to clean off any spurs or foreign tissues. This procedure may not be effective for advanced arthritis.

For end-stage ankle arthritis, arthrodesis, or fusion surgery, may be done. It is recommended for patients with severe loss of ligament and bone tissue, or poor bone quality. Bones are fused together using plates, screws, pins, or rods.

Another surgical option is total ankle replacement, or arthroplasty. Damaged bone and cartilage will be removed, and your joint will be replaced with metal or plastic implants.

Recovery After Ankle Arthritis Surgery

Your recovery period after your ankle arthritis treatment depends on the type of surgery done. It can take four to nine months for full recovery. However, you may be able to resume normal activities in three to four months.

Physical therapy may be recommended to help with improving your range of motion. You may be asked to wear a brace to stabilize your joint while you are recuperating.

Set Up a Consultation

To prevent worsening of your condition, explore your options regarding management of ankle arthritis in Artesia. Contact My Foot Clinic today to schedule your consultation.

Any medical or health advice provided will be approved by a medically-trained and qualified professional unless a clear statement otherwise. The information provided on this site is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between patient and physician. Consult with your physician regarding a proper treatment plan for you.

The team at My Foot Clinic are highly trained and widely recognized as the best podiatrist in and around Reseda, Canoga Park, West Hills, Northridge, Chatsworth, Tarzana, Encino, Van Nuys, Artesia, Cerritos, and Norwalk.