One of the most common causes of disability in the United States is the condition known as arthritis. Although it typically appears after the age of 40, there are people of all ages who face the pain of arthritis. Arthritis sufferers come from all walks of life, but it is more common for women than men to be affected. The word “arthritis” refers to painful inflammation, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. This broad term refers to many related and painful conditions that affect sufferers at various levels and in different joints.
Three Types of Arthritis that Affect the Ankles
There are multiple types of arthritis, but three are the most common when it comes to ankles:
- Osteoarthritis is the “wear and tear” form of arthritis. This one generally shows up during the middle age years and results from the natural wearing down of the cartilage at the end of joint bones. The condition comes on and increases slowly, getting worse and harder to live with as it progresses.
- Post-traumatic arthritis takes places when the ankle has been affected by an injury. Although the injury may have taken place years before arthritis appears, it can still trigger the development of arthritis. Injuries that have been known to cause the condition include sprains, fractures, and stress injuries.
- Rheumatoid arthritis happens when the immune system begins to attack the body’s joints and ligaments. This form of arthritis usually spreads throughout the entire system, eventually attacking all of the joints.