- info@irosm.com
- 3333 West Commercial Blvd , Ste 101 Fort Lauderdale , Fl, 33309
(954) 751 6990
(954) 751 6990
Ankle arthritis is wear of the cartilage in the ankle joint. It can make walking, standing and climbing stairs painful, and it often follows an old sprain or fracture. Treatment aims to ease pain, keep you moving, and protect the joint.
At the Institute of Regenerative Orthopedics & Sports Medicine (IROSM), Dr. Jorge Gonzalez, MD at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale evaluates ankle pain with an exam, X-rays and in-office ultrasound, then builds a non-surgical plan for appropriate candidates.
Book Your Appointment Now: (954) 751-6990 Make an Inquiry Online
Ankle arthritis happens when the smooth cartilage covering the ends of the bones in the ankle wears down. The bones then rub more, which leads to pain, swelling and stiffness. The main types are:
Arthritis can also affect the joints just below the ankle in the back of the foot (rearfoot). Dr. Gonzalez evaluates ankle arthritis at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale to find which joint is causing your pain.
Ankle arthritis symptoms often build slowly. Common signs include:
A change in how you walk can put extra stress on other parts of the foot and leg, and lead to new pain. If ankle pain keeps you from walking or exercising, an exam with a sports medicine doctor such as Dr. Gonzalez at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale can help find the cause.
Diagnosis of ankle arthritis at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale starts with your history, including any past sprains or fractures, and a hands-on exam of the ankle and foot. Dr. Gonzalez checks where it hurts, how the joint moves, and how you walk.
Standing X-rays show how much joint space is left and whether bone spurs have formed. In-office ultrasound lets Dr. Gonzalez look at the tendons and soft tissue around the ankle during your visit. A CT scan or MRI may be ordered when more detail is needed.
Most people with ankle arthritis start with non-surgical treatment. At IROSM in Fort Lauderdale, the plan depends on how advanced the arthritis is, your activity level and your goals. Options may include:
An ankle brace, supportive shoes, a rocker-bottom sole or inserts can reduce stress on the joint. Swapping high-impact exercise for cycling or swimming may help too.
Therapy can improve strength, balance and motion. Short-term anti-inflammatory or pain medicine may ease flare-ups.
Ankle injections are placed with ultrasound guidance so they reach the joint. Read how image-guided injections improve accuracy.
For some patients, injections made from your own blood or cells may be considered. See PRP therapy in Fort Lauderdale and orthobiologic treatments.
Research on PRP for ankle arthritis is mixed (see below), so Dr. Gonzalez explains the evidence before recommending it. Ankle arthritis treatment is not right for every patient, and results vary. Candidacy is decided at an in-person evaluation.
Many people with ankle arthritis fall into what doctors call the treatment gap. Braces, therapy and medicine are no longer enough, but the arthritis is not yet severe enough for surgery, or the person does not want surgery. Learn more about the treatment gap in orthopedics.
For patients in this gap, Dr. Gonzalez at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale reviews which non-surgical options may still be worth considering. In this video, he explains what the treatment gap means.
Surgery for ankle arthritis is usually considered when pain limits daily life despite non-surgical care. The two main operations are:
Both involve a hospital procedure and a period of recovery and rehabilitation. If your ankle is better suited to surgery, Dr. Gonzalez will explain why and help with a referral to a foot and ankle surgeon.
Not all ankle pain is arthritis. At IROSM in Fort Lauderdale, Dr. Gonzalez also evaluates and treats:
An accurate diagnosis is the first step toward the right ankle pain treatment.
Providing ankle arthritis and ankle pain evaluation and treatment to residents in Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Plantation, and Broward County. For our Hialeah office, se habla español.
Institute of Regenerative Orthopedics & Sports Medicine (IROSM)
3333 West Commercial Blvd, Suite 101
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
Phone: (954) 751-6990
Triple board-certified · Fellowship-trained at the Andrews Institute · Fort Lauderdale & Hialeah
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Jorge Gonzalez at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale to find out whether arthritis is behind your ankle pain and which ankle arthritis treatment is right for your condition.
Book Your Appointment Now: (954) 751-6990 Make an Inquiry Online
Disclaimer: This content is for general educational purposes and does not constitute formal medical advice. Individual patient outcomes will vary. Ankle arthritis treatment at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale requires a clinical examination by Dr. Jorge Gonzalez to establish candidacy. Serving Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Plantation, and surrounding Broward County communities.
