Are you suffering from painful symptoms caused by arthritis in your ankles? Treatment for arthritis of the ankle typically involves treatments like rest or compression and exercises. In the case of more serious causes or when arthritis is too severe, it may be necessary to seek medical intervention. Unfortunately, ankle arthritis will not go away; however, with proper treatment, you can control the symptoms with these techniques for relieving pain.
Treating Ankle Arthritis at Home
Two major kinds of arthritis impact the ankle joint, namely osteoarthritis and the rheumatoid joint. Osteoarthritis is the type of wear and tear which causes cartilage to degrade. It is most often seen in older individuals. Rheumatoid arthritis is an immune system disease, also known as inflammation arthritis. It is a condition that results in swelling of the synovium surrounding the joint.
Rest
One of the best methods to combat the condition of the ankle joint is to take a break. This gives your body the chance to heal without daily activities' constant pressure and stress. It can be challenging to get your feet up when there's work to be done, but it will help you in the long term. The pain in your ankle won't disappear by itself and should be taken as an indication that you need a break.
Heat & Cold Therapy
The ankle and foot may cause discomfort and stiffness, making walking difficult, particularly in the early morning. Cold therapy with a Cold therapy pack can reduce swelling and pain. At the same time, Heat can ease soreness and improve the healing process by increasing blood flow to the affected area. If you've been very active, apply an Cold therapy pack to lessen the discomfort. Apply the Heat with a Sacksythyme's Flaxseed heating pad in the morning or any time you feel stiff and need to loosen up.
Compression Sleeves & Ankle Braces
One option to find relief if you suffer from ankle arthritis is to wear an ankle brace. A compression sleeve can be the best place to start since it offers minimal support for your joint, but it will help lessen swelling. An ankle brace could be the next treatment option. It'll take the strain off your ankle, reducing joint movement.
Massage
Arthritis is a condition of joints, but the surrounding muscles may be tight due to restricted movement. Massage is a method of applying gentle force to relieve tension and knots in the muscles. Massage your calf muscles to relieve any tension or stiffness. It is possible to use your hands or a massage device to push further into the soft tissues. Avoid massage if you've had a history of clots or bleeding issues.
Pain Cream
If you have arthritis, various treatment options will give you the most effective outcomes. Pain cream is a different treatment that can offer temporary relief from pain caused by arthritis. There are three kinds of creams for pain: counterirritants, salicylates, and capsaicin. Each performs differently and can be utilized for arthritis of the ankle. Counterirritants are cool or warm to the skin, confusing the brain. Capsaicin helps block pain signals, and salicylates lessen swelling. It is also possible to think about applying creams for pain that contain CBD.
Exercises
Arthritis is a condition that causes a myriad of signs that can cause problems in your life quality. While it might sound uncomfortable and unnatural for those with arthritis, it can assist you in dealing with several signs. Concentrate on strengthening your leg muscles while keeping flexibility within your joints. Consult your physical therapist in the local area should you require assistance. They will be able to assist you with the sessions of physical therapy that are specifically tailored to your needs.
Shoe Inserts & Proper Footwear
Insoles for shoes or orthotics are designed to help stabilize your joints and even out your weight distribution to avoid too heavy pressure on particular points on your feet. There are several orthotics available, so look for ones with lots of cushioning for the sole of your feet. The correct type of footwear can be a big difference for people with ankle arthritis. The use of rocker bottom shoes or shoes with stiffer soles can help reduce pressure and discomfort.
Vitamins and Supplements
The two most commonly used supplements to treat or prevent arthritis are chondroitin and glucosamine. They aid in improving performance and ease pain, but contradicting studies suggest they're not more efficient than a placebo. Fish oil is a different treatment option that can benefit patients who have rheumatoid arthritis. It is a natural anti-inflammatory ingredient that helps to treat those symptoms associated with RA. S-adenosyl-methionine (SAM-e) is a supplement that can protect your cartilage and reduce pain and inflammation. Additionally, curcumin is a constituent of turmeric, which has powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
Anti-inflammatory Medications
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications available over-the-counter (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen ease swelling and pain, which makes them an excellent option for those suffering from ankle arthritis. They are safe for use with a few adverse negative effects, which makes them suitable for nearly every person. Always consult your physician or pharmacist before you begin any new drug to ensure it is safe for you.
Medical Treatment for Ankle Arthritis
If home remedies aren't enough, it's time for you to seek medical help.
Steroid injections
Steroid injections are potent medicines that help reduce inflammation of your ankle joints. The injections will include a numbing medicine together with a corticosteroid. It is administered in the doctor's office. There will be a limit on the number of steroid injections you can get, and you should consult your physician about the benefits and potential risks of the procedure.
Ankle Surgery
If conservative nonsurgical treatment cannot reduce the pain or discomfort caused by ankle arthritis, then it's time for you to look at surgical alternatives. The orthopedic surgeon will review your medical record and request diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays. Two types of surgeries are performed to treat ankle arthritis, which is referred to as total ankle replacement or ankle fusion. Here's a little more information about these.
Total Ankle Replacement
A knee replacement procedure (arthroplasty) is the most preferred for most patients. The surgeon removes damaged bone and cartilage and creates new joint surfaces using plastic or metal. This procedure allows the patient to maintain ankle motion.
Ankle Fusion
A fusion of the ankle, also known as arthrodesis, is a procedure used in the case of end-stage ankle arthritis. The surgeon joins the bones so that there is no movement within the ankle. This eliminates pain, but it also restricts motion within the joints of the ankle.
Better Manage Arthritic Ankle Pain
The treatment for ankle arthritis has to begin with prevention steps. Making sure you take care of your feet, and yourself should be top of the list. If you are overweight, you should consult your physician to advise an exercise program to lose weight. Make sure you wear the correct footwear and work out often. If you develop arthritis, look into home remedies; if they fail, consult a medical professional. Always consult your physician before starting an exercise to ensure it is appropriate for you.