Ankle Arthritis

Ankle Arthritis Care at UVM Health

Ankle arthritis causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the ankle joint. Most often, ankle arthritis occurs as a result of chronic inflammation after an injury. In some cases, an autoimmune condition (rheumatoid arthritis) may cause inflammation. The cartilage in your ankle joint may also wear away (osteoarthritis).

Whatever the underlying cause of your symptoms, our foot and ankle team can help. University of Vermont Health is home to fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeons. A full team of surgeons, podiatrists and specially trained advanced practice providers offers comprehensive ankle arthritis treatment in Vermont and northern New York.

A medical professional examines a patient's foot and ankle.

Why Choose UVM Health?

As one of the leading orthopedic programs in the region, we offer:

Patient-centered approach: Ankle arthritis doesn’t always require surgery – we only recommend an operation when it’s the most effective option. We take time to listen to your needs and preferences and prioritize nonsurgical treatments.
Convenient services: We offer convenient access to on-site services, such as X-rays, that allow us to make efficient diagnoses and get you started on treatment right away. Podiatrists and advanced practice providers throughout the region provide expert care for foot and ankle injuries.
Research emphasis: As part of a health system anchored by an academic medical center, our physicians are active researchers at the forefront of research into foot and ankle care.

Symptoms of Ankle Arthritis

The most common symptom of ankle arthritis is pain, stiffness and swelling in the front part of your ankle. The pain and stiffness may worsen after you sit or stand for long periods. You may also experience:

Clicking or catching sensations
Decreased range of motion
Difficulty walking up inclines
Sensations of your ankle seizing or “locking up”

Diagnosing Ankle Arthritis

When diagnosing ankle arthritis, your specialist will examine your foot, ankle and heel. Then they’ll ask about your symptoms, including when they started, how they’ve progressed and what relieves them.

Then we use several tests, including:

X-rays: Use low doses of radiation to create images of the bones in your foot and ankle
MRIs: Use magnets and radio waves to examine at your soft tissues

Ankle Arthritis Treatment

The goal of treatment is to reduce arthritic pain and improve your overall function. We start your treatment plan with nonsurgical options, only recommending surgery when it’s the most effective choice. Treatment for ankle arthritis may include:

Medications

Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter or prescription anti-inflammatory medicines. These medications help decrease swelling, reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

Bracing

An ankle brace may improve stability and reduce pain. You may wear a soft brace or a more rigid, lace-up option (Arizona brace).

Physical Therapy

A physical therapist teaches you exercises that help improve your range of motion, decrease stiffness and increase strength. They may also use hands-on techniques to gently stretch your muscles and joints.