Ankle Osteoarthritis (Hind/Mid-foot)

General information 

Can be talocrural, subtalar or midfoot.

Symptoms and signs

  • Complains of swelling, catching, locking. Pain and stiffness.
  • Local tenderness 
  • Loss of medial longitudinal arch
  • Reduced ability or increased pain on moving or weight bearing. 

Primary Care management

  • Advise 'extra width' footwear.
  • Weight loss, walking aids, analgesia, NSAIDs as appropriate. 
  • X-Ray AP lateral and standing views (if will alter management)

Useful resources

Who to refer

No improvement with conservative measures at three months and persistent pain and would consider surgical fusion.  

How to refer

SCI Gateway/Orthopaedics/Foot an Ankle Service. 
Referral will be vetted by an AHP and directed to most appropriate professional. 

Information to include when referring:
  • Duration and any cause of symptoms
  • Site/spread of pain. Constant or intermittent symptoms. Disturbing sleep?
  • Treatment to date (injection, orthotics, any podiatry, physiotherapy)
  • BMI
  • Range of movement, effect on walking and activities, any walking aid?
  • X-ray results (AP and lateral standing).