Ankle Pain and Arthritis
Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment with Dr Blake Fidock
Understanding Ankle Pain and Arthritis
Ankle pain is a common condition that can significantly impact mobility and quality of life. It may result from injuries, overuse, or degenerative conditions such as arthritis. Arthritis in the ankle can cause chronic pain, stiffness, and swelling, making everyday activities difficult. If left untreated, it can lead to joint damage and disability.
Dr Blake Fidock, an orthopaedic surgeon at Ortho ARC in Brisbane, specialises in managing foot and ankle conditions, including ankle arthritis and chronic ankle pain. Whether your symptoms stem from an injury or a degenerative disease, Dr Fidock offers advanced treatment options to help you regain function and mobility.
Symptoms of Ankle Pain and Arthritis
The symptoms of ankle pain and arthritis vary depending on the underlying cause but commonly include:
- Pain and tenderness: Discomfort that worsens with movement or weight-bearing activities.
- Swelling and stiffness: Inflammation that makes it difficult to move the ankle freely.
- Reduced range of motion: Difficulty flexing or extending the ankle joint.
- Clicking or grinding sensations: A feeling of instability or locking within the joint.
- Morning stiffness: Pain and stiffness that improve with movement but worsen after periods of inactivity.
- Deformity or instability: Severe arthritis may lead to noticeable changes in joint alignment.
If you experience persistent ankle pain that interferes with daily life, seeking a professional assessment is crucial.
Causes of Ankle Pain and Arthritis
Several conditions can contribute to ankle pain and arthritis, including:
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease caused by the gradual breakdown of cartilage. While it is more common in weight-bearing joints like the knee and hip, the ankle can also be affected, particularly in individuals with a history of joint injury.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints. It often affects multiple joints symmetrically and can lead to severe pain, swelling, and joint damage over time.
Past ankle injuries, such as fractures or severe sprains, can lead to post-traumatic arthritis. Even after an injury has healed, damage to the joint cartilage may lead to arthritis symptoms years later.
Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by uric acid crystal buildup in the joints. It often leads to sudden, severe pain, swelling, and redness in the ankle.
Repeated ankle sprains can cause chronic instability and contribute to joint degeneration, increasing the risk of arthritis.
Treatment Options for Ankle Pain and Arthritis
The treatment approach depends on the severity of the condition and the patient’s individual needs. Dr Blake Fidock provides a range of non-surgical and surgical treatment options to help alleviate pain and restore function.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Most patients can find relief through conservative treatments, including:
- Lifestyle modifications: Reducing high-impact activities, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding prolonged standing can alleviate pressure on the ankle.
- Medications: Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) and corticosteroid injections can help reduce pain and swelling.
- Physical therapy: Strengthening and stretching exercises improve joint mobility and stability.
- Bracing and orthotics: Ankle braces or custom orthotics provide support and reduce strain on the joint.
- Activity modifications: Low-impact activities such as swimming or cycling may help maintain fitness while reducing joint stress.
Surgical Treatments
If non-surgical treatments fail to provide relief, Dr Fidock may recommend surgical intervention, such as:
- Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure to remove bone spurs, damaged cartilage, or inflamed tissue.
- Ankle fusion (Arthrodesis): A procedure that permanently joins the bones of the ankle to eliminate pain from severe arthritis.
- Total ankle replacement: In cases of advanced arthritis, replacing the damaged joint with a prosthetic implant can restore mobility and function.
About Dr Blake Fidock
MBBS (Hons. 1), MTrauma (Ortho), FRACS (Ortho), FAOrthA
Orthopaedic Surgeon
When to See Dr Blake Fidock for Ankle Pain
If you have persistent ankle pain that does not improve with rest or conservative treatment, it may be time to seek specialist care. Consider scheduling an appointment with Dr Fidock if:
- Your ankle pain has lasted more than a few weeks and is worsening.
- You experience swelling, stiffness, or reduced mobility that limits daily activities.
- Conservative treatments such as rest, physiotherapy, or medications are not providing relief.
- You have a history of ankle injury that may have led to post-traumatic arthritis.
- You experience ankle instability or difficulty walking due to joint pain.
Why Choose Dr Blake Fidock at Ortho ARC in Brisbane?
Dr Blake Fidock is an experienced orthopaedic surgeon with expertise in treating foot and ankle conditions, including arthritis and chronic ankle pain. His approach is patient-centred, ensuring that each treatment plan is tailored to the individual’s needs. Using state-of-the-art diagnostic techniques and treatment methods, Dr Fidock aims to provide the best possible outcomes for his patients.
At Ortho ARC in Brisbane, Dr Fidock offers a comprehensive range of treatment options, from conservative management to advanced surgical interventions. If ankle pain or arthritis is affecting your daily life, request a referral to Dr Blake Fidock today and take the first step towards long-term relief and improved mobility.
Don’t let ankle pain control your life.
Learn more about how Dr Blake Fidock can help you manage and overcome ankle arthritis.