Ochsner Now Offering a Range of Options for Patients with Persistent Ankle Pain
COVINGTON – Chronic ankle pain is a common complaint that is oftentimes overlooked. However, thousands suffer from ankle pain related to prior injuries or even arthritis. “Thousands of adults live daily with pain and inflammation in their ankle joints, which limits their ability to even go to the mailbox or clean house,” says Ochsner Podiatrist Daniel Hake, DPM. Dr. Hake says the most common cause of ankle pain is arthritis, which can present with the following symptoms in the joint:
- Pain or tenderness
- Stiffness/limited range of motion
- Swelling
- Difficulty walking
Dr. Hake is now offering a range of treatment options from conservative to surgical to help alleviate the pain that can slow you down. “If pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, walking assistance devices or weight management fail to alleviate a patient’s pain, we then look at more advanced treatment options,” says Dr. Hake. Such options might include ankle joint arthroscopy, arthrodesis or total ankle replacement.
Ankle joint arthroscopy is often used in the early stages of arthritis flare ups. Dr. Hake performs arthroscopy by using tiny instruments and cameras to inspect the ankle joint for damage or inflammation. If damage or inflammation is found it is removed and the joint surface is cleaned. “Arthroscopy is a common procedure used in arthritis treatment of many joints to restore mobility and reduce pain,” says Dr. Hake. “Most patients see a significant improvement following the procedure.”
Arthrodesis, also known as “joint fusion”, is a surgical procedure in which the bones of the ankle joint are connected into one continuous bone. The procedure results in more stability and is traditionally very successful in relieving pain. This procedure is commonly done for those patients whose pain has not been relieved by other measures or procedures.
Total ankle replacement is similar to the more commonly known hip or knee replacement in which the surgeon uses an implant to replace the damaged joint. “Recent advancements in ankle implants have made this option available for more people,” says Dr. Hake, who is now offering the Wright Medical Inbone™ implant. Because the Inbone™ total ankle replacement is less invasive, more of the surrounding bone is preserved. “Not only is mobility improved and pain relieved, but the stress on adjacent joints is also reduced, thus lowering the risk of developing arthritis in those joints,” says Dr. Hake.
“It’s important for ankle pain sufferers to know that there are more options available now to reduce their pain and that they can see a significant improvement in their quality of life,” says Dr. Hake. “With conservative treatments patients can delay or even eliminate the need for any surgical intervention. If surgery is needed, more minimally invasive options are available resulting in shorter recovery times and reduced risk.”
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Ochsner’s North Shore region includes health centers in Abita Springs, Covington, Hammond, Mandeville and Slidell, providing access to physicians in a range of specialties. Ochsner Medical Center – North Shore is a 165-bed, acute-care hospital in Slidell offering a range of inpatient and outpatient services. Ochsner North Shore is a part of Ochsner Health System, southeast Louisiana’s largest non-profit, academic, multi-specialty, healthcare delivery system. For more information, please visit www.ochsner.org and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
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