Worn-out ankle

A worn-out ankle is a condition that affects the cartilage between three bones in the ankle. The pain increases as the damage worsens. Wear and tear gradually gets worse over time and does not go away. However, the condition can be treated in several ways. Want to know more, such as how it’s treated? Feel free to read on. We’re happy to explain.

What is a worn-out ankle?

Wear and tear in the ankle is a condition affecting the cartilage in the joints. This is also called osteoarthritis. The bone is covered with a layer of cartilage, which allows the joint to move smoothly. In a worn-out ankle, the cartilage wears down excessively. As a result, the cartilage becomes thinner or disappears completely. This leads to a variety of symptoms.

The causes

Wear and tear in the ankle can have one of the following causes:

• A condition such as an ankle fracture (broken bone) or instability of the ankle ligaments. This is referred to as post-traumatic osteoarthritis.
• An inflammatory response in the ankle joint, as can occur with rheumatoid arthritis. Both ankles are usually affected, and there’s a chance that other joints may also be involved.
• Degeneration of the cartilage layer due to aging or an unknown cause. This causes the cartilage to thin, exposing the underlying bone in certain areas. This form of osteoarthritis mostly occurs in middle-aged and older individuals.

Symptoms of ankle wear and tear

There are several symptoms you may experience with a worn-out ankle, including:

• (Morning) stiffness
• Pain at rest
• Swelling of the ankle
• Joint misalignment
• Limited range of motion
• Pain when (starting) to move

Treatment of a worn-out ankle

Unfortunately, a worn-out ankle cannot be cured. Cartilage does not regenerate. However, there are several treatments that can help reduce symptoms. It’s important to reduce the strain on the joint. Preventing excess weight is therefore crucial.

In addition, a supervised exercise program with a physical therapist is a good way to strengthen the muscles and maintain mobility in the foot and ankle as much as possible. Custom-made shoes or insoles can also help ease the roll-through movement of the foot. Finally, wearing an ankle brace can provide support and help reduce symptoms.