Ankle arthritis can also be treated with arthroplasty

Hip, knee, elbow and shoulder replacement surgery are not the only types that can relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

A growing field is that of ankle distraction arthroplasty, which can be used to treat arthritis of the ankle in certain patients, it has been claimed.

According to EmaxHealth, distraction arthroplasty uses a technique called mechanical unloading to reverse the effects of osteoarthritis.

It can significantly reduce pain without damaging the joint.

"This concept of joint restoration has been embraced by many foot and ankle specialists including both orthopaedic surgeons and podiatrists," the website said.

The website added that ankle distraction arthroplasty operations have "been performed successfully in Europe for many years" and are continuing to grow in popularity.

After distraction arthroplasty, patients are encouraged to walk twice a day under the guidance of a physiotherapist to ensure early rehabilitation.

Researchers recently announced that chondroitin sulphate can be used to combat synovitis following knee replacement surgery, thereby aiding recovery.

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