May 2025

Rheumatoid arthritis that affects the ankles can result in persistent pain, swelling, and joint stiffness that interferes with daily movement. Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation in the synovium, a membrane that lines the ankle joints, which leads to excess fluid buildup and joint instability. As the arthritis advances, people may experience difficulty walking, numbness from nerve compression, and visible changes in ankle structure. A podiatrist can assess the severity of joint damage to determine a treatment approach. In many cases, steroid injections may be recommended to relieve inflammation. Also, bracing can help stabilize the ankle and reduce pressure on the affected joints. If symptoms continue despite conservative measures, surgery may be necessary. Ankle fusion, known as arthrodesis, involves joining the bones of the ankle to reduce pain caused by joint movement. For more advanced joint deterioration, a podiatrist may recommend total ankle replacement to restore function. If you have ankle pain that may be caused by rheumatoid arthritis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Anna Petrov from Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Wheeling and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.