“How do you help ankle arthritis?”

Weight reduction if over weight and shoe wear are the mainstay to non operative management. High top sneakers or boots on uneven surfaces like grass are helpful

Please be evaluated by an orthopedic specialist or a rheumatologist.

Surgically speaking there are two types of procedures. One can have their ankle joint fused or replaced.

Treatment of ankle arthritis can be performed in many ways. It depends on the severity. Mild cases can be treated with oral anti-inflammatory medication. Also ankle support/brace can be beneficial as well. Other cases require injection to help reduce inflammation and pain. In more extreme cases can require surgery.

First, you want to know what type of arthritis you have, what are the treatment options, and what are long term implications

Hi! It would depend on the cause of the arthritis. I would see a podiatrist and a rheumatologist for a further work up if you do not know what type of arthritis. Anti inflammatory medications can help along with supplements like Glucosamine.

THere are conservative and surgerical ways, it is determine by the extend of the arthritis.

In mild cases, bone spurs may develop around the ankle joint. A small degree of joint space narrowing may also be present. As arthritis progresses there is a further loss of joint space. The joint surface appears to be white and diffuse bone spurring develops around the joint region.
Treatment options include:
Mild cases: Braces - ankle, and foot orthoses, (AFOs) may help to decrease motion in the ankle joint, lessening the pain.
Moderate cases: When a conservative case has not helped, arthroscopic surgery to remove the abnormal bone, soft tissue, and cartilage may be of benefit. If the disease process is advanced, only temporary benefits may be achieved.
Severe cases: When arthritis has advanced and has been unresponsive to conservative care and/or arthroscopy, a fusion of the ankle joint is the gold standard. During the fusion, the cartilage and the joint surface are completely removed. The bones are then put together and held in place with screws. This procedure can be performed arthroscopically if there is a minimal deformity to the foot and ankle. If there is severe deformity the procedure may be performed open.
The long-term outcome is excellent following the procedure with regards to eliminating the pain. Most patients can return to walking without discomfort.
Some cases of severe arthritis may be candidates for Total Ankle Replacement surgery. This is a technique where the ankle joint is replaced by a prosthetic (artificial) ankle.

Treating the symptoms is a start. I recommend you make an appointment with a foot and ankle specialist (podiatrist) for diagnosis and treatment options.

Arthritis is permanent. Arthritis means the cartilage has worn in the joint. Short term pain relief may come from cortisone or hyaluronic acid injections. But you may require an ankle replacement or fusion, depending on the severity of the arthritis. Braces may also help in limiting painful motion. NSAIDs may also help with arthritis pain