How Can I Tell If My Ankle Pain Is Arthritis? Subtalar Fusion Surgery

Is It More Than A Bothersome Ankle Pain?

Ankle pain is common, especially among athletes, weekend warriors, or those who work while standing for hours at a time. However, in many cases, there is something deeper than a bothersome joint. Arthritis, the gradual damage of the cartilage and bone that make up a joint, can be the root cause of ankle woes. If left untreated, ankle arthritis can develop into worsening symptoms and limited mobility. Subtalar fusion surgery is a proven method to address these severe cases, improving overall quality of life.

Look out for these signs of arthritis

Arthritis is generally represented by consistent pain in a joint, especially in the morning or after physical activity. There is no clear association with the pain, such as an accident or sporting injury. This pain is chronic and consistent but will often improve with rest. Ankle stiffness and the inability to go through a full range of motion (ROM) are other possible signs. The stiffness is usually present in the morning and can improve with manual manipulation or regular movement. Some cases present swelling and tenderness around the ankle. There are many conditions, such as fractures, tendinitis, and ligament injuries, that present with similar symptoms. Therefore, seeing a doctor for an assessment is essential for an effective diagnosis.

Is it time for surgery?

Most ankle arthritis patients can experience relief or improvement in symptoms with non-surgical treatment. Resting the joint while using heat or ice packs can relieve pain and stiffness. Physical therapy to stretch and strengthen the joint is another excellent option to address arthritis. Moderate to severe cases can benefit from corticosteroids and other stronger forms of medication. Should these fail over time, the medical team will recommend ankle surgery. Subtalar fusion is a recommended procedure to relieve pain and improve ankle function.

Understanding subtalar surgery

Subtalar fusion surgery, or arthrodesis, addresses the subtalar joint, often impacted by arthritis. The surgery removes the damaged joint and creates an environment for the bones to fuse, eliminating the source of the pain. To perform the surgery, an incision is made along the outer ankle to access the joint. The surgeon removes damaged cartilage and bone, creating a smooth surface. Screws, pins, and other metal components hold the talus and calcaneus together, with a bone graft placed in the new space. The surgeon then closes the incision. Over several months, the bones will grow and fuse, creating a solid structure.

What are the benefits?

A subtalar fusion removes the damaged subtalar joint, thereby significantly reducing or even eliminating pain. Surgery can also improve instability issues caused by subsequent damage to ligaments or joint deformities. Patients can also become more mobile thanks to reduced pain and better stability, especially over some uneven surfaces. With improved mobility comes more participation in sports and social activities, leading to a better quality of life. While surgery has benefitted many, potential patients should know the risks. Infection, bleeding, nerve damage, and failed fusions are possible complications. The surgical team will strive to reduce these issues. Overall, studies show subtalar fusion surgery has a high success rate.

Don't ignore your ankle arthritis

Look for the telltale signs of ankle arthritis and take action immediately. Pain, stiffness, and a limited range of motion are common symptoms. These symptoms often improve with rest, massage, or manually manipulating the joint. Arthritis develops over several months and years and can be confused with other repetitive stress injuries. There's no need to live with chronic, debilitating ankle pain. Seek advice from a doctor immediately. The symptoms and condition may reveal the need for subtalar fusion.