Osteochondral Lesions
Osteochondritis is stiffness, swelling, and pain in the ankle joint due to lesions or fractures that form on the joint surface as a result of previous twisted-ankle injuries. Osteochondritis can affect persons of any age.
Symptoms of osteochondritis resemble those of an ankle sprain, such as swelling, pain, and a difficult time putting weight on the affected area
Osteochondritis treatment begins with X-rays to check for joint surface fractures and to distinguish the injury from a sprain. The foot and ankle should be immobilized to allow the joint to rest and heal. Surgery may be necessary to treat severe cases to remove cartilage and bone fragments from the ankle joint area, stimulate new blood vessels, and promote scar tissue that will fill in the damaged areas.