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Ankle Osteoarthritis Treatment

Ankle Osteoarthritis Treatment Specialist in Sterling Heights, and Dearborn, MI

Osteoarthritis of the ankle happens when the cartilage between the bones wears down. Ankle arthritis is a degenerative disease, but with the right treatment the degenerative process can usually be slowed down and pain can be controlled. Get expert and specialized diagnosis and treatment by a board-certified team of experienced doctors at Specialty Medical Center. For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Sterling Heights, MI and Dearborn, MI.

Osteoarthritis of the ankle happens when the cartilage between the bones wears down. Ankle arthritis is a degenerative disease, but with the right treatment the degenerative process can usually be slowed down and pain can be controlled. Get expert and specialized diagnosis and treatment by a board-certified team of experienced doctors at Specialty Medical Center. For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Sterling Heights, MI and Dearborn, MI.
Osteoarthritis of the ankle happens when the cartilage between the bones wears down. Ankle arthritis is a degenerative disease, but with the right treatment the degenerative process can usually be slowed down and pain can be controlled. Get expert and specialized diagnosis and treatment by a board-certified team of experienced doctors at Specialty Medical Center. For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Sterling Heights, MI and Dearborn, MI.

Ankle Osteoarthritis Treatment Specialist Near Me in Sterling Heights, MI and Dearborn, MI
Ankle Osteoarthritis Treatment Specialist Near Me in Sterling Heights, MI and Dearborn, MI

Table of Contents:

What is ankle osteoarthritis, and what causes it?
What are the symptoms of ankle osteoarthritis, and when should I see a specialist?
Will insurance cover treatments for ankle osteoarthritis?
How long does it take to recover from treatments for ankle osteoarthritis?
Can you go to a pain specialist for ankle osteoarthritis treatment?

What is ankle osteoarthritis, and what causes it?


Ankle osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition that can cause a variety of symptoms, such as pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. This form of arthritis develops when the cartilage, which cushions the ends of the bones in the joint, gradually wears away. As the cartilage thins and deteriorates, the bones begin to rub against each other, causing discomfort and swelling.

Several factors can lead to the development of ankle osteoarthritis. One of the most common causes is a previous injury, such as an ankle sprain or fracture, which damages the cartilage or alters the joint mechanics, leading to premature wear and tear. Another factor is the natural aging process; as we age, our cartilage loses its ability to repair itself, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis. Furthermore, obesity is a risk factor for this condition, as extra stress on weight-bearing joints can lead to accelerated cartilage breakdown.

What are the symptoms of ankle osteoarthritis, and when should I see a specialist?


The most common symptom of ankle osteoarthritis is pain, particularly when bearing weight or during movement. In addition, you may notice swelling around the joint, stiffness that makes it difficult to move the ankle, or a grinding sensation when the joint is in use.

As the condition progresses, the range of motion in your ankle will continue to decrease, and you could find it increasingly challenging to walk, climb stairs, or perform other routine activities. In severe cases of osteoarthritis, your ankle may feel unstable, as if it may give out.

If you experience persistent ankle pain, swelling, or decreased mobility that doesn’t improve with home remedies like rest and over-the-counter pain relievers, it’s wise to see a specialist. The experts at Specialty Medical Center can diagnose the root cause of your symptoms and create a personalized management plan to prevent the condition from worsening and significantly impacting your wellness.

Will insurance cover treatments for ankle osteoarthritis?


Many insurance providers cover standard osteoarthritis treatments that are deemed medically necessary, such as doctor’s visits, diagnostic procedures, physical therapy, and medications used to reduce symptoms and manage pain. Surgical interventions, such as joint replacement or arthroscopy, are also often covered if non-surgical treatments have not effectively addressed pain.

However, the extent of coverage can vary depending on your insurance provider and specific plan. Some plans require pre-authorization for certain procedures or referrals from a primary care provider. It’s important to check with your insurance provider to understand what treatments are covered under your plan and what your potential out-of-pocket costs may be.

How long does it take to recover from treatments for ankle osteoarthritis?


The length of your recovery following ankle osteoarthritis treatment can vary significantly, primarily depending on the specific procedure you undergo. With non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes, you will likely begin to see improvement in symptoms within a few weeks. However, consistent management is usually needed to maintain the benefits of treatment.

If surgical intervention is required, the recovery process is longer. For procedures like ankle arthroscopy or joint fusion, the typical recovery period ranges from four to nine months. During this time, you’ll likely experience phases of limited mobility and will need to engage in physical therapy to regain strength and flexibility in the ankle. The exact timeline will vary based on your general health, the complexity of the surgery, and how well post-operative care guidelines are followed.

Can you go to a pain specialist for ankle osteoarthritis treatment?


If you have osteoarthritis, seeing a pain management specialist is strongly recommended. Some insurance plans require a referral before covering a visit to a specialist, so you may need to acquire one from your primary care physician first. The dedicated team at Specialty Medical Center can diagnose and treat joint pain effectively. If you are in or near Sterling Heights or Dearborn, Michigan, schedule a consultation appointment at our clinic to get started with comprehensive and personalized ankle osteoarthritis care. We serve patients from Sterling Heights MI, Dearborn MI, Detroit MI, Birmingham MI, Allen Park MI, Warren MI, and BEYOND!

Specialty Medical Center in Michigan

Dearborn, MI

Sterling Heights, MI

  • 5456 15 Mile Rd #101, Sterling Heights, MI 48310
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