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Do I Have Arthritis?
Think you may have arthritis? Learn about the four most common warning signs.
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Gout is an inflammatory type of arthritis that can come and go.
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  • About Arthritis
    Common Topics
    woman holding her wristWhat Is Arthritis?

    Arthritis is not one disease. Learn about the different types of arthritis, how they differ and why it’s important.

    microbesInflammation and the Immune System

    Body-wide inflammation is at the root of most chronic diseases — and you may have more control over it than you think.

    Patient talking with nurseNewly Diagnosed With Arthritis

    A new arthritis diagnosis can be overwhelming. These tips can help.

    • Understanding Arthritis
    • Arthritis Types
    • More About Arthritis
    • Where it Hurts
    • Related Conditions
  • Treatments
    Common Topics
    Managing Arthritis Care Costs

    Learn the basics about health care costs and financial tools available to you.

    About Biosimilars

    More of these biologic medications will soon be available. Learn what they are, whether you should consider them and what to ask your doctor.

    Webinar: Sleep Solutions for Pain

    Experts discuss solutions on how to quiet nighttime pain to get better sleep.

    • Treatment Plan
    • Drug Guide
    • Joint Surgery
    • Complementary Therapies
    • Insurance Management
  • Healthy Living
    Common Topics
    Woman with upset stomachMicrobiome, Gut Health & Arthritis

    Microbiome, microbes, microorganisms – these terms may be confusing, but the types of bacteria living in and on our bodies can impact arthritis. Learn what helps or harms the microbiome and the health of your gut and discover dietary changes that can make a difference. This episode was originally released on January 19, 2021.

    woman consoling anotherArthritis and Mental Health

    Learn about the connection between arthritis, depression and anxiety and how these conditions can make your arthritis worse.

    Woman ExercisingYour Exercise Solution (YES)

    Movement is the best medicine, even when your joints hurt. Your Exercise Solution (YES) is a resource to help you create a physical activity routine with modifications developed and approved by physical therapists.

    • Ease of Use Products
    • Managing Pain
    • Recipes & Nutrition
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    • Emotional Well-being
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    • Family & Relationships
  • Juvenile Arthritis
    Common Topics
    JA Family Summit

    Learn about the National Juvenile Arthritis Conference, a place for families to connect, share and learn.

    JA Camps

    The Arthritis Foundation’s JA camp programs give kids with arthritis and related childhood rheumatic diseases the chance to make lasting memories.

    Juvenile Arthritis Volunteer

    • About Juvenile Arthritis
    • Treatment
    • Managing Pain
    • Medical Decisions
    • Nutrition
    • Emotional Well-being
  • Providers
    Common Topics
    Transforming Clinical Interactions

    The Live Yes! Arthritis community connects patients with others online and in-person for support and education, and encourages patients to play an active role in their health care.

    Partners 4 Patients with Arthritis

    The Arthritis Foundation recently launched an initiative to build stronger relationships and increase recognition of our most engaged practices. 

    Fellowships

    See how we're aiming to address the growing shortage of arthritis specialists, especially in under-served parts of the country.

    • Better Living Toolkits
    • Our Issue Briefs
  • Science
    Common Topics
    OACS Forum Series

    The Osteoarthritis Clinical Studies Forum Series features OA thought leaders from across the globe discussing the future of how the disease can be treated to improve patient outcomes.

    man bandaging boy's kneeConquering Childhood Arthritis

    The Arthritis Foundation is mobilizing patients and their families to engage in studies comparing the effectiveness of treatments for juvenile arthritis and funding research for more options.

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    • Awards
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    • Osteoarthritis Focus
    • Participate in Clinical Trials
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    Common Topics
    Capital hillAction Center

    Take action today - use the resources here to learn who your elected officials are, what opportunities we have to advocate from the comfort of your own home, federal and state legislation, and more!

    woman listening to podcastLive Yes! With Arthritis Podcast

    You may have arthritis, but it doesn't have you. The Arthritis Foundation’s one-of-a-kind podcast. Hosted by patients, for patients.

    Walk to cure arthritisWalk To Cure Arthritis

    Join the movement and make an impact by honoring those who rock your world at the Arthritis Foundation’s signature walk event, Walk to Cure Arthritis. Register as an individual or form a team and Rock the Walk in your community!

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Back

Surgery Options for Ankle Arthritis

Get the facts on surgical procedures to repair and replace ankles with arthritis.

Surgical solutions for osteoarthritis (OA) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the ankle are less clear-cut than those for hip or knee arthritis. Repair methods available to you include arthroscopy, fusion (arthrodesis), joint replacement and distraction arthroplasty.  

Ankle Arthroscopy

In this minimally invasive surgery, a lighted scope and narrow instruments are inserted through small incisions in the ankles. Surgeons remove pieces of cartilage or bone debris from the joint space. It is most effective when pain is due to contact between bone spurs and the arthritis has not yet caused significant cartilage damage. Arthroscopy can make an arthritic joint deteriorate more rapidly. 

Ankle Fusion

In fusions, surgeons remove the surfaces of the bones affected by arthritis and join the them with plates and screws until they grow together, or fuse. Pain relief can be dramatic, but it comes at a price: loss of up-and-down and side-to-side movement. Lost mobility can lead to an abnormal gait, potential arthritis in nearby joints and an ankle that can’t flex enough for sports or climbing stairs. If one ankle is fused, it is important that the opposite ankle still has good mobility. 

Joint Replacement 

Ankle replacement is more complicated than fusion and requires a high degree of surgical skill. Replacing a damaged ankle may be an option for people with advanced arthritis that has destroyed ankle joint surfaces and interferes with daily activities. Although implants continue to improve, they are not generally the best choice for younger, more-active patients.  

During ankle replacement, the surgeon makes an incision in the front of the ankle, removes the damaged bone and cartilage, reshapes the surfaces and attaches the artificial joint components with a special glue. Bone grafts and screws  support and stabilize the ankle. 

Ankle replacement relieves pain and preserves more mobility than fusion, but not the full range of motion you once had. Being able to move the new joint means that less stress is transferred to nearby joints. This reduces the chance of developing arthritis in those joints. 

Joint Distraction Arthroplasty 

This procedure uses the body's natural repair mechanisms to help the joint heal itself. It involves pulling the joint surfaces slightly apart and holding the bones in place with pins set in an frame on the outside of your ankle. The surgeon drills small holes in the bone to help stimulate cartilage repair. Stem cells from your bone marrow (collected from your pelvis with a needle) are used to jumpstart the repair process.  

You wear the frame for about three months before switching to a temporary walking boot. Full recovery takes close to a year. It is not an option for people who have no ankle motion or advanced inflammatory arthritis. Unlike ankle replacement or ankle fusion, ankle distraction arthroplasty preserves the joint and its natural motion. 

Joint Surgery
View All Articles
Expert Q&A: Best Ankle Surgery Options

Joint Surgery

Expert Q&A: Best Ankle Surgery Options
An orthopedic surgeon discusses popular surgical options for ankle arthritis and which is best for different kinds of ankle pain.
Read More
Elbow Surgery Options

Joint Surgery

Elbow Surgery Options
Learn about the pros and cons of each type of elbow joint-replacement surgery used to relieve severe pain in arthritis patients.
Read More
Making Sense of Your Insurance
Choose the right coverage, reduce costs and minimize claim denials with these helpful tips.
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Get involved with the arthritis community. Tell us a little about yourself and, based on your interests, you’ll receive emails packed with the latest information and resources to live your best life and connect with others.

 
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    Proud Partners of the Arthritis Foundation make an annual commitment to directly support the Foundation’s mission.

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Ways to Give

Every gift to the Arthritis Foundation will help people with arthritis across the U.S. live their best life. Whether it is supporting cutting-edge research, 24/7 access to one-on-one support, resources and tools for daily living, and more, your gift will be life-changing.

Make a Donation

Help millions of people live with less pain and fund groundbreaking research to discover a cure for this devastating disease. Please, make your urgently-needed donation to the Arthritis Foundation now!

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Become an Arthritis Foundation member today for just $20 and you'll receive access to helpful tools..... and more. 

Make an Honor or Memorial Gift

Honor a loved one with a meaningful donation to the Arthritis Foundation. We'll send a handwritten card to the honoree or their family notifying them of your thoughtful gift.

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Volunteer Opportunities

The Arthritis Foundation is focused on finding a cure and championing the fight against arthritis with life-changing information, advocacy, science and community. We can only achieve these goals with your help. Strong, outspoken and engaged volunteers will help us conquer arthritis. By getting involved, you become a leader in our organization and help make a difference in the lives of millions. Join us and become a Champion of Yes.

Become a Volunteer

More About Volunteering

  • Walk to Cure Arthritis
  • Jingle Bell Run
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  • JA Camp
  • Start a Live Yes! Connect Group
  • Be an Online Community Moderator
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Meet Our Partners

As a partner, you will help the Arthritis Foundation provide life-changing resources, science, advocacy and community connections for people with arthritis, the nations leading cause of disability. Join us today and help lead the way as a Champion of Yes.

Trailblazer

Our Trailblazers are committed partners ready to lead the way, take action and fight for everyday victories. They contribute $2,000,000 to $2,749,000

Visionary

Our Visionary partners help us plan for a future that includes a cure for arthritis. These inspired and inventive champions have contributed $1,500,00 to $1,999,999.

Pioneer

Our Pioneers are always ready to explore and find new weapons in the fight against arthritis. They contribute $1,000,000 to $1,499,999.

Pacesetter

Our Pacesetters ensure that we can chart the course for a cure for those who live with arthritis. They contribute $500,000 to $999,000.

Signature

Our Signature partners make their mark by helping us identify new and meaningful resources for people with arthritis. They contribute $250,000 to $499,999.

Supporting

Our Supporting partners are active champions who provide encouragement and assistance to the arthritis community. They contribute $100,000 to $249,999.

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