Ankle Arthritis Treatment in Singapore
Ankle arthritis is a joint condition characterised by degeneration or inflammation affecting the cartilage and surrounding structures of the ankle joint. It can alter joint movement and load distribution, leading to changes in ankle function over time. Read more below:
What Is Ankle Arthritis?
Arthritis is the umbrella term for more than 100 conditions that cause swelling or inflammation of the joints. Ankle arthritis is one of them, in which the cartilage in the ankle joint – which connects the leg bones (tibia and fibula) to the foot bones (talus) – becomes damaged or worn out.
It is commonly characterized by symptoms such as:
- pain and tenderness when moving, touching or putting weight on the ankle
- persistent pain in the ankle joint, even when sitting or sleeping
- swelling or redness in the ankle
- joint stiffness or warmth
- limited range of motion in the ankle
- difficulty walking or moving the foot
Depending on the symptoms presented and the severity, ankle arthritis in Singapore may be addressed with medications, physiotherapy or surgery.
What are the causes of Ankle Arthritis?
The two most common causes of ankle arthritis are past injury and underlying medical conditions. In the case of the former, the ankle joint’s cartilage can become damaged due to trauma from a bad fall, car accidents and heavy-impact or contact sports. Autoimmune illnesses and joint infections can also cause cartilage damage, leading to arthritis.
Other factors that can increase one’s risk of developing ankle arthritis include advanced age, genetics or a family history of the condition, previous joint trauma or ankle injury, and being overweight or obese.
What are the types of Ankle Arthritis?
There are different types of ankle arthritis, such as:
Osteoarthritis
The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease in which the cartilage in the joint succumbs to natural wear and tear that comes with age. Aside from the ankle joint, it typically affects the joints on the hands, knees and hips.Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the healthy tissues in the body. RA is a systemic illness that can affect the whole body, but it more commonly afflicts the joints, skin, lungs, heart and eyes.Post-traumatic arthritis
This refers to swelling or inflammation that resulted from trauma or injury, including dislocation or fracture.Psoriatic arthritis
This is a form of arthritis that develops in patients who are also diagnosed with the skin disease psoriasis.Gout
Gout is a common type of arthritis that causes intense pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints, usually the joint of the big toe. It occurs when there is too much uric acid in the blood, which forms into urate crystals that accumulate in the affected joint.
How is Ankle Arthritis diagnosed?
A physical exam, alongside a review of the patient’s medical and family history, are usually enough for an orthopaedic specialist to be able to diagnose ankle arthritis in Singapore. A CT scan, MRI or X-rays may also be conducted to determine the extent of damage in the ankle joint. In some cases, a gait analysis is performed to check the severity of the arthritis, specifically if there is already a change in gait or difficulty walking.
How is Ankle Arthritis treated?
For severe arthritis that already causes debilitating pain, interferes with the patient’s daily activities or presents symptoms that do not respond to conservative treatments, ankle surgery may be recommended.
There are three main surgical techniques performed to treat ankle arthritis in Singapore:
Ankle arthroscopy
This is a minimally invasive procedure that involves inserting a thin viewing instrument (arthroscope) through a small incision, which enables the surgeon to visualise the ankle joint via a monitor. Microsurgical forceps and scalpels are also inserted into small incisions to remove loose tissues and foreign bodies in the joint, as well as repair damaged ankle cartilage.Arthrodesis
Arthrodesis or fusion surgery eliminates the arthritic joint entirely and instead fuses the ankle bones with metal plates, pins and screws, and bone grafts.Joint replacement surgery
This procedure involves removing the arthritic ankle joint and replacing it with an artificial one made of metal or plastic.
Axis Orthopaedic Centre offers arthroscopy and joint replacement surgery for those who are diagnosed with ankle arthritis.
Learn more about these techniques
by calling 9711 8888
About Dr Seng Chusheng
Dr Seng Chusheng
About Dr Seng Chusheng
Dr Seng Chusheng is a consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Axis Orthopaedic Centre, specialising in foot and ankle surgery. His expertise includes minimally invasive bunion correction, complex foot and ankle fracture fixation, keyhole ligament reconstruction and cartilage repair. Over the course of his career, he has performed more than a thousand surgeries and manages a broad range of conditions, including general orthopaedic trauma and sport-related knee injuries.
Dr Seng received advanced fellowship training at the Assal Centre in Geneva, Switzerland, focusing on complex deformities, trauma and minimally invasive techniques. Before entering private practice, he served as a consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Singapore General Hospital and continues as a visiting consultant. His dedication to patient care has been recognised with the SingHealth Service With A Heart Award. Actively involved in research and education, Dr Seng regularly presents at local and international conferences and has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, reflecting his commitment to advancing orthopaedic practice.
Our Orthopaedic Clinic Locations
With three conveniently located clinics across Singapore, Dr Seng provides accessible and comprehensive orthopaedic care closer to where you live and work. Each location is equipped to deliver accurate diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions.
Medical Centre
#06-33
Singapore 329563
Medical Centre
#04-08
Singapore 427989
Medical Centre A
#03-08
Singapore 574623
Teleconsult Available
For foreign patients, a tele-consult on Zoom or WhatsApp can be done if pre-arranged in advance. Please email or WhatsApp first to enquire.
Opening Hours
Contact Details
