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Ankle Arthritis

Written by Brett Harrop

Updated:

(Also known as Ankle Osteoarthritis, Osteoarthritis of the Ankle, Arthritis of the Ankle, Degeneration of the Ankle)

N.B. The term ‘ankle arthritis’ will be used in this document to describe the condition known as ankle osteoarthritis.

What is ankle arthritis?

Ankle arthritis is a condition characterized by a degenerative process involving gradual wear and tear to the cartilage and bone surfaces of the ankle joint with subsequent inflammation. Ankle arthritis may occur following a specific injury or, more commonly, due to repetitive forces going through the ankle joint beyond what it can withstand over a period of time.

The ankle joint is formed by the articulation of the tibia, fibula and talus bones (figure 1). In a normal ankle, joint surfaces are smooth and there is cartilage between the bone ends which allows for efficient shock absorption and smooth movement.

Relevant Anatomy for Ankle Arthritis
Figure 1 – Relevant Anatomy for Ankle Arthritis

When the ankle joint is damaged or overloaded, particularly with excessive weight-bearing or twisting forces, degeneration of the cartilage can occur, reducing the ankle’s shock absorbing capacity. As the condition progresses, and the cartilage wears away, the joint space can narrow and there is eventual wearing down of the bone ends so that the surfaces are no longer smooth. The bone ends may also develop small bony processes (spurs) called ‘osteophytes’. When some or all of these changes occur, the condition is known as ankle arthritis.

Arthritis of the ankle usually occurs in patients greater than 40 years of age and tends to affect females more frequently than males. It is more common in those patients who are overweight or have a past history of injury, surgery or trauma to the ankle.

Causes of ankle arthritis

Ankle arthritis most commonly occurs due to repetitive or prolonged forces going through the ankle joint beyond what it can withstand over a period of time, particularly in older patients (> 40 years of age). This typically occurs due to excessive weight bearing or twisting activities, such as prolonged walking or running (especially up or down hills or on uneven terrain), repetitive jumping and landing activities, repetitive or prolonged lifting or carrying or change of direction sports. Occasionally, patients may develop the condition following a traumatic injury to the ankle, such as an ankle sprain (particularly involving significant weight bearing forces), a traumatic landing from a height, motor vehicle accident or following ankle surgery. It may also be more common in those with a poorly rehabilitated ankle injury or in patients with poor foot biomechanics or inappropriate footwear.

Signs and symptoms of ankle arthritis

Patients withthis conditionusually experience symptoms that develop gradually over time. In patients with minor cases of ankle arthritis, little or no symptoms may be present. As the condition progresses, there may be increasing ankle pain with weight bearing activity and joint stiffness (particularly after rest or first thing in the morning). Swelling, decreased flexibility, severe joint pain, pain at night and a grinding, clicking or locking sensation during certain movements may also be experienced. Symptoms can sometimes fluctuate from month to month with patients reporting an increase in symptoms with colder weather. In more severe cases, muscle wasting (especially of the calf), a visible deformity of the ankle joint, and a limp may also be present.

Diagnosis of ankle arthritis

A thorough subjective and objective examination from a physiotherapist may be sufficient to diagnose ankle arthritis. An X-ray is usually required to confirm diagnosis and may demonstrate signs of decreased joint space, irregularities of the bony ends and/or the presence of bony spurs (osteophytes). Sometimes an MRI or CT scan may also be indicated to assist with diagnosis and rule out other pathologies.

Treatment for ankle arthritis

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Prognosis of ankle arthritis

Because ankle arthritis is a progressive condition, complete resolution of symptoms is often not possible. However, in mild to moderate cases, most patients, if managed well, can maintain an active lifestyle with little or no symptoms and delay or prevent the deterioration of the condition. In severe cases that have been unresponsive to appropriate physiotherapy management and where quality of life is significantly affected, ankle joint surgery may be indicated.

Physiotherapy for ankle arthritis

Physiotherapy treatment for patients with this condition is vital to delay ankle joint deterioration, reduce symptoms, and improve strength, range of movement, balance and function. Treatment may comprise:

Contributing factors to the development of ankle arthritis

There are several factors that may contribute to the development of this condition. These factors need to be assessed and corrected (where possible) with direction from a physiotherapist and may include:

Other intervention for ankle arthritis

Despite appropriate physiotherapy management, some patients with arthritis of the ankle continue to deteriorate. When this occurs, other intervention may be required. This may include pharmaceutical intervention, corticosteroid injection, the use of supplements such as fish oil, glucosamine and chondroitin, investigations such as an X-ray, CT scan, bone scan or MRI, or assessment from a specialist.

In more advanced cases of ankle arthritis, where symptoms are severe and quality of life severely affected, patients may require surgical intervention. This may involve ankle arthroscopy, ankle fusion or ankle joint replacement surgery. The treating physiotherapist or doctor can advise if this may be required and will refer to an orthopaedic specialist for an assessment and opinion.

Exercises for ankle arthritis

The following exercises are commonly prescribed to patients with arthritis of the ankle. You should discuss the suitability of these exercises with your physiotherapist prior to beginning them. Generally, they should be performed 2-3 times daily once the physiotherapist has indicated it is safe to do so and only provided they do not cause or increase symptoms.

Your physiotherapist can advise when it is appropriate to begin the initial exercises and eventually progress to the intermediate and advanced exercises. As a general rule, addition of exercises or progression to more advanced exercises should take place provided there is no increase in symptoms.

Initial Exercises

Foot and Ankle Up and Down

Move your foot and ankle up and down as far as you can go without pain and provided you feel no more than a mild to moderate stretch (figure 2). Repeat 10 – 20 times provided the exercise is pain free.

Exercises for Ankle Arthritis - Foot and Ankle Up and Down
Figure 2 – Foot and Ankle Up and Down


Foot and Ankle In and Out

Move your foot and ankle in and out as far as you can go without pain and provided you feel no more than a mild to moderate stretch (Figure 3). Repeat 10 – 20 times provided the exercise is pain free.

Exercises for Ankle Arthritis - Foot and Ankle In and Out
Figure 3 – Foot and Ankle In and Out


Calf Stretch with Towel

Begin this stretch in long sitting with your leg to be stretched in front of you. Your knee and back should be straight and a towel placed around your foot as demonstrated (figure 4). Using your foot, ankle and the towel, bring your toes towards your head as far as you can go without pain and provided you feel no more than a mild to moderate stretch in the back of your calf, Achilles tendon or front of your ankle. Hold for 5 seconds and repeat 10 times at a mild to moderate stretch provided the exercise is pain free.

Exercises for Ankle Arthritis - Calf Stretch with Towel
Figure 4 – Calf Stretch with Towel


Intermediate Exercises

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Advanced Exercises

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Other Exercises

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Rehabilitation Protocol for ankle arthritis

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Physiotherapy Products for Ankle ArthritisPhysiotherapy products for ankle arthritis

Some of the most commonly recommended products by physiotherapists for patients with this condition include:

To purchase physiotherapy products for ankle arthritis, click on one of the above links or visit the PhysioAdvisor Shop.

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More Physiotherapy Exercises for Ankle Arthritis  More Exercises

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