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Cause of Ankle Arthritis in a 40-Year-Old

I’m 42 and have recently developed severe arthritis in my left ankle. What could have caused this?

Osteoarthritis (OA) in the ankle can sometimes be the result of the natural aging process and biological changes that affect joint health. This is known as primary osteoarthritis (OA).

However, in most cases of ankle OA, an earlier injury or trauma is often the root cause. This could have been an ankle sprain, joint infection, or fracture that may have occurred years ago. Do you recall any incidents like that? Even a minor injury in the past can lead to arthritis later on.

Any disruption in the stability of the ankle can contribute to OA. When the structures of the ankle bear weight unevenly for a prolonged period, the cartilage can wear down or tear, leading to arthritis. This type of arthritis, known as secondary OA, is more common when there’s a history of injury.

Many individuals with stage 2 or 3 ankle OA previously participated in sports, either competitively or recreationally. Ankle sprains from active play are often linked to OA development years later.

Reference: Masato Takao, MD, PhD, et al. Reconstruction of Lateral Ligament with Arthroscopic Drilling for Treatment of Early-Stage Osteoarthritis in Unstable Ankles. The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery. October 2006. Vol. 22, No. 10, pp. 119-1125.