Ankle arthritis can arise when the cartilage within the tibiotalar joint, which connects the foot to the leg, sustains damage or excessive wear and tear. While not a medical emergency, this condition can cause pain and swelling that is sometimes severe enough to limit daily activity. Due to the complexity of the foot and ankle structure, it’s advisable to seek a diagnosis and treatment from a physician who has specialized expertise. Patients with ankle arthritis in Hampton, Williamsburg, Newport News, and the surrounding Virginia communities can consult with Dr. Paul Maloof, the outstanding orthopaedic foot surgeon at Tidewater Orthopaedics.
To diagnose ankle arthritis, Dr. Maloof typically utilizes a combination of a physical examination and X-rays or other imaging tests. Bone scans can also be helpful, and blood test results may be used if the ankle arthritis is associated with a systemic condition.
After confirming a diagnosis of ankle arthritis, Dr. Maloof usually recommends conservative treatment. For instance, one or more of the following options may be considered:
If the condition progresses and the symptoms worsen, physical therapy may become necessary. At Tidewater Orthopaedics in Hampton Roads, Dr. Maloof works closely with our in-house team of physical therapists to design an optimal treatment regimen for each patient.
In severe cases of ankle arthritis, surgery is sometimes considered if the pain and other symptoms do not respond adequately to non-surgical measures. The specific procedure recommended will depend on the location of the arthritis and the underlying cause of the symptoms. For instance, arthritis sometimes leads to the formation of bone spurs, which can be surgically removed to relieve pain.
While first and foremost, Dr. Maloof considers himself to be a doctor to his patients, he is also an experienced and talented surgeon who completed his fellowship training at the prestigious Duke University. As the only full-time orthopaedic surgeon in the Hampton Roads area who specializes in complex foot and ankle care, Dr. Maloof is well respected and often consulted regarding complicated cases.
If you’d like to meet with Dr. Maloof to discuss ankle arthritis, call 757-827-2480 to schedule an appointment at our Hampton or Williamsburg, VA location.