Injuries like ankle fracture and severe sprain may possibly result in ankle arthritis because of gradual loss of cartilage lining many years after the injury. In some people who are suffering from ankle arthritis, their condition is related to other diseases like diabetes and hemophilia.

There are different tests for diagnosing ankle arthritis. Doctors usually base it on the patient's report or by looking at the X-ray of the ankle. They sometimes require the patient to undergo MRI or a CT scan.

Nowadays, they can determine the exact area of the loss of cartilage by injecting air and dye inside the ankle. In this way, specialists can see the cartilage problem in three dimensional pictures less than one millimeter in size.

There are numerous techniques of treating ankle arthritis, including the following below:

1. Medical Therapy-The primary objective in treating ankle arthritis is to reduce the joint inflammation. Anti-inflammatory medicines like Ibuprofen, Celebrex, Naprosen and Vioxx are typically used. These medicines are prescribed by doctors with respect to the patient's allergies, medical history and reaction towards the treatment. The doctor might also recommend fat loss along with medication. Specialists have determined that losing fat can decrease tension about the ankle when standing or walking.

2. Orthotic Management-Braces and inserts can assist in managing ankle arthritis. Proper selection of these instruments is dependant on insight location of the cartilage loss, walking and standing mechanics of the patient and other medical issues. An ankle brace can reduce anxiety on the foot that is affected with arthritis and, at times, removes the requirement of surgery.

3. Physical Treatment-Physical treatment can decrease the symptoms of ankle arthritis by making use of different techniques that concentrates about the affected ankle. Patient's can perform flexibility exercises or can also undergo pool and aquatic therapy. This could also keep the patient fit without having the risks of further injuries to the joint of the ankle. Therapists could also teach patients how to correctly use canes to decrease tension about the ankle.

4. Injections-Injection of steroid to the ankle can enhance the inflammation with the joint. However, this treatment is delicate so patients for steroid injection are carefully tested.

5. Ankle Arthritis Surgery-Surgery for ankle arthritis depends on several factors like the following below:

Cartilage loss area

The patient's fat, age and the degree of activity

The patient's skin, tendons, nerves and bone around the ankle

Medical history, allergies and reactions to previous treatments

Ankle arthritis can be controlled making use of diverse techniques and if you are suffering from this ailment, it's a good idea that you consult a specialist to know what therapy is the best for you.