Post-Injury Ankle Osteoarthritis

I broke my ankle in a car accident a few years ago when I was 23. Now, I occasionally feel pain and stiffness in that ankle. My grandfather struggled with arthritis in both of his ankles for years. Am I destined to face the same fate?

While ankle osteoarthritis (OA) is less common than hip or knee OA, studies show that it’s more likely to develop after a history of trauma, such as a previous injury or fracture. Ankle OA often appears earlier in life because trauma increases the long-term risk of arthritis. This form of arthritis, called posttraumatic OA, is a result of injury. In contrast, your grandfather likely had degenerative OA, which is related to aging.

Despite the different causes, both traumatic and degenerative OA have similar symptoms and effects, including pain and limited mobility. The good news is that early intervention can make a significant difference. It’s a good idea to schedule a follow-up visit with your orthopedic surgeon to assess your ankle.

Maintaining flexibility and strength is key to staying active and minimizing symptoms. A short course of physiotherapy may be recommended to evaluate your ankle’s range of motion and create a home exercise program for you. Staying active and physically fit will not only help your ankle but will also support your overall health and prevent other musculoskeletal problems.

Reference:Charles L. Saltzman, MD, et al. Impact of Comorbidities on the Measurement of Health in Patients with Ankle Osteoarthritis. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. November 2006. Vol. 88-A. No. 11. Pp. 2366-2372.