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Conditions We See > Foot & Ankle

Ankle Cartilage Injury Treatment:
Causes, Symptoms, and Options

Ankle cartilage injuries, also known as osteochondral injuries, occur due to trauma, repetitive strain, or overuse of the joint. These injuries often require specialized ankle cartilage injury treatment to address pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. The bones in your joints are covered in hyaline cartilage, which plays a vital role in absorbing shock and ensuring smooth, painless movement during weight-bearing activities. However, over time, this cartilage can erode, crush, or become damaged, leading to osteochondral injuries. While such injuries can occur in any joint, they most commonly affect the knee and ankle joints.

At ACME Orthopaedics, we provide a range of treatment options, from non-invasive therapies to advanced surgical procedures, tailored to your specific needs to help you recover and regain an active lifestyle.

The common cause of cartilage injury usually arises from an injury to the joint due to repetitive strains or direct trauma. Some sports have a higher risk of sustaining an osteochondral injury. These sports include:

  • Soccer
  • Rugby

Some common symptoms that indicate a cartilage injury include:

  • Pain when walking, running or jumping
  • Stiffness and swelling in the ankle
  • Clicking or a locking sensation of the joint
  • Instability of the joint
  • Decreased range of movement

Cartilage injury is typically permanent, and if left untreated, it can result in chronic pain and recurrent swelling. Furthermore, there may be broken or loose fragments in the joint, causing locking symptoms and requiring surgery for removal. It is crucial to seek medical help if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

  • Persistent pain
  • Quality of life is affected by the locking, swelling and stiffness in the knee or ankle

Non-surgical treatments

For smaller catilage injuries, immobilisation of the ankle joint with a cast or brace can help. Physiotherapy in the form of range of motion and strengthening exercises can be effective. Medication may be prescribed to help reduce the pain and swelling.

Surgical treatments

Surgery may be recommended if non-surgical methods fail to relieve pain or if the symptoms progress and worsens. There are two options for surgery which includes the following procedures:

1. Traditional open surgery

During this procedure, a large incision is made at the affected joint, allowing the surgeon a wider access range to the full joint. Next, the surgeon inspects and confirm the size of the cartilage repair before proceeding to repair the affected joint.

2. Arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery

Arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery is a type of minimally invasive surgery that involves a surgeon making small incision at the affected joint area to insert a small camera device for the surgeon to assess the cartilage damage. Once the damage has been assessed, the surgeon begins to repair the affected cartilage or remove the affected fragments through the small incisions. This procedure is most frequently utilised to treat osteochondral injuries as it is less invasive and has a lower risk of complications.

Rest assured, your healthcare provider will assess your injury before recommending the appropriate treatment plan.

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