Stiff Ankle

offered in Staten Island and New York, New York, NY

Stiff Ankle services offered in Staten Island and New York, New York, NY

A stiff ankle is a common problem in older age. Over time, your ankles wear down and become more fragile as you age. At Forward Foot & Ankle Associates in Midtown Manhattan and Staten Island, New York, the team of board-certified podiatrists understands how ankle stiffness affects your quality of life and offers minimally invasive treatments to restore your ankle function. The team is trained in arthroscopic procedures as well as restorative therapies. To learn more, call the nearest office or request an appointment online today.

Stiff Ankle Q & A

What causes a stiff ankle?

Ankle stiffness is among the most common joint problems, causing recurring pain that often happens in the morning.

Several conditions can cause stiff ankles, including:

Rheumatoid arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Tendonitis
Ankle sprain

A stiff ankle can also be caused by overuse (repetitive motions) or long periods of strenuous activity or exercise. People who have an ankle injury are also more likely to develop stiffness in their ankles as they try to avoid putting weight on the affected foot.

What are the symptoms of a stiff ankle?

You may experience mild to severe symptoms with a stiff ankle. In addition to difficulty moving your foot, you may have:

Pain
Cracking or popping sounds
Tenderness or warmth in your ankle
Swelling

You don’t have to live with these uncomfortable symptoms. With the help of the team at Forward Foot & Ankle Associates, they can help you find an effective solution to alleviating stiffness and other symptoms so you can return to the activities you enjoy.

How is a stiff ankle treated?

Forward Foot & Ankle Associates offer several treatment options for a stiff ankle. Depending on the severity of your condition, they can recommend the best approach for your ankle care.

The team often uses conservative therapies first before proceeding with other minimally invasive options. They may recommend rest and icing the area, or over-the-counter pain medications, to reduce swelling and inflammation. Patients can also benefit from physical therapy or exercises that they can perform at home to strengthen the muscles in the area.

If these nonsurgical methods fail to provide you with effective relief, you may be a candidate for minimally invasive surgery (arthroscopy). Ankle arthroscopic procedures can help treat issues inside the ankle joint that lead to instability, stiffness, and pain. Arthroscopy uses small incisions and specially designed tools to repair damage in the least invasive way possible.

The team combines minimally invasive procedures with restorative therapies like amniotic injections. Amniotic fluid is the substance that protects a fetus in the wound before a mother gives birth. It contains an abundance of growth factors, collagen, and hyaluronic acid that promote cell regeneration and aid in speeding up the healing process.

To learn more about stiff ankle treatments, call Forward Foot & Ankle Associates or request an appointment online today.