Having firmly established itself in my neck, the OA has now decided to have a go at my ankles.
Had just a few sore pangs now and then, suddenly the left one sore all of the time, especially after a walk. Oddly, it doesn't get much worse while walking, just afterwards.
The right one is OK but is tender to the touch, so it is lurking there too.
Does anyone else have this ankle OA?

Aaahhh yes, and of course it decides to be at it's worst behavior just as I am arriving somewhere that requires a bit of walking though as I go it abates but then later as I am settling in for the night it gives me pangs almost as though I am having spasms. Goes from an ache to a jab and back. Very annoying.

Fun, isn't it???
Here's something that you might find useful. For some years now I have been using tailor made prosthetics in my shoes to counteract fallen arches.
I would still go bare footed or wear slip on footwear while at home.
Just lately I have started to wear footwear with the prosthetics in all day, and now my ankle doesn't flare up. Still a bit sore all the time, but now it doesn't get really bad.
I got a questioning look from my podiatrist at the last checkup when I said I didn't use them all the time. I can see why now.

sometimes ankle pain comes from pronation while walking.

My son seemed to have this hidden thing...and it only showed up when he went to college and suddenly had to walk miles a day. I took him to a good podiatrist and he checked him out, and made an orthotic for him that fixed the ankle pain.

My son still uses it 8 yrs later! He has an easier time fitting shoes too... before the orthotic he was very fussy and hard to fit, and I guess it was the ankle all along.

We tend to think it is "arthritis" but it may be another problem entirely... so please consider that.

Yes, I agree. Mine was the flat foot problem initially, and may still just be that. I'll keep using the orthotics full time and see if that makes a big difference.
My GP is quick to suggest arthritis, but he didn't ask or know about the orthotic need.

Hi PeterB, Ankle arthritis...oh ya! My ankles started bothering me while I was in college(30 yrs ago). After tons of different medications that really did nothing, as I was always in incredible pain during the last 4 years, I asked my rheumatologist about "ankle fusion". She sent me to a guy who does nothing but ankles. I had each ankle done separately, was in a cast for a total of 6 months. If I had to do it again, I'd do them both at the same time and rent a wheelchair. But, the results have been MIRACULOUS!!! I have absolutely no pain for the first time in over 30 years! Now, I'm contemplating spinal fusion for the same reasons. I just need to give my body a bit of a break. I've been receiving steroid injections in my spine for the pain but it's not really doing the job. I have the x-ray images but I don't know how to insert them here.

u2nance

Peter you might want to try Salonpas patches on the ankles.
I use them alot for my OA. Sometimes they will work in one day!

I use the ones with methyl salicylate in them. Even on fingers and toes. This past week I am doing mortar work on a rock wall, and my right hand is having problems at night. I just cut them into strips and wrap around the affected finger(s) and next day they are much better.
There are several types, this is the one I use:
http://www.salonpas.us/salonpas.php
These should be available in Australia, since they originated in your part of the globe...Japan I think.

I have problems with the left ankle..since I had a steroid injection done by a less than adequate podiatrist there. It can flare up and hurt for no reason. I'd be lost without Salonpas.

I think folks should try non invasive remedies first, before going big time with the scalpels, etc.

I do agree, trying non invasive means first is the best thing to do. I, however, had gotten to the point where ANY walking was extremely painful and my ankles were constantly swollen to twice their size. I missed out on a lot of living. Age also makes a difference when ankle fusion is considered. I was 53 when I had mine done, which is pretty young for such a drastic move, but without that pain, I have been given a new life.

Thanks this has been a very helpful thread.

Donna

After using the orthotics pretty much full time all pain has gone.
So in my case it was flat feet, not arthritis.