“Can arthritis be removed from the ankle?”
I have ankle arthritis and want to fix it. Can arthritis be removed from the ankle?
5 Answers
OrthopaedicSurgeonOrthopaedicSurgeon
The answer is it depends on the extend of the arthritis. Please see an orthopedics or podiatrist for treatment options.
Cannot remove arthritis--your options are injections, bracing, fusion, or ankle replacement.
"Arthritis" means there has been a decrease in the amount of cartilage in a joint. Cartilage allows bones to move smoothly at a joint (where 2 bones articulate). As cartilage degenerates, the bones get closer and closer together causing inflammation and pain. There is no way to grow new cartilage. When a joint becomes very arthritic, you have 2 choices: Fusion of the joint or total joint replacement. Arthritis can not be 'removed.'
Well the unfortunate results of arthritis - depending on the type (ie: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gouty arthritis, etc.) - which can be boney spurring and synovial inflammation can be removed surgically. However, the surgery will not remove the arthritis (the disease) per se. Your symptoms hopefully will be reduced or eliminated with surgery, but surgery does not cure arthritis. Consult with a Board Certified Podiatric Surgeon who is Board Certified by the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgeons.
Surgery can be done to remove bone spurs and clean a joint. Arthritis usually cannot be fixed per say. I recommend you make an appointment with a foot and ankle surgeon (podiatrist) for evaluation and treatment options
