This procedure was used for the above patient As seen on the CBS News Early Show   Ankle Scope Patient Ankle Fusion Patient   If you are interested in discussing your ankle arthritis condition and treatment options, call our office for a consultation with Dr. Kevin Lam: (239) 430-3668.

According to the Mayo Clinic:

The two main types of arthritis — osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis — damage joints in different ways.

Osteoarthritis

The most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis involves wear-and-tear damage to your joint’s cartilage — the hard, slick coating on the ends of bones. Enough damage can result in bone grinding directly on bone, which causes pain and restricted movement. This wear and tear can occur over many years, or it can be hastened by a joint injury or infection.

Rheumatoid arthritis

In rheumatoid arthritis, the body’s immune system attacks the lining of the joint capsule, a tough membrane that encloses all the joint parts. This lining, known as the synovial membrane, becomes inflamed and swollen. The disease process can eventually destroy cartilage and bone within the joint.

I will concentrate on the osteoarthritis particularly in the ankle. Most common complaint from a patient coming into the office: pain , stiffness in the morning and relieves slightly after walking as well as swelling in the ankle. Most will have history of ankle sprains or even a severe ankle fracture in the past.

Did you know that even “mild” ankle fractures or sprains can lead to arthritis? Ankle injuries can lead to OCD or osteochondral defects in the talus bone. Translated: Pothole in the talus, the bone that connects to the ankle joint. Will leave this for another blog to discuss treatment.

Ankle arthritis or synovitis is inflammation of the ankle cartilage, joint inflammation from a variety of causes.

Treatments include:

NSAIDS: Motrin, Aleve, etc

Steroid injections

Platelet Rich Plasma injections

Amniotic stem cell injections

Ankle arthroscopy (scope of the ankle to roto rooter out the ankle joint)

Ankle arthrodiastasis (stretch out the ankle joint after an ankle scope to provide room for new cartilage growth and recovery)

Denovo Juvenile cartilage grafts

End stage ankle fusion or ankle implants

FFLC surgeons and physicians are well versed in treatment of this condition.

Top technology and experience for this condition.

For fast,  true quality foot and ankle care:

Schedule your appointment by calling : 239 430 3668 option 2 at voice prompt. 

Or use the patient portal for electronic scheduling requests 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

our staff will contact you during business hours to coordinate your visit with us.

Check out our various YOUTUBE VIDEOS discussing this disease.

Free Information about Modern Ankle Replacements