Specialised treatment for foot & ankle arthritis
Arthritis is a degenerative disease that can affect almost any joint. Arthritis in the feet and ankles is uncommon, making up only about 1% of arthritis cases. Most of these cases develop following a previous injury, such as an ankle fracture or cartilage damage.
Surgeons at Orthopaedics SA have undertaken additional training, including fracture management and surgical anatomy.
foot & ankle arthritis frequently asked questions
What are the signs and symptoms of foot and ankle arthritis?
- Pain and stiffness in the feet and ankles
- The feet and ankles appearing swollen
- Pain that increases with activity
- Clicking, grating, or crunching noises and sensations
What causes foot and ankle arthritis?
Arthritis develops when a joint’s cartilaginous surfaces wear out, causing bone to painfully rub against bone when the joint moves. Though this process is quite common and natural in aging, some conditions may cause it to affect the feet and ankles particularly.
Examples include:
- Previous foot and ankle injuries – these are by far the biggest contributors to foot and ankle arthritis.
- Genetics – you are more likely to develop arthritis in your feet and ankles if your relatives have also.
- Body weight – being overweight can place extra pressure on your feet and ankles, making them wear out sooner.
What treatments are available for foot and ankle arthritis?
Lifestyle changes – such as exercising more often, losing weight, eating healthier, or wearing custom-made footwear can reduce your risk of developing foot and ankle arthritis or reduce its severity if it has already developed.
- Ankle replacement surgery – total ankle replacement is not a common procedure, and is only performed on rare occasions.
- Ankle fusion surgery
- Exercises done in water (like swimming or water aerobics)
- NSAID medications
Ankle arthroscopy may be recommended to debride the ankle joint, by removing cartilage, bone fragments, and spurs that might be present in the joint. This minimally invasive procedure allows your surgeon to see inside the joint and is effective in the early stages of arthritis.
How can I prevent foot and ankle arthritis?
- Exercise & weight loss
- Don’t rush injury recovery
- Wear well-fitting shoes – Look for shoes that are comfortable, supportive, secure on your feet, and that have a synthetic or rubber sole for shock absorption. If you wear orthotic insoles, be sure to try the shoes on with the orthoses inside before deciding whether they’re right for you. Remember that your shoe size may change if your feet are affected by arthritis.
Ankle & foot treatments
Ankle Arthroscopy
Ankle arthroscopy is most often performed to remove scar tissue and inflammation or to remove small detachments of bone and cartilage. Recent advances have permitted surgical procedures to be performed inside joints without opening the joints by traditional methods. Using
Ankle Block for Foot Surgery
Nearly all mid and forefoot surgery can be comfortably and reliably performed using local anaesthesia (ankle block). Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeon, Dr George Dracopoulos and Anaesthetist, Dr Glenda Rudkin have recently completed a six year study of 1000 patients
Ankle Ligament Reconstruction
At Orthopaedics SA, we provide high-quality care for all of your musculoskeletal needs, including ankle ligament reconstruction surgery, a medical procedure that is used to treat ankle sprains and instability. Ankle ligaments are tough bands of tissue that connect the
Keyhole (Minimally Invasive) Bunion Surgery
Minimally invasive (keyhole) bunion surgery is a technique that reduces the size of the incisions during the surgical procedure. Using specialised small tools, your surgeon performs the entire bunion removal surgery through several small cuts, reducing scarring and recovery time.
Open Bunion Surgery
There are over 150 different surgical options for correcting a bunion, but they all tend to involve moving the bone(s) to narrow the foot and realign the big toe as well as shaving off the bunion. Keyhole bunion surgery is
Total Ankle Replacement
Though a generally uncommon procedure, total ankle replacement can drastically reduce pain and restore movement, particularly in people who suffer from conditions such as ankle arthritis. Operating from locations across Adelaide, Orthopaedics SA surgeons supply uniquely tailored assessments and treatments
Why Orthopaedics SA?
Comprehensive care
From arthritis to sports injuries, we treat a full spectrum of bone and joint conditions to keep you moving.
Expert surgeons
Our highly trained doctors have years of experience delivering precise and effective treatments.
SA’s largest practice
With 23 specialists, we offer unmatched expertise and evidence-based care for every patient.
Multiple locations
We have multiple clinics across South Australia, making it simple to find expert care nearby.
Patient-centric approach
We prioritise understanding your condition to ensure every treatment recommendation feels right for you.
Reliable support
Our team of nurses and administrative staff works behind the scenes to make your experience smooth and stress-free.
Meet our doctors
Our surgeons are highly qualified to offer personalised treatments tailored to your needs. We take the time to listen, explain your options, and ensure every decision is made with your well-being in mind.
We take responsibility for our patient’s experience
From your initial consultation to follow-up care, our team will guide you through every step of your treatment. Your specialist will provide a detailed recovery plan, including physical therapy to restore function and prevent future injuries.