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What Is Ankle Arthritis?

Ankle arthritis occurs when the cartilage in the ankle joint wears down, causing bone‑on‑bone friction. This leads to pain, stiffness, swelling, and difficulty walking.

Unlike knee or hip arthritis, ankle arthritis often develops after injuries such as sprains, fractures, or chronic instability.

Common Symptoms

• Stiffness in the ankle

• Swelling around the joint

• Pain with walking or standing

• Difficulty on uneven ground

• Reduced range of motion

• Grinding or clicking sensations

• Pain that worsens after activity

Why Ankle Arthritis Happens

Ankle arthritis often develops due to:

• Previous ankle fractures

• Chronic Ankle Instability

• Repetitive sprains

• High‑impact sports

• Autoimmune conditions

• Age‑related cartilage wear

• Post‑traumatic injury

Without treatment, arthritis can progress and significantly limit mobility.

When Ankle Arthritis Becomes a Problem

You should be seen if you experience:

• Daily ankle pain

• Swelling that doesn’t improve

• Difficulty walking

• Stiffness in the morning

• Pain that interferes with work or exercise

• A history of ankle injuries

If your ankle pain is accompanied by arch collapse, it may be related to Adult Flatfoot or PTTD.

Treatment Options

At Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Institute, our team — Dr. Savage, Dr. Sibel, Dr. Samant, and Dr. Solomon — offers:

• Custom Orthotics

• Bracing for stability

• Anti‑inflammatory treatments

• Shockwave therapy (Coming Soon)

• Physical therapy

• PRP injections for chronic joint inflammation

• Sports Medicine evaluation for active patients

• Trauma Surgery consultation for post‑injury arthritis

For advanced cases, learn more about Ankle Replacement and Reconstructive Surgery.

Do All Cases of Ankle Arthritis Require Surgery?

Not always. Many patients improve with conservative care. However, surgery may be recommended if:

• Pain persists despite treatment

• The joint becomes severely worn

• Mobility is limited

• Daily activities are affected

Our specialists offer modern ankle replacement and reconstruction techniques designed for long‑term relief.

Schedule an Appointment

Call Our Office at 702.997.9833

Author

Roman Sibel, MD Dr. Roman Sibel, MD is an orthopedic surgeon practicing at Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Institute in Henderson, Nevada. Dr. Sibel specializes in a variety of cutting-edge foot and ankle treatments, including reconstructive surgery, sports medicine, trauma surgery, diabetic care, and laser treatments for removing nail fungus. Dr. Sibel retains active affiliations with numerous Las Vegas hospitals, including Southern Hills Hospital and Medical Center, and St. Rose Dominican Hospital’s multiple campuses throughout Nevada. He also works with several local surgical centers, such as Parkway Surgery Center, Sunset Ridge Surgery Center, and Coronado Surgery Center. Graduating from Pennsylvania State University in University Park, Pennsylvania, Dr. Sibel went on to earn his medical degree from MCP-Hahnemann School of Medicine in Philadelphia. He completed both his internship and residency in orthopedic surgery at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, and finished his foot and ankle fellowship training at the Hospital