Osteoarthritis of the ankle joint

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It is a degenerative form of arthritis that predominantly affects the joints. The disease progresses slowly and steadily, with the cartilage in the joint gradually being destroyed.

Causes of osteoarthritis in the ankle joint

It is often not known why osteoarthritis develops in the joint. In some cases, the osteoarthritis is caused by previous fractures or other injuries to the joint. Rheumatoid arthritis or gout can in other cases also damage the articular cartilage. Flat foot that has developed after a tendon in the foot has been damaged often leads to osteoarthritis in the ankle joint later in life; the same applies to congenital flat foot.

The frequency increases with age, but the disease can affect everyone from the age of 20.

What are the symptoms?

Pain, reduced mobility, reduced walking distance, and limping are characteristic of osteoarthritis in the ankle.

The pain is experienced as start-up pain, load-related pain and rest pain (the osteoarthritis triad). In flat foot, a progressive malalignment of the hindfoot develops, where the heel slides out and the arch collapses.

How do we treat osteoarthritis in the ankle joint?

Treatment of osteoarthritis in the ankle consists of correction of footwear in the form of a rigid boot with rocker function, which in certain cases can relieve the pain. The consultant can assess which footwear solution may be considered in the individual case. The footwear can normally be granted under the Social Services Act if you obtain a referral/prescription issued by the consultant.

If pain-relieving medication, correction of footwear with insoles or a rigid boot with rocker function does not work, insertion of an ankle prosthesis may be considered. The vast majority are very satisfied with the result and experience relief of pain as well as improved walking function.

Around 15% of patients who receive an artificial ankle joint do not feel that they have fully achieved the desired result. This is often due to persistent pain or slight limping. You should expect that the mobility of the joint will not be quite as it once was.

Ankle fusion is also an alternative and is offered to patients who already have pain and reduced mobility that prevents the patient from stepping over the foot. Despite the ankle joint being made stiff, very few actually experience a loss of mobility in the ankle joint. There is therefore often high satisfaction with this procedure, as the pain is gone and the gait becomes quite good despite the stiffness.

Shoes with a rocker sole can further improve gait. Many patients will be able to continue with heavy work and go for walks, but it is not possible to run or wear long-shaft boots.

Safe and rapid clarification

At CPH Privathospital we have specialists in ankle surgery. They use only the most gentle techniques, which result in less pain after the operation, smaller scars, faster rehabilitation and better results. Contact us today for rapid clarification.

Our consultant specialists are ready to help you, so you can quickly receive the correct diagnosis, whether you are a private payer, have health insurance or come through the public waiting time guarantee.

All examinations can take place at CPH Privathospital, and you therefore have the same experienced consultant specialist throughout the entire pathway.