When it comes to 'arthritis,' people usually think of the knees first, but it can occur anywhere there is cartilage and a joint. The ankle is no exception. Repeated and excessive stimulation to the ankle can cause inflammation and pain in the surrounding ligament tissues and joints. Compared to other joints, the ankle has a higher rate of developing arthritis due to trauma such as sprains and fractures, so special caution is necessary.

 

◇ Neglecting sprains leads to ankle arthritis

 

Ankle arthritis has a lower incidence rate compared to other areas, leading to a lower awareness of the disease. Diagnosis and treatment are often delayed. Most patients only realize the severity after their condition worsens. Professor Jung Bie Oh of the Department of Orthopedics at Kyung Hee University Hospital stated, "While aging is a major factor in degenerative diseases like arthritis, about 70% of ankle arthritis cases occur as a sequela of trauma, ankle sprains, or fractures, so active management and prevention are necessary regardless of age."

Ankle sprains and fractures, which are the main causes of ankle arthritis, frequently occur in daily life. Both are conditions that result from tripping, falling, or slipping, causing the ankle to twist. Most patients do not seek medical attention if they do not have difficulty walking. The problem here is that even minor injuries, if repeated and left untreated over time, can develop into ankle deformities and arthritis without the patient's awareness.

 

Professor Jeong stated, "If the ligament has been overstretched and has healed or if the injury is not treated promptly, it can lead to chronic ankle instability and cartilage damage, which may accelerate the onset of ankle arthritis. If swelling, tenderness, or severe pain during walking or exercise is felt, it is essential to visit a hospital for accurate diagnosis through imaging tests such as anterior displacement tests, CT, or MRI."

 

◇ Surgery needed if ligament damage is severe

 

Treatment methods for ankle arthritis vary depending on the stage of progression. If symptoms are mild, non-surgical treatments such as braces, medication, and rehabilitation are considered. However, if there is little remaining cartilage or if ligament damage is severe, surgery may be necessary. Surgical treatments for ankle arthritis include ankle fusion, which immobilizes the ankle to eliminate joint movement and reduce pain, and ankle joint replacement, which involves replacing worn cartilage with an artificial joint.

 

Professor Jeong Bio said, "Ankle joint replacement has historically had a shorter lifespan compared to knee and hip joint replacements, but recent advancements in surgical techniques have significantly improved clinical outcomes and the longevity of the artificial joint." He added, "Normal ankle joint mobility can be restored, and bone loss or contracted ligaments can also be corrected. It is especially known to be effective in preventing degenerative joint disease in surrounding joints."

 

 

◇ Make stretching a regular habit and be cautious when hiking

To prevent ankle arthritis, it is necessary to regularly strengthen the muscles around the ankle and improve flexibility. Additionally, thorough stretching before exercise is essential to loosen muscles and ligaments, minimizing injuries such as ankle sprains and fractures. The following are exercises that are good for strengthening the ankles.

Press your foot against the wall and apply force

Insert two fists between both knees and rotate the feet outward from this point.

▲Standing still with eyes closed

Standing on one foot or standing on a tilted board.

 

Ankle injuries are particularly common during hiking, which involves frequent use of the ankle joint. To protect the ankle joint while hiking, the weight of the backpack should be kept around 10% of your body weight. Additionally, during long hikes, you should wear sturdy, firm hiking boots, and when descending, you should lower your posture and shorten your stride to reduce the burden on your ankles. Lastly, after hiking for an hour, it is advisable to take a 10-minute rest.

 

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Generally, joint abnormalities

I didn't even think about my ankle.

Now that I think about it, it applies to all joints.

The habit of stretching is important.