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Ankle Osteoarthritis: Our Comprehensive Approach Can Help You Avoid Surgery

Ankle Osteoarthritis: Our Comprehensive Approach Can Help You Avoid Surgery

Ankle osteoarthritis (OA) can sneak up on you. Maybe it starts with a little stiffness in the morning or a twinge of pain after a long day on your feet. 

No one understands better than Pritesh Patel, DPM, at Florida Foot and Ankle Associates in Boca Raton, Florida. Over time, the discomfort can grow, making even simple activities like walking the dog or climbing stairs feel like a challenge. 

Because May is Arthritis Awareness Month, we want you to know that accepting worsening symptoms doesn’t have to be an option. You don’t have to jump straight to surgery either. Our comprehensive, nonsurgical approach offers real solutions.

Understanding ankle osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and happens when the cartilage cushioning your joints wears down over time. While many people think of OA affecting hips and knees, it can just as easily impact your ankles — especially if you've had a previous injury like a sprain or fracture. 

As the cartilage breaks down, your bones can rub against each other, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced mobility.

Why early action makes a difference

One of the best ways to manage ankle OA is to start treatment early. Waiting too long allows more damage to occur, limiting your nonsurgical options. Now is the perfect time to seek help if you notice new or worsening symptoms.

Our approach

We believe surgery should be a last resort. Our care team focuses on personalized treatments that work together to relieve pain, improve function, and slow the progression of arthritis.

Here’s how we help:

Custom bracing and orthotics

Specialized ankle braces, inserts, or orthotics can offload pressure from your affected joints and improve alignment.

Physical therapy

Guided exercises help strengthen surrounding muscles, increase flexibility, and improve balance, reducing stress on your ankles.

Medication management

We offer anti-inflammatory medications and other therapies to manage pain and swelling.

Regenerative medicine

In some cases, advanced treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections may stimulate healing and reduce symptoms.

Lifestyle changes

Weight management, proper footwear, and activity modifications can affect your life when it comes to reducing or eliminating everyday pain and preserving your joints.

Our goal: Keep you moving — without surgery

We don’t just treat symptoms; we empower you with the tools you need to live actively and comfortably. By combining innovative therapies with proven strategies, we can often delay or completely avoid the need for surgery.

Take the first step this Arthritis Awareness Month

If ankle pain is slowing you down, now’s the time to act. Early intervention can make all the difference in keeping you on your feet and doing what you love. 

Contact us today to book an appointment. Call 561-202-1103 or use our online scheduling feature. We look forward to helping you take the first step toward a healthier, more mobile future.

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