Stiff Ankle Specialist

Why does my ankle feel stiff?

Various conditions can cause ankle stiffness, some of which are more serious than others. At Texas Foot & Ankle Specialists, the team treats ankle stiffness caused by:

• Ankle sprains
• Sports injuries
• Prior ankle surgery
• Osteochondritis dissecans
• Arthritis
• Bone spurs

In order to diagnose the cause of your ankle stiffness, your podiatrist performs a thorough consultation and physical exam. If imaging is needed, your podiatrist takes X-rays in the office or may refer you to an imaging center if you need an MRI.

What is osteochondritis dissecans?

Osteochondritis dissecans (OD) is a condition that causes an area of bone to separate from the cartilage lining your joint. This can lead to problems with blood flow to the bone. The most common signs of OD are:

• Joint stiffness
• Joint pain
• Joint weakness

If OD isn’t treated, the bone may not get enough blood flow leading to bone death. The condition is most common in young people between the ages of 10-20, though it can affect anyone. In rare cases, OD is caused by a genetic mutation. However, most cases have no known cause.

How is osteochondritis treated?

At Texas Foot & Ankle Specialists, the team treats OD with a period of immobilization in a brace or cast. This allows the bone to reconnect with the cartilage where it has separated and receive necessary blood flow.

For more complex cases where the bone has shifted too far from the cartilage and bracing isn’t likely to work, the team may recommend surgery. During the surgery, small holes are drilled into the bone to re-establish blood supply and prevent bone death.

Based on your exam and X-rays, your podiatrist determines which course of treatment is best for your situation. Your podiatrist takes into account your age, activity level, and lifestyle when determining your treatment plan.

What can I do to increase the flexibility in my ankles?

For ankle stiffness not caused by OD, the team can recommend different options depending on the cause of the stiffness. Possible ways to improve ankle stiffness include:

• Physical therapy
• Custom orthotics
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
• Changing footwear

Ankle stiffness can be treated easily in many cases and doesn’t have to limit your ability to walk, exercise, participate in sports, or enjoy your daily life.

Find out the cause of your ankle stiffness by scheduling a visit to Texas Foot & Ankle Specialists, PLLC now by calling or using the online tool.