Cartilage Problems

General information

Joint surfaces are covered with a smooth cartilage layer. This layer, together with the synovial fluid ensure that the ankle moves smoothly. Joint wear can cause loss of cartilage, which causes the joint to touch the bone. This can lead to stiffening, pain and swelling of the ankle joint. In addition, bone overgrowth can occur at the edge of the joint and the joint space can narrow the loss of cartilage. Trauma can be the cause of cartilage loss. Other causes can be age or Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Symptoms

When you're suffering from Osteoarthritis in your ankle, you are usually in a lot of pain, especially after a rest period. Sitffness in the morning is also a symptom. Osteoarthritis is often accompanied by swelling, which means that pain can also occur while resting. Restriction in mobility and stance deviation can also occur.

Treatment

The symptoms, the physical examination and your personal history are important for the doctor to be able to make a diagnosis. An X-ray can give confirmation or show a different diagnosis. Sometimes, a CT scan is also made to assess Osteoarthritis. An MRI scan is usually not necessary when it comes to cartilage problems since it mainly shows the ''soft tissue'' parts (capsular ligaments, ligaments and muscles). At first instance, doctors will not recommend surgery but look for alternatives. Such as anti-inflammatory medication, physiotherapy or the use of a brace. For this last part, we have many different options to choose from. Like the Morsa ThermoCY Lightweight Ankle Football Support and the Bauerfeind AirLoc Ankle Support. If these options don't offer a solution, surgery is a possibility.