Ever wonder why your ankle feels stiff, sore, or painful with every step? In this episode of The Ankle Arthritis Deep Dive: What Patients Need to Know, we explore one of the most underappreciated causes of chronic ankle pain—ankle arthritis.

Join us as we unpack what happens when the smooth cartilage of the ankle wears away, why past injuries can set the stage for arthritis, and how issues like misalignment, rheumatoid arthritis, or even gout can add to the problem. We’ll discuss what ankle arthritis looks like on X-rays, what symptoms to watch for, and—most importantly—the full range of treatments available, from simple lifestyle changes and bracing to advanced surgical options like ankle fusion and ankle replacement.

This episode is based on expert-reviewed information from OrthoEducation, a free, non-profit, peer-reviewed educational website dedicated to helping patients and healthcare professionals better understand orthopaedic conditions.