Ankle Arthritis
Relieving Pain, Improving Movement and Helping You Stay Active
Comprehensive ankle arthritis treatment in Bowral, Goulburn and Campbelltown – from non-surgical care through to ankle replacement, ankle fusion and joint-preserving procedures.
Ankle arthritis can make everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs and standing for long periods extremely difficult. Many patients describe a deep ache in the ankle, stiffness first thing in the morning and pain that worsens with activity throughout the day.
Unlike hip and knee arthritis, ankle arthritis is less common, but when it does occur it can have a major impact on mobility and quality of life. Many people are surprised to learn that ankle arthritis often develops after an old injury, fracture or ligament tear rather than simply through ageing alone.
Dr Di Nallo provides comprehensive care for patients with ankle arthritis, from early-stage symptoms through to severe joint degeneration. As with all aspects of his practice, he takes a conservative and patient-first approach, exploring non-surgical treatment options wherever possible before considering surgery.
What is Ankle Arthritis?
Ankle arthritis occurs when the cartilage lining the ankle joint gradually wears away.
Cartilage acts as a smooth cushion between the bones. When it becomes damaged, the bones begin to rub against each other, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness and reduced movement.
The ankle joint is responsible for supporting body weight and allowing the foot to move up and down. Because of this, arthritis in the ankle can make walking and standing particularly uncomfortable.
Common symptoms of ankle arthritis include:
- Pain in the ankle joint
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Difficulty walking
- Reduced movement
- Clicking or grinding
- Pain with uneven ground
- Difficulty climbing stairs
- Instability
- Loss of confidence when walking
Symptoms often begin gradually and worsen over time.
Causes of Ankle Arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis affecting the ankle.
It occurs when the cartilage gradually wears down over time.
Risk factors include:
- Previous injury
- Ageing
- Repetitive strain
- Excess body weight
- Family history
- Abnormal foot or ankle alignment
Post-Traumatic Arthritis
Unlike arthritis in the hip or knee, a large proportion of ankle arthritis is related to previous injury.
Patients may develop arthritis years after:
- Ankle fractures
- Ligament injuries
- Severe sprains
- Sports injuries
- Previous surgery
Damage to the joint surface can lead to uneven loading, cartilage wear and progressive stiffness over time.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Affecting the Ankle
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition that can affect multiple joints throughout the body, including the ankle.
Patients may experience:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Warmth
- Stiffness
- Progressive deformity
Treatment may involve both medical management and orthopaedic care.
How Common is Ankle Arthritis?
Ankle arthritis is less common than hip or knee arthritis, but it still affects many Australians, particularly people with a history of injury or physically demanding work.
Research suggests that around 70 to 80 per cent of ankle arthritis cases are related to previous trauma, which is much higher than in other joints.
Because ankle arthritis often develops in younger or middle-aged adults following injury, it can have a major impact on work, sport and daily activities.
Conservative Treatment Before Surgery
Dr Di Nallo believes surgery should only be considered after reasonable non-surgical treatment has been explored.
Many patients can achieve significant symptom relief without surgery.
Conservative treatment options may include:
- Activity modification
- Supportive footwear
- Ankle braces
- Orthotics
- Physiotherapy
- Strengthening exercises
- Weight management
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Cortisone and hyaluronic acid injections
- PRP injections
These treatments may help reduce pain, improve movement and delay the need for surgery.
Conditions Treated
Ankle Pain and Stiffness
Pain and stiffness are often the first signs of ankle arthritis.
Patients may notice:
- Pain first thing in the morning
- Difficulty walking on uneven surfaces
- Swelling after activity
- Reduced flexibility
- Pain during sport or exercise
These symptoms may gradually worsen if the arthritis progresses.
Ankle Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis affects the smooth cartilage lining the ankle joint.
As the cartilage wears away, patients may develop:
- Grinding
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Reduced movement
- Difficulty with everyday activities
Post-Traumatic Arthritis
Post-traumatic arthritis often develops after previous fractures or ligament injuries.
Patients sometimes assume they have recovered from the original injury, only to develop stiffness and pain years later.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Affecting the Ankle
Rheumatoid arthritis may cause both inflammation and deformity in the ankle.
In severe cases, surgery may be required to reduce pain and improve alignment.
Joint-Preserving Procedures
For some patients with early arthritis, joint-preserving procedures may help delay more major surgery.
These may include:
- Arthroscopy
- Removal of bone spurs
- Cartilage procedures
The goal is to reduce pain and improve function while preserving the ankle joint.
Ankle Surgery Procedures
Ankle Replacement
What is Ankle Replacement?
Ankle replacement involves removing the worn surfaces of the ankle joint and replacing them with artificial components.
The goal is to:
- Relieve pain
- Improve movement
- Preserve motion
- Improve walking ability
Ankle replacement may be considered for patients with severe arthritis who want to maintain movement in the joint.
Benefits of Ankle Replacement
Potential benefits may include:
- Reduced pain
- Improved mobility
- Better walking ability
- Preservation of ankle movement
- Improved quality of life
However, not every patient is suitable for ankle replacement. Factors such as age, activity level, bone quality and alignment all need to be considered.
Dr Di Nallo uses technology created to precisely perform bony cuts in order to achieve a better positioning of the components. This can assist with prosthesis longevity.
Ankle Fusion
What Is Ankle Fusion?
Ankle fusion involves joining the bones of the ankle together so that they no longer move against each other.
Although movement at the ankle is reduced, fusion is often very effective for relieving pain.
When Is Fusion Recommended?
Ankle fusion may be more suitable for:
- Severe arthritis
- Significant deformity
- Younger, more active patients
- Failed ankle replacement
- Poor bone quality
Many patients are surprised at how well they can walk after fusion, despite the reduced ankle movement.
Recovery After Surgery
Recovery after ankle surgery depends on the procedure performed.
Patients may require:
- A cast or moon boot
- Crutches
- Limited weight-bearing
- Physiotherapy
- Swelling management
- Gradual return to walking
Recovery from ankle replacement or fusion can take several months.
What to Expect During Your Surgical Journey
Dr Di Nallo believes patients should feel informed, comfortable and supported throughout the entire process.
- Initial Consultation: Dr Di Nallo will discuss your symptoms, examine the ankle and review your imaging.
- Imaging: X-rays, CT scans or MRI scans may be required to assess the severity of arthritis and the condition of the joint.
- Treatment Planning: All appropriate non-surgical and surgical options will be discussed.
- Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy and gradual rehabilitation are important parts of recovery after ankle surgery.
Why Choose Dr Di Nallo for Ankle Arthritis Treatment?
Dr Di Nallo understands that ankle arthritis can significantly affect independence, comfort and quality of life.
He is known for his friendly, approachable manner and his commitment to taking the time to listen carefully to patients. He always explores non-surgical options first and only recommends surgery when appropriate.
When surgery is required, Dr Di Nallo provides personalised care, modern techniques and thoughtful guidance throughout every stage of treatment.
Whether you are experiencing early ankle arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis or severe ankle pain and stiffness, Dr Di Nallo provides comprehensive ankle arthritis care for patients with a focus on quality clinical outcomes.
