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.