Ankle arthritis

The ankle joint is formed by the lower end of the tibia (shin bone) and the talus (ankle bone), also known as the tibiotalar joint. In normal joints there is a layer of cartilage (or gristle), which acts as a shock absorber and allows smooth gliding motion. In osteoarthritis the cartilage is worn and bone starts to rub on bone, causing pain. Often extra bits of bones form osteophytes which, together with scarring of the joint lining, are responsible for joint stiffness. Pain and stiffness are the two main symptoms of ankle arthritis.