Ankle Arthritis

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis of the Ankle

Pain is the main problem with osteoarthritis of any joint. At first, the ankle joint pain occurs only related to activity. Once the activity gets underway there is not usually much pain, but after resting for several minutes the ankle pain and stiffness increase. Later, when the condition worsens, pain may be present even at rest. The pain may interfere with sleep. There may be a swelling around the ankle joint and it may fill with fluid and feel tight, especially following increased activity. When all the articular cartilage is worn off the joint surface there may be a squeaking sound when the ankle joint moves. Doctors refer to this sound as crepitance. Osteoarthritis will eventually affect the motion of the ankle joint and it will become stiff and lose the ability to move