Confidence
with every step

Understand Ankle Arthritis and the treatment options available for you

When Ankle Atrthritis pain keeps you from doing what you love, and conservative treatments are no longer helping, there are other options for you. Take the first step towards understanding your potential treatment options.

Ankle Arthritis
‍Understand your ankle pain

Ankle Arthritis occurs when the protective cartilage between bones gradually wears down, causing bones to rub together. This bone-on-bone contact causes pain and makes it more difficult to move. Ankle Arthritis can range from less severe to end-stage.

Symptoms of Ankle Arthritis

Pain
Reduced ability to move walk or bear weight
Stiffness
Swelling

Main causes of Ankle Arthritis

Previous injuries

Either a single trauma or a series of
small, repeated injuries, such as isolated spraints and strains endured over years of exercising and activity.

Osteoarthritis (OA)

Results from aging and gradual wear
on the ankle over time.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

An autoimmune disease causing joint inflammation.
Unlike arthritis in hips and knees, over 80% of Ankle Arthritis is post traumatic or from previous injuries.1

Possible treatments for your Ankle Arthritis

Non-surgical options

In many cases, the symptoms of ankle arthritis can be treated without surgery.
‍
Some options that can relieve pain and aid mobility, commonly used for less severe cases, are pain medication, shoe inserts, braces or injections.

Surgical Options

For less severe to moderately severe arthritis
Debridement, a procedure that removes bone spurs and loose pieces of cartilage, if these are causing the ankle pain.

Surgical Options

For End-stage Ankle Arthritis
Ankle Fusion
Ankle bones are fused together. Because the joints cannot move or bend, there is less pain.

Total Ankle Replacement
An artificial implant designed to allow the ankle to move and bend. Patient may get pain relief without sacrificing their movement.

Learn from
‍an expert

In the video, Orthopedic surgeon Mr. Andy Goldberg explains more about Ankle Arthritis and the surgical treatments options available.

Are any of these a potential treatment for you? Click the button below to download a list of talking points to address with your doctor to aid the conversation and find the appropriate treatment for you. We won’t ask you for any information.
Check your symptoms

Your end-stage Ankle Arthritis options
Total Ankle Replacement vs Fusion

Before Total Ankle Replacement, many patients with advanced Ankle Arthritis would have an Ankle Fusion to help relieve the pain. While Ankle Fusion is still an effective way to manage arthritis pain, it limits the natural movement of the ankle. Keep reading below to learn more about these treatments option.
Total Ankle Replacement
Ankle Fusion
Approach
Motion & Mobility
Weight bearing
Pain
Hospital readmission & Longevity
Shoes
Satisfaction
Approach
Total Ankle Replacement
Total Ankle Replacement is a surgical treatment that aims to retain joint movement by replacing the entire joint.2
Ankle Fusion
With Ankle Fusion, the surgeon fuses the ankle bones together so that there is no ankle joint movement.2
Approach
Total Ankle Replacement
Helps maintain movement in the ankle, allowing for a more natural walking pattern.

Arc of motion is maintained compared to Ankle Fusion. Retaining movement in the ankle can help in navigating uneven surfaces and maintaining a normal gait.3
Ankle Fusion
Provides a stable ankle joint that can no longer move or rotate.

Lack of ankle motion may alter walking mechanics, requiring adjustments on uneven terrain.3
Weight bearing
Total Ankle Replacement
Can bear weight on the ankle within three to six weeks postoperative in many cases.4
Ankle Fusion
Can bear weight on the ankle within one to six weeks postoperative in many cases.4
Pain
Total Ankle Replacement
Increase in pain relief and better patient-perceived outcomes in the compared to Ankle Fusion.5
Ankle Fusion
After successful Ankle Fusion, patients typically have excellent pain relief.6
Hospital readmission & Longevity
Total Ankle Replacement
Lower rates of hospital readmission and wound infection compared to Ankle Fusion.7,8 Mechanical joints may loosen or wear out with time, requiring further [revision] surgery.2
Ankle Fusion
Considered more durable, with a lower risk of implant failure,reducing the need for revision surgery.7,8 Over the long term,movement and stress in nearby joints may cause pain and require further surgery.1
Shoes
Total Ankle Replacement
Improved ability to wear shoes comfortably in patients with end-stage Ankle Arthritis.9
Ankle Fusion
Improved ability to wear shoes comfortably in patients with end-stage Ankle Arthritis.9
Satisfaction
Total Ankle Replacement
Generally associated with high patient satisfaction, especially when it comes to mobility and an active lifestyle.5,11
Ankle Fusion
Also has high satisfaction rates, particularly for patients prioritizing pain relief and long-term durability.10

Is a surgical approach
‍an option for you?

The bone-on-bone contact due to Ankle Arthritis causes pain and makes it more difficult to move. Also other symptoms like reduced ability to move walk or bear weight as well as stiffness or swelling can occur. When Ankle Arthritis pain keeps you from doing what you love, and conservative treatments are no longer helping, Total Ankle Replacement or Ankle Fusion can potentially be surgical options to relieve pain. Take the survey below to assess your symptoms and find out if a surgical approach might be suitable for you. No email address is required.