Osteoarthritis of the upper ankle joint
You may notice that your ankle feels stiffer or is less flexible than it used to be. As a result, walking, climbing stairs or standing for long periods may become more difficult. Sometimes, after a period of rest, the ankle finds it hard to get moving again and movement may feel painful or stiff at first.
Many people notice that their symptoms gradually worsen. As a result, activities that used to come naturally can become increasingly troublesome.

What is it?
In osteoarthritis, the cartilage in a joint becomes thinner or less smooth. Cartilage ensures that bones move smoothly against one another. If the cartilage changes, the joint can become painful and stiff.
In the upper ankle joint, osteoarthritis can cause the ankle to bend less freely. This alters the way you roll your foot as you walk.