Subtalar Joint Osteoarthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Reviewed By – Dr. Sameer Gohir
PhD, MSc, PG Cert MSK ultrasound, PG Cert. Non-Medical Prescribing, MCSP, MAPPN

What Is Subtalar Joint Osteoarthritis?

Subtalar joint osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition affecting the subtalar joint, which is located below the ankle joint, between the talus and calcaneus bones.

This joint plays a crucial role in foot mobility and stability, allowing for inversion and eversion movements essential for walking, running, and maintaining balance. Osteoarthritis in this joint can lead to pain, decreased range of motion, and dysfunction, impacting daily activities and quality of life.

If ankle or foot pain from subtalar joint osteoarthritis is affecting your walking or daily comfort, you don’t have to manage it alone. With clinics near Kent and Essex, Joint Injection Clinic offers advanced treatments to help relieve pain and improve your mobility.

Schedule your consultation now!
Ankle Pain Treatment near Kent and Essex - Joint Injection Clinic

Common Causes of Subtalar Joint Osteoarthritis

The development of subtalar joint osteoarthritis can be attributed to several factors:

  • Previous Injuries: A history of trauma, such as fractures of the talus or calcaneus, or chronic sprains, can lead to degenerative changes in the subtalar joint.
  • Repetitive Stress: Repeated microtrauma from high-impact activities, such as running, jumping, or even prolonged standing, can contribute to the breakdown of cartilage in the subtalar joint.
  • Abnormal Joint Alignment: Conditions that affect foot alignment, like flat feet or high arches, can increase stress on the subtalar joint, leading to accelerated wear and tear.
  • Age and Degenerative Changes: As people age, the cartilage naturally degenerates, making them more susceptible to osteoarthritis in various joints, including the subtalar joint.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis and Other Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can lead to joint inflammation and contribute to the development of secondary osteoarthritis.
  • Congenital Conditions: Certain structural deformities present from birth can predispose individuals to degenerative joint issues.
  • Obesity: Excess body weight can add strain to the joints, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis due to the additional load on weight-bearing joints, including the subtalar joint.

Symptoms of Subtalar Joint Osteoarthritis

Symptoms of subtalar joint osteoarthritis may include:

  • Pain: Persistent pain, particularly on the sides of the foot or in the back of the ankle, often exacerbated by activity.
  • Swelling: Inflammation around the joint may lead to noticeable swelling.
  • Stiffness: Morning stiffness or stiffness after periods of inactivity can limit range of motion.
  • Crepitus: A grating or grinding sensation during joint movement can occur as cartilage wears down.
  • Reduced Mobility: Difficulty in walking, especially on uneven surfaces, and limitations in foot functionality can significantly affect daily activities.

How Is Subtalar Osteoarthritis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of subtalar joint osteoarthritis typically involves:

  • Medical History: A discussion of symptoms, past injuries, and general health and lifestyle.
  • Physical Examination: Assessment of the ankle and subtalar joint for tenderness, swelling, and range of motion.
  • Imaging Studies: X-rays are commonly used to evaluate joint space narrowing, spurring, or other degenerative changes. In some cases, MRI may be utilized to assess soft tissue conditions or the extent of cartilage damage.

Treatment Options

Non-Surgical Treatment for Subtalar Joint Osteoarthritis

Initial treatment for subtalar joint osteoarthritis is generally non-surgical and may include:

  • Activity Modification: Reducing activities that cause pain and adopting low-impact alternatives, such as swimming or cycling, helps reduce stress on the joint.
  • Physiotherapy: A physical therapist can develop a rehabilitation program focusing on:
  • Strengthening Exercises: Targeting the muscles that support the ankle and subtalar joint.
  • Flexibility and Range of Motion Exercises: Enhancing mobility and reducing stiffness.
  • Footwear and Orthotics: Wearing supportive shoes that provide adequate cushioning and using custom orthotics can help alleviate pressure and improve alignment.
  • Ice and Heat Therapy: Utilizing ice packs to reduce inflammation and warmth to relieve stiffness can help manage symptoms.
  • Medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used to control pain and inflammation.

Advanced Treatment Options for Subtalar Joint Osteoarthritis

If conservative treatments do not yield sufficient relief, additional interventions may be necessary:

  • Corticosteroid Injections: These can provide temporary relief by reducing inflammation in the joint.
  • Hyaluronic Acid Injections: Offering lubrication within the joint, these injections may improve mobility and reduce pain.
  • Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: Involves injecting the patient’s blood-derived platelets to promote healing and reduce inflammation.
  • Surgery: Surgical options, such as joint fusion (arthrodesis), may be considered for severe cases where conservative measures fail. This procedure can relieve pain by eliminating joint movement at the subtalar joint.

Prognosis

The outlook for individuals with subtalar joint osteoarthritis can vary widely. Many people experience significant improvement with appropriate treatment strategies, while some may require surgical intervention for lasting relief. Early diagnosis and management are crucial for maintaining function and minimizing discomfort.

Prevention Tips

To reduce the risk of developing subtalar joint osteoarthritis or to slow its progression:

  • Maintain a Healthy Weight: Reducing excess weight decreases the load on weight-bearing joints.
  • Strength and Flexibility Training: Incorporate exercises that enhance foot and ankle strength and flexibility.
  • Choose Supportive Footwear: Invest in shoes designed for proper foot support, especially during physical activities.

Conclusion

Subtalar joint osteoarthritis can have a significant impact on mobility and daily activities. Understanding its causes, recognizing symptoms, and following appropriate treatment protocols are essential for effective management and recovery. If you experience persistent pain in the ankle or foot, seek advice from a healthcare professional for a comprehensive assessment and tailored treatment plan.

Get Help for Subtalar Joint Osteoarthritis at Joint Injection Clinic

If you’re struggling with ongoing pain in your foot or ankle — especially around the subtalar joint — you don’t have to manage it alone. At Joint Injection Clinic, we specialise in treating conditions like subtalar joint osteoarthritis using safe, effective, and minimally invasive techniques. Our experienced team of musculoskeletal specialists offers personalised care that focuses on reducing pain, improving mobility, and helping you return to your daily activities with confidence.

We welcome patients at all three of our clinics:

Dartford Clinic – ideal for those in Kent and South East London

Address: Unit 30, 1st Floor, The Base Dartford Business Park, Victoria Road, Dartford, DA1 5FS.

Romford Clinic – easily accessible from Essex and Greater London

Address: Room no 8, Alliance Office Space 2-4 Eastern Road, Romford, Essex, RM1 3PJ.

Canterbury Clinic – serving East Kent and surrounding areas

Address: 12-17 Upper Bridge Street, Canterbury, CT1 2NF, United Kingdom.


From ultrasound-guided assessments and targeted injections to tailored physiotherapy and rehabilitation plans, our specialists can help manage subtalar joint pain effectively and support your return to comfortable movement.

Schedule your consultation now!