Do you feel pain and stiffness in your ankle joint? It could be ankle arthritis, which causes inflammation in one or more joints. While any joint can be affected by arthritis, the foot, and ankle's small joints are most commonly affected. Several factors, including previous injuries, genetics, and age, can cause ankle arthritis. Awareness of the causes and risk factors associated with ankle arthritis can help you take the necessary steps to prevent or manage the condition.
What Are the Causes of Ankle Arthritis?
Arthritis in the ankle results from persistent inflammation that causes joint degeneration. Certain factors can heighten the likelihood of developing ankle arthritis like the following:
- Injury or Trauma: If you have experienced an injury or trauma to your ankle joint, your risk of developing ankle arthritis may be higher. This can include injuries to the joint, ankle, dislocations, or fractures. Such damage can harm the cartilage, bone, tendons, or ligaments in the ankle joint, causing inflammation and pain. Although the body's natural response to injury is to repair the damaged tissue, the repair process can sometimes result in scar tissue forming, leading to further joint damage and increasing the risk of arthritis.
- Wear and Tear: Ankle arthritis often results from the natural wear and tear of the joint due to several factors like overuse, aging, or repetitive stress. This is especially common in athletes, overweight individuals, and people with jobs requiring extended standing or walking periods.
- Infection: An infection in the ankle joint can sometimes result in ankle arthritis, although they are two different conditions. The disease can cause inflammation and harm the joint, leading to arthritis. Additionally, arthritis can weaken the immune system and make the ankle joint more vulnerable to infection.
It's worth mentioning that experiencing risk factors for ankle arthritis does not necessarily mean you will develop the condition. Nonetheless, taking care of your ankle joint is essential to reduce your chances of developing it. Suppose you have any discomfort or pain in your ankle joint. In that case, it's advisable to seek advice from a healthcare professional to identify the source of the issue and receive the proper treatment.
What Are the Risk Factors for Ankle Arthritis?
Anyone can develop ankle arthritis, but certain factors can increase the risk of developing this condition. Knowing these risk factors can help you take preventive measures or manage ankle arthritis. Here are some of the most common risk factors:
- Age: As you age, the risk of developing ankle arthritis increases. This is because the cartilage in your joints may wear down over time, leading to joint damage and inflammation.
- Weight and Obesity: Carrying extra weight stresses your joints, including your ankles. This can increase the risk of developing ankle arthritis, especially if overweight or obese.
- Family History and Genetics: If you have a family history of arthritis, you may be more likely to develop ankle arthritis. Specific genes may also increase your risk of developing this condition.
- Sex: Women are more likely to develop ankle arthritis than men. This may be due to hormonal changes that affect joint health.
In addition to these risk factors, other factors contributing to ankle arthritis include joint injuries, overuse, and certain medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
Put Your Ankle Arthritis Troubles in Dr. Bernstein's Hands
To protect your joint health, it's important to act if you have any risk factors. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and avoiding joint injuries can reduce the risk of developing ankle arthritis. If you develop this condition, treatments are available to manage the symptoms and improve your quality of life. Dr. Bernstein is certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and specializes in sports medicine, trauma, and reconstructive foot and ankle surgeries. With Dr. Bernstein, you can rest assured you're in safe hands.