When An Ankle Joint Becomes Severely Worn: Ankle Arthritis

Ankles are a little more complex, as their is 2 separate joints next to each other, which allow for foot plantar and dorsiflexion (up and down movement), and the sub talar joint, composed of the talus- navicular articulation, which allows the foot to turn in and out, known as inversion and eversion. With that being said, ankle arthritis is a common problem.

Causes of Ankle Arthritis

With repetitive trauma, aging and excessive weight gain, the ankle joints become worn and degenerative arthritis occurs. When the joint is extremely, worn surgical options are less successful than with knees and hips.

Ankle Surgery Vs. Regenerative Therapy

Ankle replacement surgery is often not successful, for this reason many surgeons recommend ankle fusion.

Ankle fusion is irreversible. By fusing the ankle it will alter gait and affect adjacent joints that may already be wearing as well. The best option is to start treatment early before the ankle joint ever gets too the point of being too worn, your options are limited.