DEFINITION:

Injury to any of the bones, ligaments or tendons in the ankle can cause ankle pain. However, most ankle pain is the result of a sprain, which occurs when your ankle rolls over your foot, causing a ligament to stretch or tear. Though sprains are often sports-related, they can also occur when you walk on an uneven surface or simply take a misstep.

 

DESCRIPTION:

There are three types of arthritis that may affect your foot and ankle.

1. Osteoarthritis:

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative or "wear and tear" arthritis is a common problem for many people after they reach middle age. Over the years, the smooth, gliding surface covering the ends of bones (cartilage) becomes worn and frayed. This results in inflammation, swelling, and pain in the joint. Osteoarthritis progresses slowly and the pain and stiffness it causes worsens over time.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis:

Unlike osteoarthritis which follows a predictable pattern in certain joints, rheumatoid arthritis is a system-wide disease. It is an inflammatory disease where the patient's own immune system attacks and destroys cartilage.

3. Post-Traumatic Arthritis:

Post-traumatic arthritis can develop after an injury to the foot or ankle. This type of arthritis is similar to osteoarthritis and may develop years after a fracture, severe sprain, or ligament injury.

CAUSES

Osteoarthritis:

Many factors increase your risk for developing osteoarthritis. Because the ability of cartilage to heal itself decreases as we age, older people are more likely to develop the disease. Other risk factors include obesity and family history of the disease.

Rheumatoid Arthritis:

The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not known. Although it is not an inherited disease, researchers believe that some people have genes that make them more susceptible. There is usually a "trigger," such as an infection or environmental factor, which activates the genes. When the body is exposed to this trigger, the immune system begins to produce substances that attack the joint. This is what may lead to the development of rheumatoid arthritis.

Post-Traumatic Arthritis:

Fractures - particularly those that damage the joint surface - and dislocations are the most common injuries that lead to this type of arthritis. An injured joint is about seven times more likely to become arthritic, even if the injury is properly treated. In fact, following injury, your body can secrete hormones that stimulate the death of your cartilage cells.

Symptoms:

Signs and symptoms of arthritis of the foot vary, depending on which joint is affected. Common symptoms include:

• Pain or tenderness
• Stiffness or reduced motion
• Swelling
• Difficulty walking due to any of the above
  

 

See Your Doctor Right Away If:

· See an exposed bone or tendon

· Are unable to walk or put weight on your foot

· Have severe pain and swelling

· If you have signs of infection, such as redness, warmth and tenderness in the affected area or you have a fever over 37.8 C.

Should Visit A Doctor If:

· Swelling doesn't improve after two or three days of home treatment

· Minor pain doesn't go away after several weeks

· You have ankle swelling, stiffness and pain that's worse in the morning or after you've been active

You Are Likely To Have An X-Ray If:

· You aren't able to put weight on your foot

· You have pain at the tip of your ankle bone

Self-care
For the best results, start these measures within 48 hours after an injury:

· Protection. Keep weight off your ankle as much as possible.

· Rest. Take a break from your normal activities.

· Ice. Place an ice pack or bag of frozen peas on your ankle for 15 to 20 minutes three times a day.

· Compression. Use a compression bandage to reduce swelling.

· Elevation. Elevate your foot to help reduce swelling.