Foot, Leg & Ankle Swelling

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Article featured on Mount Sinai

Painless swelling of the feet and ankles is a common problem, especially among older people.

Abnormal buildup of fluid in the ankles, feet, and legs can cause swelling. This fluid buildup and swelling is called edema.

Considerations

Causes

Home Care

When to Contact a Medical Professional

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

What Should I Do When My Foot or Ankle Pain Won’t Go Away?

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Article featured on PennMedicine

Foot and ankle pain is a common source of frustration because it often involves small bones, ligaments, and/or tendons, all of which can heal at somewhat unpredictable rates. A little patience is in order. But what can you do when your patience starts to wear thin because your pain doesn’t feel like it’s gotten any better over time? This article will offer some guidance.

Managing Foot or Ankle Pain Caused by an Injury

Foot or ankle pain caused by an injury occurs suddenly and includes conditions such as sprains and fractures.

What should I do after a foot or ankle injury?

If your foot or ankle pain is the result of an injury, in the moments immediately following, treating it with the tried-and-true acronym RICE, which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Try to spend as little time on your feet over the next few days as work and life will allow.

Light compression and keeping your injured foot or ankle elevated above the level of your heart will help minimize swelling. She says a heating pad can make the injury feel better initially, but because it opens blood vessels in the injured area, it can ultimately make the inflammation worse. Ice, on the other hand, will constrict the blood vessels, reducing inflammation.

When should I see a doctor for my foot or ankle injury?

Many foot and ankle injuries may be treated at home, but there are some symptoms that require immediate medical attention. They include:

  • A significant deformity. Compare your injured ankle or foot to the other one. If there’s a clear difference in appearance, seek medical attention.
  • Any large open wounds or significant bleeding
  • You’re unable to put any weight on your injured foot or ankle

Otherwise, if the pain hasn’t lessened after about three to five days of treating your injury at home, it is best to  see your primary care physician. They may order x-rays and, depending on what they show, refer you to a specialist.

Managing Foot or Ankle Pain Caused by Overuse

Foot and ankle pain can also occur slowly over time as a result of overuse and include conditions such as Achilles tendinitis and stress fractures.

The hallmark of an overuse foot or ankle injury is an aching pain that comes on gradually. You may start to notice discomfort in the area of the injury during certain activities. Eventually, it will become more persistent. Achilles tendonitis, for example, may be agitated only during runs or long walks initially. Left unchecked, running will become impossible, and simple everyday activities, like making dinner, will feel like they’re straining the tendon.

What should I do at the first sign of foot or ankle pain caused by overuse?

Similar to the advice above for an injury, treat the initial pain with RICE and acetaminophen or ibuprofen. In some cases, overuse injuries will heal on their own with at-home treatment and time off from activities that put stress on the injured area.

Exactly how much time off will depend on the type and severity of the injury. In general, you can return to light activity that involves the injured area if you haven’t experienced pain there, without the use of ibuprofen or acetaminophen, for a week. If, after another week, you’re still pain-free, you can gradually ramp up your intensity. But be honest with your self-assessments. If you feel any discomfort, limit your activity and continue resting.

When should I see a doctor for my foot or ankle pain caused by overuse?

The vast majority of overuse foot or ankle injuries do not require immediate medical attention. The exception is those that escalate to the point of causing any of the symptoms listed above for an injury that would prompt urgent treatment.

Aside from these instances, the guidance is similar to that of a foot or ankle injury: If the pain hasn’t diminished or resolved after about three to five days of treating it at home, see your primary care physician. They will help address your concerns by performing a thorough examination, obtaining x-rays, and initiating a consultation/referral to an orthopaedic foot and ankle specialist.

Why should I consult an orthopaedic surgeon for my foot or ankle pain?

As mentioned earlier, feet and ankles can be finicky. For that very reason, consulting an orthopaedic surgeon should be your next step if your primary care physician refers you to a specialist. Orthopaedic surgeons undergo rigorous training.

While waiting for the x-rays, the Dr will ask about the patient’s medical conditions, past injuries, general lifestyle, and what sorts of physical activity they engage in on a regular basis. The responses, along with the x-rays and observations during a physical exam, will help develop a more complete understanding of the injury and inform treatment strategy.

Often, patients will want to know if they did anything that made their foot or ankle more susceptible to injury so that they won’t unknowingly cause another injury. They sometimes also ask if this is something that could get better on its own.

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

Arthrodesis of the Ankle

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Article featured on Mercy Health

What is arthrodesis/surgical fusion of the ankle?

Arthrodesis/surgical fusion is the surgery that joins the bones in your ankle to form a single unit and eliminate movement. You may need this surgery if you have arthritis or another condition where moving your ankle joint is painful. By eliminating the movement, you eliminate the pain.

The bones in your ankle joint are the tibia, fibula and talus. The tibia and fibula are the bones in your lower leg. The talus is the bone that sits right above the heel bone. It acts as a hinge. Arthrodesis fuses the tibia to the talus.

Your doctor opts for arthrodesis over an artificial joint because a fused ankle joint doesn’t wear out. This surgery is a permanent solution and lasts for the rest of your life.

What to expect from arthrodesis/surgical fusion of the ankle

Doctors perform arthrodesis both arthroscopically and as open surgery. Which one your doctor chooses depends on your personal needs. The surgeries are similar in both situations. The main difference is the incisions are smaller in an arthroscopic surgery.

You need general anesthesia for this surgery. That means you’re asleep and don’t feel any pain. Your doctor makes an incision in your skin to access the ankle joint.

The doctor uses a saw or rotary tool to remove cartilage from the surfaces on both sides of your ankle joint. By doing this, your body can fuse the bones together during healing — much like bone heals after a break.

Your doctor inserts screws or metal plates into the joint to hold the bones in the right position so they heal properly. These screws stay in place permanently. They may start to cause pain or affect the joint later on. If that happens, your doctor removes them.

You wear a cast in the first few weeks following the surgery. You need to keep your ankle elevated to prevent swelling and reduce pain, also. The doctor may give you crutches. They’ll also advise you to avoid putting weight on your ankle while the joint heals.

After up to 12 weeks, your doctor removes the cast and replaces it with a brace. As the joint heals, you can put more weight on the ankle. During this time, you work with a physical therapist to learn how to walk with a fused ankle joint.

Shoe modifications and special shoes make walking easier. Though you won’t be able to run normally again, you can walk with a normal gait following arthrodesis.

Common ankle conditions requiring arthrodesis/surgical fusion

If you have severe pain, inflammation and stiffness in your ankle joint due to arthritis, your doctor may recommend arthrodesis. The main types of arthritis that affect your ankle are:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Degenerative arthritis from a previous ankle injury

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

What is an Ankle Replacement?

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New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

Foot or Ankle Fractures & Dislocations

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New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

Causes of Ankle Popping and Clicking

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New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

Simple Ankle Fractures Explained

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Article featured on Foot Health Facts

What Is an Ankle Fracture?

A fracture is a partial or complete break in a bone. Fractures in the ankle can range from the less serious avulsion injuries (small pieces of bone that have been pulled off) to severe shattering-type breaks of the tibia, fibula or both.

Ankle fractures are common injuries most often caused by the ankle rolling inward or outward. Many people mistake an ankle fracture for an ankle sprain, but they are quite different and therefore require an accurate and early diagnosis. They sometimes occur simultaneously.

Symptoms of an Ankle Fracture

An ankle fracture is accompanied by one or all of these symptoms:

  • Pain at the site of the fracture, which in some cases can extend from the foot to the knee.
  • Significant swelling, which may occur along the length of the leg or may be more localized.
  • Blisters may occur over the fracture site. These should be promptly treated by a foot and ankle surgeon.
  • Bruising that develops soon after the injury.
  • Inability to walk; however, it is possible to walk with less severe breaks, so never rely on walking as a test of whether or not a bone has been fractured.
  • Change in the appearance of the ankle—it will look different from the other ankle.
  • Bone protruding through the skin—a sign that immediate care is needed. Fractures that pierce the skin require immediate attention because they can lead to severe infection and prolonged recovery.

Diagnosis of an Ankle Fracture

Following an ankle injury, it is important to have the ankle evaluated by a foot and ankle surgeon for proper diagnosis and treatment. If you are unable to do so right away, go to the emergency room and then follow up with a foot and ankle surgeon as soon as possible for a more thorough assessment.

The affected limb will be examined by the foot and ankle surgeon who will touch specific areas to evaluate the injury. In addition, the surgeon may order x-rays and other imaging studies, as necessary.

Nonsurgical Treatment of an Ankle Fracture

Treatment of ankle fractures depends on the type and severity of the injury. At first, the foot and ankle surgeon will want you to follow the RICE protocol:

  • Rest: Stay off the injured ankle. Walking may cause further injury.
  • Ice: Apply an ice pack to the injured area, placing a thin towel between the ice and the skin. Use ice for 20 minutes and then wait at least 40 minutes before icing again.
  • Compression: An elastic wrap should be used to control swelling.
  • Elevation: The ankle should be raised slightly above the level of your heart to reduce swelling.

Additional treatment options include:

  • Immobilization. Certain fractures are treated by protecting and restricting the ankle and foot in a cast or splint. This allows the bone to heal.
  • Prescription medications. To help relieve the pain, the surgeon may prescribe pain medications or anti-inflammatory drugs.

When Is Surgery Needed?

For some ankle fractures, surgery is needed to repair the fracture and other soft tissue-related injuries, if present. The foot and ankle surgeon will select the procedure that is appropriate for your injury.

Follow-Up Care

It is important to follow your surgeon’s instructions after treatment. Failure to do so can lead to infection, deformity, arthritis and chronic pain.

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

Achilles Tendinitis: What is it?

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Article featured on Mount Sinai

Achilles tendinitis occurs when the tendon that connects the back of your leg to your heel becomes swollen and painful near the bottom of the foot. This tendon is called the Achilles tendon. It allows you to push your foot down. You use your Achilles tendon when walking, running, and jumping.

Causes

There are two large muscles in the calf. These create the power needed to push off with the foot or go up on the toes. The large Achilles tendon connects these muscles to the heel.

Heel pain is most often due to overuse of the foot. Rarely, it is caused by an injury.

Tendinitis due to overuse is most common in younger people. It can occur in walkers, runners, or other athletes.

Achilles tendinitis may be more likely to occur if:

  • There is a sudden increase in the amount or intensity of an activity.
  • Your calf muscles are very tight (not stretched out).
  • You run on hard surfaces, such as concrete.
  • You run too often.
  • You jump a lot (such as when playing basketball).
  • You do not wear shoes that give your feet proper support.
  • Your foot suddenly turns in or out.

Tendinitis from arthritis is more common in middle-aged and older adults. A bone spur or growth may form in the back of the heel bone. This may irritate the Achilles tendon and cause pain and swelling. Flat feet will put more tension on the tendon.

Heel pain can be a common problem. Though the cause is rarely serious, the pain can be severe and sometimes disabling.

Heel pain is often the result of overusing your foot. Causes may include, running, especially on hard surfaces like concrete, tightness in your calf, or from Achilles tendonitis (inflammation of that large tendon that connects your calf muscle to your heel), shoes with poor support, sudden inward or outward turning of your heel, or landing hard or awkwardly on your heel after a jump or fall.

Problems related to heel pain include bursitis (inflammation of the bursa at the back of the heel), bone spurs in the heel, and plantar fasciitis (swelling of the thick band of tissue on the bottom of your foot). Heel pain is something you can usually treat at home.

If you can, try resting as much as possible for at least a week. Apply ice to the painful area twice a day or so, for 10 to 15 minutes. If you need to, you can buy a heel cup, felts pads, or shoe inserts to comfort your heel.

You should call your doctor if your heel pain does not get better after two or three weeks of home treatment. But also call your doctor if your pain is getting worse, or your pain is sudden and severe, your feet are red or swollen, or you can’t put weight on your foot.

If you visit the doctor, you may have a foot x-ray. Your treatment will depend on the cause of your heel pain. You may need to see a physical therapist to learn exercises to stretch and strengthen your foot. To prevent future heel pain, we recommend you exercise.

Maintaining flexible, strong muscles in your calves, ankles, and feet can help ward off some types of heel pain. And do yourself a favor, trade those sleek high heels in for a comfortable, properly fitting pair of shoes.

Symptoms

Symptoms include pain in the heel and along the length of the tendon when walking or running. The area may feel painful and stiff in the morning.

The tendon may be painful to touch or move. The area may be swollen and warm. You may have trouble standing up on your toes. You may also have trouble finding shoes that fit comfortably due to pain in the back of your heel.

Exams and Tests

The health care provider will perform a physical exam. They will look for tenderness along the tendon and pain in the area of the tendon when you stand on your toes.

X-rays can help diagnose bone problems.

An MRI scan of the foot may be done if you are considering surgery or there is a chance that you have a tear in the Achilles tendon.

Treatment

The main treatments for Achilles tendinitis do not involve surgery. It is important to remember that it may take at least 2 to 3 months for the pain to go away.

Try putting ice on the Achilles tendon area for 15 to 20 minutes, 2 to 3 times per day. Remove the ice if the area gets numb.

Changes in activity may help manage the symptoms:

  • Decrease or stop any activity that causes pain.
  • Run or walk on smoother and softer surfaces.
  • Switch to biking, swimming, or other activities that put less stress on the Achilles tendon.

Your provider or physical therapist can show you stretching exercises or eccentric loading exercises for the Achilles tendon.

You may also need to make changes in your footwear, such as:

  • Using a brace, boot or cast to keep the heel and tendon still and allow the swelling to go down
  • Placing heel lifts in the shoe under the heel
  • Wearing shoes that are softer in the areas over and under the heel cushion

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen, can help ease pain or swelling.

Other treatment include injections, such as platelet rich plasma or steroids, to reduce the inflammation. However, the tendon can become even weaker following injection and should be protected after the injections.

If these treatments do not improve symptoms, you may need surgery to remove inflamed tissue and abnormal areas of the tendon. If there is a bone spur irritating the tendon, surgery can be used to remove the spur.

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) may be an alternative to surgery for people who have not responded to other treatments. This treatment uses low-dose sound waves.

Outlook (Prognosis)

In most cases, lifestyle changes help improve symptoms. Keep in mind that symptoms may return if you do not limit activities that cause pain, or if you do not maintain the strength and flexibility of the tendon.

Possible Complications

Achilles tendinitis may make you more likely to have an Achilles rupture. This condition most often causes a sharp pain that feels as if you have been hit in the back of the heel with a stick. Surgical repair is often necessary. However, the surgery may not be as successful as usual because there is already damage to the tendon.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if:

  • You have pain in the heel around the Achilles tendon that is worse with activity.
  • You have sharp pain and are unable to walk or push-off without extreme pain or weakness.

Prevention

Exercises to keep your calf muscles strong and flexible will help reduce the risk for tendinitis. Overusing a weak or tight Achilles tendon makes you more likely to develop tendinitis.

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

What is Chronic Ankle Instability?

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Article featured on Foot Health Facts

What Is Chronic Ankle Instability?

Chronic ankle instability is a condition characterized by a recurring giving way of the outer (lateral) side of the ankle. This condition often develops after repeated ankle sprains. Usually, the giving way occurs while walking or doing other activities, but it can also happen when you’re just standing. Many athletes, as well as others, suffer from chronic ankle instability.

People with chronic ankle instability often complain of:

  • A repeated turning of the ankle, especially on uneven surfaces or when participating in sports
  • Persistent (chronic) discomfort and swelling
  • Pain or tenderness
  • The ankle feeling wobbly or unstable

Causes of Chronic Ankle Instability

Chronic ankle instability usually develops following an ankle sprain that has not adequately healed or was not rehabilitated completely. When you sprain your ankle, the connective tissues (ligaments) are stretched or torn. The ability to balance is often affected. Proper rehabilitation is needed to strengthen the muscles around the ankle and retrain the tissues within the ankle that affect balance. Failure to do so may result in repeated ankle sprains.

Repeated ankle sprains often cause—and perpetuate—chronic ankle instability. Each subsequent sprain leads to further weakening (or stretching) of the ligaments, resulting in greater instability and the likelihood of developing additional problems in the ankle.

Diagnosis of Chronic Ankle Instability

In evaluating and diagnosing your condition, the foot and ankle surgeon will ask you about any previous ankle injuries and instability. Then s/he will examine your ankle to check for tender areas, signs of swelling and instability of your ankle as shown in the illustration. X-rays or other imaging studies may be helpful in further evaluating the ankle.

Nonsurgical Treatment

Treatment for chronic ankle instability is based on the results of the examination and tests, as well as on the patient’s level of activity. Nonsurgical treatment may include:

  • Physical therapy. Physical therapy involves various treatments and exercises to strengthen the ankle, improve balance and range of motion and retrain your muscles. As you progress through rehabilitation, you may also receive training that relates specifically to your activities or sport.
  • Bracing. Some patients wear an ankle brace to gain support for the ankle and keep the ankle from turning. Bracing also helps prevent additional ankle sprains.
  • Medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may be prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation.

When Is Surgery Needed?

In some cases, the foot and ankle surgeon will recommend surgery based on the degree of instability or lack of response to nonsurgical approaches. Surgery usually involves repair or reconstruction of the damaged ligament(s). The surgeon will select the surgical procedure best suited for your case based on the severity of the instability and your activity level. The length of the recovery period will vary, depending on the procedure or procedures performed.

Why choose a foot and ankle surgeon?

Foot and ankle surgeons are the leading experts in foot and ankle care today. As doctors of podiatric medicine – also known as podiatrists, DPMs or occasionally “foot and ankle doctors” – they are the board-certified surgical specialists of the podiatric profession. Foot and ankle surgeons have more education and training specific to the foot and ankle than any other healthcare provider.

Foot and ankle surgeons treat all conditions affecting the foot and ankle, from the simple to the complex, in patients of all ages including chronic ankle instability. Their intensive education and training qualify foot and ankle surgeons to perform a wide range of surgeries, including any surgery that may be indicated for chronic ankle instability.

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

Symptoms and Treatments for Ankle Arthritis

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Article featured on University of Michigan Health

Ankle arthritis occurs when there is a breakdown of cartilage in the ankle joint.  It can result from a variety of causes, including trauma (such as a car accident), autoimmune diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis) or infection. In most cases, ankle arthritis is due to the degeneration of the cartilage from an old injury.

If you have – or suspect you have – ankle arthritis, we can provide you with a complete diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan. Experience is crucial in treating ankle arthritis, and we see many patients with complicated foot and ankle conditions.

Ankle Arthritis Symptoms

  • Pain that may increase with activity
  • Stiffness or loss of mobility
  • Swelling
  • Deformity of the ankle

Ankle Arthritis Diagnosis

So we can understand your condition, during your office visit:

  • We will take a complete history and conduct a physical examination to assess skin changes, the presence or absence of pulses and nerve sensations, the range of motion in your ankle, and the areas of discomfort.
  • We will take X-rays to evaluate your degree of arthritis and any associated ankle problem.
  • We may order further testing, such as a CT scan or MRI if we are considering surgery as an option.

Ankle Arthritis Treatments

Your individualized treatment plan is based on any previous treatments you have had, your current level of disability,  the presence of other medical conditions, and our findings from your health history, exam and X-rays.

Non-Surgical Treatments

We always look at non-surgical treatments first, especially if you have never received any other treatments. Treatments can include:

  • Ankle bracing – Either a custom-made or pre-fabricated ankle brace will stabilize your ankle joint and provide support for your ankle.
  • Cortisone injections – Cortisone injected into the ankle can reduce pain and swelling during a flare-up.
  • Activity modifications – Limiting high-impact activities, such as running, jumping or court sports, or switching out high-impact activities for low-impact options may be an option for you.
  • Ice and anti-inflammatory medications – We may give you these as needed to decrease symptoms.

Surgery

Surgery is only considered if all appropriate non-surgery treatments have failed. The types of surgeries we do include:

  • Ankle fusion (arthrodesis) – This procedure can be done either inpatient or outpatient, depending on your condition. Ankle fusion fuses together the two bones that make up the ankle joint – the tibia and talus – to make one solid block of bone. Fusion is an excellent pain-reliving procedure for arthritic joints. It involves removing the cartilage from a joint so it grows into one bone, eliminating the pain of bones rubbing against each other. Fusion of the ankle does result in loss of approximately 75% of ankle motion, but some motion is kept through the joints underneath the ankle and into the mid-foot.
  • Total ankle joint replacement (arthroplasty) – This ankle joint replacement treatment utilizes the newest implants (prosthesis) available. The surgery is only appropriate for certain patients with ankle arthritis, but for the right candidate, it can be very successful in preserving function and providing excellent pain relief. We are one of the few health care providers to offer total ankle replacement to our patients, and our surgeons are highly experienced in this procedure.
  • Bone spur removal (debridement) – Arthritis can cause bone spurs to develop on the ankle joint, and removal of these bone spurs, either through an open ankle incision or through an ankle scope (arthroscopy), may relieve pain and improve range of motion.
  • Distraction arthroplasty – This is a new joint restoration technique that uses an external frame (applied surgically) placed around the outside of the leg to spread the surfaces of the ankle joint, to encourage new cartilage growth. This procedure maintains ankle motion and relieves pain.

Our surgeons will be happy to discuss the pros and cons of surgery, and to let you know if they think surgery is the best option for you.

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.