A podiatrist diagnoses and treats ankle arthritis; it develops when the cartilage that cushions the ankle joint wears down with age or after an injury. To confirm the diagnosis, a podiatrist reviews your symptoms, examines the joint, and orders imaging to measure joint space and check for bone spurs. They also build a treatment plan to improve comfort and reduce the likelihood of complications. Here are some ways a podiatrist addresses ankle arthritis:
Schedules Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is often one of the first nonsurgical steps a podiatrist recommends for ankle arthritis. Your foot doctor writes a referral that lists your diagnosis, the affected joint, and any movement restrictions. A licensed physical therapist uses that information to design a program for your ankle. Sessions usually focus on:
- Range of motion: Gentle exercises, such as ankle circles and tracing the alphabet with your toes, work the joint through its available movement.
- Strength: Resistance band work targets the muscles of the ankle, calf, and lower leg, which share the load placed on the joint.
- Balance: Single-leg stands and wobble board drills train your body to respond to uneven ground.
Many programs include multiple sessions per week for several weeks. Your therapist will also assign exercises to do at home, and you can complete them between appointments. When practiced consistently, these exercises help maintain the improvements made during therapy.
Recommends Lifestyle Changes
Daily habits affect how much stress your ankle absorbs. Your podiatrist may suggest changes in several areas. These include:
- Weight management: With each step, the ankle carries a load several times your body weight, so a lower body weight reduces that load. Your podiatrist may refer you to a primary care doctor or a dietitian for a structured plan.
- Activity choices: Running, jumping, and sports with quick changes in direction place repeated impact on the joint. Low-impact exercises keep you moving with less pounding.
- Footwear: Look for shoes with a firm heel counter and a cushioned midsole. Styles with a rocker-bottom sole reduce how far the ankle bends during each step. Replace shoes once the soles show uneven wear, and limit time in high heels.
Provides Orthotics and Bracing
Orthotics and braces support the ankle and control its motion. A podiatrist selects and fits these devices based on your foot structure and the stage of your arthritis. Custom orthotics are shoe inserts made from a mold or 3D scan of your foot. They address alignment issues, such as a foot that rolls inward, that add stress to the ankle joint. Ankle braces range from soft compression sleeves to rigid designs. A lace-up brace offers moderate support during daily tasks, while an ankle-foot orthosis wraps the foot and ankle and more fully limits motion. Your podiatrist will explain how long to wear each device and check the fit at follow-up appointments.
Visit a Podiatrist
Ankle arthritis is a long-term condition, and treatment often involves several approaches. A podiatrist evaluates your joint, coordinates physical therapy, suggests daily changes, and fits supportive devices. Results vary, and your plan may change over time. If you have ongoing ankle pain or swelling, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today.
