[ Diagnosis ]
Cartilage injuries are hard to diagnose with X-rays. Detailed examinations such as arthroscopy or MRI are needed to confirm cartilage damage.
Learn about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of ankle cartilage injury.
When blood circulation to the cartilage covering the ankle bone decreases, part of the cartilage becomes damaged. When the ankle moves, the damaged area rubs against the bone and surrounding tissue, causing pain. If ankle sprains keep recurring and become chronic, an ankle cartilage injury (osteochondritis dissecans) may be suspected.
It can occur after an injury to the knee or ankle, but it can also appear without any injury or particular medical history.
Often develops in childhood and adolescence
More common in men than in women
Develops when repeated ankle sprains damage the cartilage
The ankle keeps aching after a sprain
Persistent pain around the ankle
The ankle may make a popping sound
The joint may swell or become stiff
Cartilage injuries are hard to diagnose with X-rays. Detailed examinations such as arthroscopy or MRI are needed to confirm cartilage damage.
Treatment begins with observation and conservative care, such as resting and minimizing use of the ankle. In the early stage, conservative treatment with a brace or cast may be used. If the condition does not improve, surgery is needed, and it can be treated relatively simply with arthroscopic surgery.
