Currently, medical treatment is directed at reducing the symptoms of joint inflammation. For many patients weight loss is very helpful, and should be a cornerstone of the treatment strategy. Scientists estimate that for each pound lost, stress on the ankle is reduced by five pounds.

The most common medicines prescribed for ankle arthritis are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen, Naprosen, Celebrex, and Vioxx. These medications are selected based on the patient’s medical history, allergies, and response to treatment.

The symptoms of joint arthritis can sometimes be relieved with a medicine directed at conserving the remaining joint cartilage. These supplements are not FDA controlled and can be purchased at most pharmacies without a prescription. The most common form is a combination of glucosamine hydrochloride 1500 mg/day and chondroitin sulfate 1200 mg/day. Because the FDA does not consider these to be prescription medicines, the quality of each brand is not strictly controlled, so advice from the pharmacist can help with selecting the product.