Ankle Arthritis in Athletes: Managing Pain and Maintaining Mobility


Arthritis can be a real pain for anyone. However, when athletes suffer from ankle arthritis, it goes beyond pain. It can potentially put an end to their chosen activity. Below, the team at Advanced Foot and Ankle Clinic of Waseca, Owatonna, and Faribault, MN, share tips to help reduce your pain and stay in your game. 

Treat Injuries 

 Arthritis in athletes often develops due to an injury, such as a sprained ankle. This is especially true if you are constantly sustaining sprains or not healing properly from old ones. 

One key to managing arthritis pain is to ensure injuries heal. If you sustain a new injury, seek care immediately. Don’t try to walk it off. 

Old injuries can also be healed with care. Even if you sustained your injury months or years ago, visit a specialist for an assessment and treatment plan. 

Stay Active 

 You might need to take some time away from your chosen sport or activity, but you should not be sedentary for long. Physical activity keeps the blood flowing and the joints more flexible. Try gentle, low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or cycling that can help strengthen your ankle and the surrounding components. 

Don’t Forget to Rest 

 Staying active is vital, but it’s also important that you give your ankle time to rest after activities. If your ankle is swollen or in pain, icing it can help relieve your discomfort. 

Visit a Specialist 

 Foot and ankle specialists have techniques that can significantly improve your symptoms and overall condition. Physical therapy is one of these techniques, as it can help rehab and strengthen your ankle joints. They can also provide custom orthotics and other devices that can improve your ankle stability. 

Don’t let ankle arthritis keep you on the sidelines. Work with our team at Advanced Foot and Ankle Clinic of Waseca, Owatonna, and Faribault, MN, to develop a personalized treatment plan to relieve your symptoms and maintain your mobility. You can schedule an appointment by calling our Owatonna office at (507) 451-5950, our Waseca office at (507) 835-1210, or our Faribault office at (507) 334-1951.


Arthritis can be a real pain for anyone. However, when athletes suffer from ankle arthritis, it goes beyond pain. It can potentially put an end to their chosen activity. Below, the team at Advanced Foot and Ankle Clinic of Waseca, Owatonna, and Faribault, MN, share tips to help reduce your pain and stay in your game. 

Treat Injuries 

 Arthritis in athletes often develops due to an injury, such as a sprained ankle. This is especially true if you are constantly sustaining sprains or not healing properly from old ones. 

One key to managing arthritis pain is to ensure injuries heal. If you sustain a new injury, seek care immediately. Don’t try to walk it off. 

Old injuries can also be healed with care. Even if you sustained your injury months or years ago, visit a specialist for an assessment and treatment plan. 

Stay Active 

 You might need to take some time away from your chosen sport or activity, but you should not be sedentary for long. Physical activity keeps the blood flowing and the joints more flexible. Try gentle, low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or cycling that can help strengthen your ankle and the surrounding components. 

Don’t Forget to Rest 

 Staying active is vital, but it’s also important that you give your ankle time to rest after activities. If your ankle is swollen or in pain, icing it can help relieve your discomfort. 

Visit a Specialist 

 Foot and ankle specialists have techniques that can significantly improve your symptoms and overall condition. Physical therapy is one of these techniques, as it can help rehab and strengthen your ankle joints. They can also provide custom orthotics and other devices that can improve your ankle stability. 

Don’t let ankle arthritis keep you on the sidelines. Work with our team at Advanced Foot and Ankle Clinic of Waseca, Owatonna, and Faribault, MN, to develop a personalized treatment plan to relieve your symptoms and maintain your mobility. You can schedule an appointment by calling our Owatonna office at (507) 451-5950, our Waseca office at (507) 835-1210, or our Faribault office at (507) 334-1951.

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