Complaints in the upper ankle joint:
Causes and treatment
The upper ankle joint (OSG) is a central connection between the lower leg and foot that can withstand high loads. Common complaints include osteoarthritis, which causes pain and restricted movement due to cartilage wear. The upper ankle joint can often be painful due to distortions (sprains), which are often associated with ligament injuries following an ankle injury. Misalignments such as flat feet or high arches can also impair the function of the TSS. Typical symptoms include pain when walking, swelling and limited mobility, which are unpleasant side effects. In the long term, untreated injuries or misalignments can lead to chronic instability or severe osteoarthritis, making ankle surgery necessary in some cases.
These are typical symptoms of upper ankle joint disorders:
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Impingement syndrome (trapping of tissue in the joint)
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Ligament instability, e.g. due to lateral ligament ruptures
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Osteochondrosis dissecans (death of bone under the cartilage)
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Cartilage damage due to overload or injury
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Ankle fractures (e.g. medial or lateral ankle fracture)
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Loose bodies (cartilage and bone fragments in the joint space)
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Osteoarthritis of the upper ankle joint (cartilage wear)
Treatment options
for the upper ankle joint
The move ahead practice offers modern treatment approaches for diseases of the upper ankle joint. After a precise diagnosis – including X-ray, MRI or gait analysis – an individual treatment plan is created.
Conservative measures such as anti-inflammatory medication, bandages, or physiotherapy, or the use of an ankle orthosis are often the first line of treatment. In cases of osteoarthritis, injections with hyaluronic acid or cortisone can alleviate the symptoms.
Surgical options are available for more severe symptoms in the upper ankle joint. These include arthroscopic procedures to remove loose bodies from the joint or treat cartilage damage, as well as reconstruction of torn ligaments in cases of instability. In cases of advanced osteoarthritis, an ankle prosthesis or fusion (arthrodesis) can ensure long-term pain relief. The aim of every ankle operation is to restore the patient's mobility and quality of life in the long term.
Cartilage and bone lesions
in the ankle joint
move ahead specialises in the treatment of cartilage and bone lesions in the upper ankle joint and has many years of expertise in this field. We offer NHS patients (on a self-pay basis), private patients and self-payers the latest diagnostic and therapeutic procedures following ankle injury or chronic overload. Our goal is to provide comprehensive and individualised care – from the initial examination to full recovery.
What are cartilage and bone lesions
in the ankle joint?
The ankle joint is a complex joint that is exposed to high levels of stress on a daily basis. It consists of several bones (tibia, fibula and talus) and a protective layer of cartilage that acts as a shock absorber. Cartilage damage to the upper ankle joint is often caused by misalignments from childhood, previous ankle injuries such as twisting, or degenerative or age-related changes. This damage leads to pain, swelling and restricted movement.
A bone lesion in the ankle joint can also be caused by injuries or incorrect weight bearing. If symptoms are present, such lesions can lead to the progression of osteoarthritis if left untreated, causing the joint to wear down increasingly.
Causes of cartilage and bone lesions
The most common causes of cartilage lesions in the upper ankle joint are:
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Misalignments since childhood or developed through
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Sports-related ankle injuries (e.g. twisting the ankle while running)
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Accidents (e.g. falls)
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Degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis
These misalignments or injuries cause the cartilage to lose its shock-absorbing function and damage the underlying bone.
Diagnosis and treatment options for cartilage and bone lesions
In our practice, we rely on comprehensive diagnostics to accurately determine the severity of cartilage and bone lesions in the ankle joint. For this, we utilize state-of-the-art imaging techniques such as weight-bearing X-rays, MRI and CT scans, and CBCT.
Conservative therapy
For minor lesions, we rely on conservative treatment approaches such as:
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Physiotherapy to stabilise the joint
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Pain therapy with anti-inflammatory medication
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Orthopaedic aids such as an ankle orthosis to relieve the joint stress
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Injection therapy to support regeneration
These measures aim to alleviate symptoms and improve the mobility of the joint.
Surgical therapy
If conservative measures are insufficient or the damage is advanced, we offer various surgical procedures:
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Microfracture: Targeted drilling into the bone stimulates the regeneration of cartilage tissue.
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High-tech membranes: These promote the growth of new cartilage tissue by stimulating stem cells.
These procedures are performed using minimally invasive techniques to enable a quick recovery.
Our practice offers you not only state-of-the-art medical technology, but also individual care from experienced specialists. We take the time to answer your questions and work with you to develop a tailor-made treatment plan.
Schedule an appointment today – we look forward to helping you!
FAQs
Which ankle joint conditions does the practice treat?
Osteoarthritis, torn ligaments, instability and other conditions following ankle injury
How is an ankle condition diagnosed?
Through clinical examination and imaging techniques such as MRI.
What therapies are available for ankle pain?
Conservative treatment, physiotherapy, orthopaedic aids, and ankle surgery if required.
When is ankle surgery necessary?
In cases of severe injury or when conservative measures are not effective.
How long does recovery take after treatment?
Several weeks to months, depending on the treatment method.
What preventive measures help?
Muscle strengthening, suitable footwear, and early treatment after an ankle injury.
Are there special rehabilitation programs for ankle patients?
Yes, individual rehabilitation programmes after injury or ankle operation.
Forefoot
Midfoot
Hindfoot
