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Treatment for Ankle Arthritis
Dr. Brad Dresher, MD • June 22, 2020
How to get treatment for Ankle Arthritis in Colorado Springs
Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints. There are over 100 different types of arthritis, and it can affect more than one joint in your body. Osteoarthritis is the most common form, and it is caused by the breakdown of cartilage. When this happens, bones in the joint rub against each other causing pain, swelling, and loss of movement. Before moving forward with ankle arthritis treatment, you must first determine what stage of arthritis you are experiencing.
Symptoms of Ankle Arthritis
How does arthritis affect the ankle? As the cartilage in the joint breaks down, the bones rub together causing damage to the joint. This process takes years to develop and progresses in four stages:
- Stage One (Minor): Small lumps grow on the bone, and the damage to the cartilage is minor.
- Stage Two (Mild): The cartilage begins to wear down slightly, and you may begin to experience pain or stiffness.
- Stage Three (Moderate): Cartilage loss has occurred, and there may be signs of inflammation. You will likely experience pain when performing daily activities such as walking or running.
- Stage Four (Severe): The cartilage loss is causing bone on bone movement in the joint. You will probably experience much more intense pain.
You should see an orthopedic foot and ankle specialist for evaluation of your ankle arthritis.
Non-surgical Options for Ankle Arthritis
For mild and moderate arthritis you can use these methods to find relief:
- Alternate using heat and cold on the affected area
- Stay active and maintain a healthy weight
- Be sure to rest when needed
- Take an anti-inflammatory medication
Physical and occupational therapy can also be effective methods to relieve ankle arthritis pain.
Surgical Procedures for Ankle Arthritis
When you have exhausted your other options, surgery may be needed. Depending on the severity of the damage to your ankle joint, two different procedures are available to help you. If the damage is minimal, this could be as easy as arthroscopy to clean the joint of any minor tears to the cartilage. On the other hand, if the cartilage has been damaged severely, creating bone on bone contact, a fusion or total joint replacement may be your best option. Dr. Brad Dresher
can effectively assess your needs and create the best treatment plan for your ankle arthritis.
Once your broken ankle symptoms have been properly assessed by an orthopedic specialist, a treatment plan can be put into place.
PRP therapy can provide pain relief and healing for a number of foot and ankle conditions.
In an Achilles tendon rupture, the tendon is torn completely. Call Dr. Brad Dresher for treatment options for Achilles tendon rupture.
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. Dr. Dresher is a trained foot and ankle specialist who can treat the signs of plantar fasciitis.
Dr. Dresher treats injuries to the midfoot which can cause both the Lisfranc midfoot fracture and also the Jones midfoot fracture.
Contact Dr. Brad Dresher, Colorado Springs Foot and Ankle doctor, when you want to know how to heal a sprained ankle.
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Contact Info
Address:
4110 Briargate Parkway, Suite 300, Colorado Springs, CO 80920
Phone:
(719) 632-7669
Fax:
(719) 632-0088
Phone:
(719) 632-7669
Fax:
(719) 632-0088
Email: info@csog.net
Highly awarded in the field of orthopedics, Dr. Dresher provides Foot Surgery, Ankle Surgery, PRP Therapy, & orthopedic surgery in Colorado Springs
