Osteoarthritis Diagnoses in my Ankle. Any advice?

I don’t have any experience of osteoarthritis in the ankle, at least not yet, mine is in my knees and hips, but I can recommend the Arthritis Uk website for reliable information. They also have a very useful helpline. (They’ve recently changed their name from Versus Arthritis.)

This link may be helpful.

www.arthritis-uk.org/media/22818/osteoarthritis-of-the-foot-and-ankle-information-booklet.pdf

Thank you Teabagwoman (love the name!). That looks very useful indeed. Is there any particular over the counter tablets or creams which you found helpful?

I have osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It's hard when it affects your ability to walk because it's so easy to lose fitness. You do need to keep moving though. Treatment is limited for OA but volterol (or a cheap generic version of doclofenic gel) is helpful plus pain killers.

In 2009 I had a fracture/dislocation of my L) ankle and had it pinned and plated. The metalwork is still in situ. I was warned that OA would be probable later and to my knowledge the only treatment is fusion of the ankle. Mine is not at that stage yet.

I am 82 and for various reasons can't walk more than 1/2 mile with a few stops. I do rest it and I hope my self treatment will "see me out".

Be careful with Voltarol in that it’s very poisonous to dogs so make sure your dog doesn’t lick you ( most improbable but my dog seems to go out of her way to do dangerous things) and that you need to keep your skin covered in sunlight. Voltarol is my go to gel for most things, even when I slightly dislocated my jaw years ago when chewing gum too much. Did he not recommend an ankle support? I find, with my arthritic knee that walking poles really help take pressure off my legs but frustratingly I can’t use them and walk the dog at the same time. It’s amazing how even small exercises can help so much with arthritis and it’s really important to stick with them.

I couldn't exist without Voltarol, I walk every day, but don't overdo it and do exercises, rotating the ankle. Keep gently active. At the moment for me it's not so good, so cutting back for a few days. It's not helped by me being a stone overweight.

I would recommend an ankle support, if you have shoes or boots that will accommodate one. Last year I sprained my ankle and found a support and exercises helpful although it took a year to ease completely.

If you use Voltarol, I expect you know that you shouldn’t take ibuprofen as well in case of overdose but paracetamol is fine.

I find a regular foot soak with magnesium flakes works well for me..

I've had this and saw an NHS orthotist who ordered me some specially made for my feet which have helped to a certain extent. I've recently had a steroid injection which has helped the swelling, pain and movement. Not sure how long it will last though.

I have started getting pain in my knee and sometimes gives way when coming down the stairs, yet to see a doctor but a friend recommended magnesium cream from Amazon so have ordered it,
Giving it a go anyway nothing to lose

Shel1951

I have started getting pain in my knee and sometimes gives way when coming down the stairs, yet to see a doctor but a friend recommended magnesium cream from Amazon so have ordered it,
Giving it a go anyway nothing to lose

It’s very important ( not just for those of us with arthritis) to strengthen the muscles in our thighs as we get older. They are the ones that help us get up from out of a chair but they really help with arthritis in the legs and ankles. They are the ones that my physio gave me which I have been doing religiously ever since. Magnesium is very important for lots of things eg sleep. When I first had arthritis in my knee I used to use a patella strap which really supported it but because all of my pain is on one side of my knee it now hurts to use one.

I have had both knees replaced in the last 2 yrs due to osteoarthritis and on my last visit to surgeon he said that I have it in my ankle too, my foot is at a funny angle and I can no longer get boots on. Also , just like my knees when they were bone on bone, I can be walking and suddenly it slips and gives way on me. It also locks, and snaps, crackles and pops like rice krispies! I am so frustrated because I got the knees fixed thinking it would help my mobility and now the ankle is gone!

I have it. Not too debilitating but more so when cold. 2 pairs socks to keep it warm, gentle ankle rotation when sitting to keep it supple, ankle support to walk when it’s sore. I gave up wearing any shoes with heels and for walking use supportive trainers or boots.

I have osteoarthritis in both knees and in both ankles/feet. In the last year I have lost weight and I’ve been doing strengthening exercises every single day. For the past two years I’ve used a stick when walking, but I haven’t needed one since May/June of this year. My physiotherapist is delighted with me, especially as my knees are so much stronger and I now have a much wider range of movement in them. I do still have some pain - more so when the weather is cold/damp, but I never let it stop me from exercising. My ankles will probably need debridement soon as the bone spurs cause quite a lot of pain at night - I’m waiting for an appointment with the foot and ankle clinic to discuss next steps.

My advice (supported by my physiotherapist) is that exercising daily can make a world of difference.

grannyactivist

I have osteoarthritis in both knees and in both ankles/feet. In the last year I have lost weight and I’ve been doing strengthening exercises every single day. For the past two years I’ve used a stick when walking, but I haven’t needed one since May/June of this year. My physiotherapist is delighted with me, especially as my knees are so much stronger and I now have a much wider range of movement in them. I do still have some pain - more so when the weather is cold/damp, but I never let it stop me from exercising. My ankles will probably need debridement soon as the bone spurs cause quite a lot of pain at night - I’m waiting for an appointment with the foot and ankle clinic to discuss next steps.

My advice (supported by my physiotherapist) is that exercising daily can make a world of difference.

I agree. There are some exercises that I like more than others so I’ve admitted to my physio that instead of doing them 10 times I only do 5; that way I don’t find excuses not to do them. Also, now that I know them I can do them throughout the day eg I had a hospital appointment yesterday and did some of the sitting down ones while I was waiting; do thigh squeezing ones when I’m watching tv etc. I bought a tens machine recently and am a bit addicted to using it on my bad knee. Walking poles really help when I’m walking. (By the way, good to hear from you grannyactivist..you don’t post as much these days but I often think of you!).

Just a warning about Voltarol and any emolients that people may use. They are extremely flammable and can also build up on clothes ( if not washed regularly .)
There is a small warning on the l about keeping away from naked flame but you might miss it!

Have you had proper diagnostic tests? I was fobbed off for months with a diagnosis of OA and finally GP sent me for an x-ray which only showed mild OA as x-ray doesn't show soft tissue damage. Everyone said it wasn't serious just get on with things and do the exercises, despite my needing crutches. I remember quite clearly when I injured it and wasn't convinced it was OA. Finally, almost a year later, and MRI showed a torn Achilles and totally ruptured posterior tibialis tendon. There's more ligament damage from trying to walk on it as well and it's too late for effective treatment now. If there's any chance of an injury get an MRI and don't let them gaslight you into accepting it's 'only a bit of OA' when it might not be.

Shel1951

I have started getting pain in my knee and sometimes gives way when coming down the stairs, yet to see a doctor but a friend recommended magnesium cream from Amazon so have ordered it,
Giving it a go anyway nothing to lose

Be careful, that definitely sounds like osteoarthritis. I'd recommend seeing your GP sooner rather later so you can get referred to physio for helpful exercises to strengthen the muscles. I speak from experience and to be honest, I don't think magnesium cream will make much difference - you need to strengthen your knee to avoid it giving way and you falling.

Later, if problems continue, your GP can refer you to a specialist knee surgeon.

"The fact that you can only do a little is no excuse for doing nothing." - John LeCarre'.
This just popped up on my facebook page today. I joined my partner when he walked our dog today, something I'd stopped doing because it made my knee hurt and I couldn't walk the way that I used to. I must admit that, apart from doing my exercises I was using my knee as an excuse to lie on the sofa with the dog rather more that I should do. I'm going to make it my mantra.

Had agonising osteo arthritis in various joints for years resulting in a Full Knee Replacement a year ago

So here we go.

Pain Control. Try a TENS machine for help with pain. Works off batteries. Try Boots the Chemist. Reasonably priced. Easy to use and can really tack the edge off chronic pain. Kind of like an electrical acupuncture machine that sends signals to block out pain.

If you can find any type of cream or ointment with Capsaicin in it Buy it pronto.

NHS have not had stocks for nearly 3 years. But l have managed to get the odd tube in Spain on when on holiday plus Physio relax red tube cream. Expensive but good

Some people think Tiger Balm is also helpful

Footwear and Orthotics.
My mainstay for footwear over the years has been Nike Ladies running shoes
Mainly Pegasus and Romero brands.

They are expensive but very well made and offer terrific heel, mid foot and ankle support in the design of their construction.

However a few years back l also bought a pair of Skechers top of the range, Go Run expensive ladies with laces running shoes with maximum cushioning. Cost over £100. They have been great and really cushion my joints when walking.

You could also see an NHS Podiatrist at your local hospital to see if you need custom made insoles for your shoes. Don't know much about ankle supports.

Beware of Voltarol. Need to be careful.

Hope you can get your pain levels under control


I

Just to add... If all else fails...
You can get Ankle replacement. I have a Nursing chum who has just had one.

I have had a diagnosis. I had an x ray on my ankle through my GP. She rang me and said 'normally very little shows on an x ray, but yours shows clearly you have acute OA.'
Thank you for all you comments and suggestions. They have really been very helpful. Onwards and upwards x

WithNobsOnIt

Had agonising osteo arthritis in various joints for years resulting in a Full Knee Replacement a year ago

So here we go.

Pain Control. Try a TENS machine for help with pain. Works off batteries. Try Boots the Chemist. Reasonably priced. Easy to use and can really tack the edge off chronic pain. Kind of like an electrical acupuncture machine that sends signals to block out pain.

If you can find any type of cream or ointment with Capsaicin in it Buy it pronto.

NHS have not had stocks for nearly 3 years. But l have managed to get the odd tube in Spain on when on holiday plus Physio relax red tube cream. Expensive but good

Some people think Tiger Balm is also helpful

Footwear and Orthotics.
My mainstay for footwear over the years has been Nike Ladies running shoes
Mainly Pegasus and Romero brands.

They are expensive but very well made and offer terrific heel, mid foot and ankle support in the design of their construction.

However a few years back l also bought a pair of Skechers top of the range, Go Run expensive ladies with laces running shoes with maximum cushioning. Cost over £100. They have been great and really cushion my joints when walking.

You could also see an NHS Podiatrist at your local hospital to see if you need custom made insoles for your shoes. Don't know much about ankle supports.

Beware of Voltarol. Need to be careful.

Hope you can get your pain levels under control

I

I had some custom made insoles made at the hospital but they don’t seem to consider the fact that they’re too deep to fit into anything other than Ugg boots, and even they are a tight squeeze. I inherited some Nike trainers from my son years ago when he grew out of them and have lived in them ever since, especially as I can remove the insoles and put more cushioned ones inside. When they wore out I bought some Nike Air Pegasus by mistake but it was a good mistake as I’ve worn them ever since. They may be expensive but they last and last. I love my Boots Tens machine. A review said it was quite complicated to use as it has Tens Ems and massage but I started on simple settings and then worked my way through them. If my knee starts to hurt when walking I mentally think to myself that I will be home soon and can plug myself in. When I first bought it I struggled to get it to work until, after an hour or so it dawned on me that the batteries that came with it didn’t work! I thought I had to keep my knee free of Voltarol etc but read that it can be used with Voltarol as long as it hasn’t been recently applied. I bought spare pads to go with it. It’s good to know that I can still use my Tens machine if I do have a TKR because I hate the thought of not being able to use it ( bit addicted). I’ll check out those Skechers as I’m not a fan of Skechers in general.