I am concerned about ankle arthritis and its treatment

How can I alleviate ankle pain without an operation?

Most arthritis can be treated without surgery and usually surgery will only be considered in advanced cases.

In the first instance, simple modifications to the way you lead your life should be tried. These include resting the ankle when in pain, slowing down and changing your sporting activities. Weight loss, supportive boots and walking sticks can also be useful, and removable ankle splints or braces may help.

The most important and effective non-operative treatment for arthritis of the ankle is weight loss. For many people the arthritis can be controlled by support of the ankle. Ankle braces, which can be bought from many sports shops may be bandages, lace up braces, or even individualised plastic braces that can be made for your leg. These braces can be hot and cumbersome though, so high topped lace-up boots with a cushioned sole could be tried. Elasticated boots do not give such good support.

The pain of arthritis can be managed with paracetamol or non steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen (Nurofen) and Diclofenac (Voltarol) which help reduce inflammation. However, you do need to check with your general practitioner or pharmacist that NSAIDs are suitable, as these drugs can have side effects, especially if you suffer with asthma or stomach ulcers.

Diet can also play a part in managing arthritis of the ankle. Supplements such as Chondroitin, Glucosamine and Omega-3 oils may be effective, especially in the early stages of arthritis. Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy can also help with pain and stiffness.

Patients with inflammatory arthritis are usually looked after by a rheumatologist. Disease modifying anti-rheumatoid drugs (DMARDs) are used to treat these conditions in conjunction with painkillers and NSAIDs.

What sort of operations are available for ankle arthritis?