In its development, arthrosis of the ankle joint (crusarthrosis) goes through 3 stages. Arthrosis of the 1st degree of the ankle joint is practically asymptomatic and does not cause noticeable inconvenience to the patient. In the second stage, the symptoms become more pronounced, the patient suffers from prolonged pain and cannot move the foot fully. And grade 3 arthrosis often leads to disability, from which only surgery can save.
The ankle joint bears the entire weight of the human body, so nature created it with a margin of safety. Its cartilage is more resistant to influences that provoke degenerative processes. It retains the ability to recover for a long time, and the recovery processes are quite active. The joint is formed by the articulation of 3 bones, which are distinguished by a high degree of congruence, that is, their articulating surfaces perfectly match each other. This structure ensures uniform load distribution and high joint stability.
Primary crusarthrosis, associated with natural wear and tear of the joint, is rare. Most often this disease is post-traumatic.
Trauma can lead to mechanical damage to the cartilage or uneven distribution of load, disruption of bone congruence. In particular, the joint becomes unstable as a result of ligament rupture. Crusarthrosis can also be caused by:
Due to excessively intense mechanical stress or biochemical imbalance, the articular cartilage begins to deteriorate and become thinner. As a result, the joint space narrows, the bones fit closer together, and the load on the subchondral (subchondral) bone tissue increases. To protect against increased load, the bone tissue becomes denser, osteosclerosis develops, and in some places growths form - bone spurs, osteophytes. When moving, the articulating bones rub against each other, friction causes pain and leads to a dry cracking sound. Over time, due to the growths, the joint increases in size, and the bones of the ankle protrude. Complete destruction of cartilage and mechanical obstacles in the form of osteophytes lead to a sharp limitation of leg mobility in the joint.
Healthy cartilage is smooth, slippery, and elastic. With arthrosis, it undergoes the following changes:
Deforming osteoarthritis of the ankle joint does not immediately manifest itself as severe deformities. At first, clinical manifestations are moderate and short-lived, and only x-rays can reveal the first signs of changes that have begun. Osteoarthritis of the 1st degree (initial stage) manifests itself:
Radiological signs are absent or moderately expressed. At the first stage, x-rays can reveal:
With grade 1 osteoarthritis of the ankle joint, chondromalacia of the cartilage occurs and the function of the synovial membrane of the joint capsule is disrupted. As a result, synovial fluid is produced in insufficient volume or with an altered chemical composition. Synovial fluid serves as a lubricant for the joint and a source of nutrients for cartilage. Therefore, such changes aggravate degenerative-dystrophic processes in cartilage and lead to stiffness of movements. The beginning of the destruction of cartilage is often accompanied by an inflammatory process in the joint capsule, which manifests itself in the form of swelling of soft tissues and redness of the skin. Bone tissue begins to grow.
Manifestations of crusarthrosis at this stage cause slight discomfort, but do not prevent a person from performing his daily duties at home and at work. Due to mild manifestations, the patient does not consult a doctor. Therefore, ankle arthrosis at an early stage is diagnosed extremely rarely, mostly by chance, during a routine preventive examination.
The next degree for arthrosis of the ankle joint is degree 2. At this stage, the connective tissue of the cartilage is destroyed, and then it begins to crack and change its relief. The process involves various articular and periarticular tissues - subchondral and epiphasic bones, articular capsule, muscles and ligaments. This is the stage of pronounced clinical manifestations:
Arthrosis of the 2nd degree of the ankle joint is manifested by more pronounced radiological signs:
Osteoarthritis of the ankle joint grade 2 usually forces the patient to see a doctor, since frequent pain and increasing limitation of mobility cannot be ignored. The patient cannot perform certain types of work, if his activity is associated with prolonged stress on the legs, loss of ability to work is possible. At this stage, it is still possible to stop the process of cartilage destruction and bone deformation, but usually it goes into the third.
At stage 3, all the signs of DOA appear, the cartilage is completely or almost completely destroyed, bone deformation is visible upon visual inspection, an inflammatory process occurs in the joint, and reactive synovitis develops. The following symptoms indicate grade 3 ankle arthrosis:
At stage 3 of ankle arthrosis, varus or valgus deformity of the limb often develops, the foot deviates outward or inward relative to the lower leg. This deformation makes walking even more difficult. If in case of arthrosis of the 2nd degree joint disability is rarely assigned, then receiving a group at stage 3 is a common occurrence:
Sometimes stage 4 of ankle arthrosis is distinguished - complete destruction of the joint and immobile bone fusion (ankylosis) or the formation of a false joint (neoarthrosis). But it is more correct to consider these phenomena as independent diseases.
The earlier treatment for deforming osteoarthritis is started, the higher its effect. At the last stage, conservative treatment practically does not help, and you have to resort to surgery.
At stage 1, exclusively conservative treatment of ankle arthrosis is carried out. It comes down to wearing orthopedic shoes and other devices to reduce the load on the joint, maintaining muscle tone and overcoming stiffness through exercise, swimming, and water aerobics. At the same time, static loads on the joint, prolonged standing, and heavy lifting should be avoided. Physiotherapeutic procedures are indicated to improve tissue trophism and stimulate regeneration processes. One of the areas of treatment at an early stage is the use of chondroprotectors to protect and restore cartilage tissue. To stop the inflammatory process, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed.
It is important, as far as possible, to eliminate the factors that provoked arthrosis, treat existing chronic diseases, and normalize metabolism. Weight correction and giving up bad habits are necessary. Nicotine, alcohol, and an unhealthy diet aggravate the destruction of cartilage; excess weight increases the load on the joint.
At an early stage, treatment is aimed at preventing complications and slowing down degenerative processes. If you start it in a timely manner, there is a chance to stop the development of arthrosis and prevent it from moving to the next stage. By eliminating the cause, unloading the joint with the help of orthopedic devices, manual therapy techniques, long-term use of chondroprotectors in combination with physiotherapy and exercise therapy, there is a chance to restore cartilage that has begun to deteriorate.
If grade 2 arthrosis of the ankle joint is diagnosed, treatment should be more intensive:
Physiotherapeutic procedures, exercise therapy, massage, manual therapy, and spa treatment are also indicated. The only operation that is used at this stage is arthroscopy. A miniature video camera and surgical instruments are inserted into the joint cavity through a small incision. Articular mice are removed - loose bodies in the articular cavity (fragments of osteophytes, calcified fragments of destroyed cartilage, blood clots). These bodies, getting into the joint space, cause acute pain and cause a painful blockade. After their removal, the pain becomes less intense for a couple of years, and the range of movements increases.
At stage 3, it is often necessary to resort to analgesics, intra-articular injections of hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs in combination with painkillers. It is useless to treat arthrosis with chondroprotectors at this stage. The patient can perform single exercises from the complex that was recommended to him in earlier stages. Physiotherapeutic procedures, spa treatment, as well as drug therapy, bring only temporary relief.
Surgeries can help you get rid of pain:
After arthrodesis, the mobility of the leg in the joint is completely lost, but due to this the pain disappears. Endoprosthetics, subject to complete postoperative rehabilitation, allows you to completely restore motor functions. But this is a complex, expensive operation, the service life of the endoprosthesis is limited, and in some cases it is rejected.
By starting treatment for ankle arthrosis at an early stage, you can long delay the development of the next one. The second degree of crusarthrosis almost always progresses to the third, threatening disability. Unfortunately, due to the mild clinical symptoms of stage 1 arthrosis, patients often consult a doctor and begin treatment when the disease has progressed to stage 2 or even stage 3.
Arthrosis of the hip joint (coxarthrosis) is a chronic, gradually progressive disease, which, in the absence of timely and correct treatment, can result in a complete loss of movement in it. The ending -oz indicates that it is not the inflammatory process that predominates, but the degenerative process.
Symptoms of this disease vary depending on the stage. At the very beginning, it is a barely noticeable discomfort that occurs when walking and exercising. Perhaps it manifests itself in the form of mild pain in the hip area, which goes away with rest. In this case, pain can be felt not only in the thigh, but also in the groin area or in the knee.
As a rule, coxarthrosis is a process that lasts for many years, characterized by a gradual change in cartilage, followed by bone deformation and loss of joint functionality. It mainly affects people over 40 years of age, but there are also very young patients.
Why does arthrosis of the hip joint occur, and what is it? The causes of coxarthrosis may be different, but the picture of the disease is always the same. It all starts with a change in the articular cartilage, which becomes thinner and loses its ability to absorb loads. The body compensates for the delamination of cartilage tissue by the formation of bone growths along the edges of the articular surfaces, which leads to deformation of the joints and bones of varying degrees.
The main causes of this joint disease:
Depending on the cause of the disease and its pathogenesis, there are 2 main types of arthrosis of the hip joint.
At the initial stage of coxarthrosis, patients are only bothered by minor pain or discomfort in the joint area. Often such signs are ignored, resulting in the disease progressing.
Coxarthrosis of the hip joint, the symptoms of which cannot be ignored, can lead to serious consequences. There are several main signs of the disease, which depend on the stage of the disease:
The main symptom of coxarthrosis is pain, the nature of which, its duration, location and intensity depend on the stage of the disease.
This stage of the disease is characterized by pain in the joint and hip, sometimes in the knee, which occurs after physical activity and subsides after rest. Joint mobility is not limited and there are no gait disturbances.
Coxarthrosis of the 1st degree is the initial stage of the disease, by starting treatment of which it is still possible to stop the process of destruction and deformation of the joint and maintain its full functions. But, unfortunately, many do not consider it necessary to see a doctor because of mild pain in the joint, while the disease progresses.
It manifests itself more clearly - the intensity of the pain increases, it occurs not only after exercise, but also at rest, and limitation of motor functions appears. In particular, coxarthrosis is characterized by difficulty in performing pronation (inward rotation of the hip) and abduction, and a contracture is formed.
During an X-ray examination, we see a narrowing of the joint space and the appearance of bone growths on the surfaces. The acetabulum and head of the femur are deformed. The thigh muscles on the affected side begin to atrophy, and the pain syndrome spreads lower, affecting both the knee joint and the groin area (it is important to understand that this will not be accompanied by dystrophic changes in the knee joint).
Signs of the disease are pronounced and permanent. The pain syndrome occurs at night. When walking, the patient uses support. The muscles of the lower leg and thigh gradually atrophy, and the affected leg of the sick person becomes much shorter.
Often, by grade 3, the joint space completely disappears, and the joints fuse into a single bone structure, this is demonstrated by the picture. As a result, complete immobility of the joint occurs.
Radiographs reveal extensive bone growths on the side of the roof of the acetabulum and the head of the femur, and a sharp narrowing of the joint space. The neck of the femur is significantly expanded and shortened.
Before figuring out how to treat arthrosis of the hip joint, it is necessary to make a correct diagnosis. If coxarthrosis is suspected, a person will be referred for a biochemical blood test - if the disease is present, patients will experience a slight increase in ESR, globulins, immunoglobulins and seromucoid.
The next stage in identifying arthrosis is an x-ray photo. It will reveal:
Unfortunately, the X-ray photo does not allow one to see the joint capsule and the cartilage themselves; if it is necessary to obtain information about these soft tissues, the patient will be referred for tomography.
If arthrosis of the hip joint is diagnosed, treatment will directly depend on the stage at which the disease is located. The general treatment regimen involves achieving the following goals:
All this can be achieved only with the help of an integrated approach, which should include not only drug therapy, but also lifestyle changes in order to get rid of risk factors for coxarthrosis.
All listed drugs are prescribed exclusively by the attending physician. Some are effective as injections directly into the affected joint area. Such injections should only be given by qualified medical personnel. Therefore, self-medication is strictly not recommended.
In addition to the use of medications, doctors also recommend non-drug methods to combat the disease. These include the following methods of treating this disease:
Physiotherapy used for arthrosis includes the following types of treatment:
All these methods can only be used to improve blood supply to joints and relieve spasms.
Combined treatment of hip arthrosis involves prescribing the following groups of medications:
There is no need to rely heavily on folk remedies. But some healers recommend tincture of lemon, garlic or celery root to treat joints and bones.
For deforming arthrosis of the hip joint, massage treatment gives good results. Massage for coxarthrosis is a very effective and useful method. It is advisable that the massage be performed by a good specialist and as often as possible.
Its action is aimed at improving blood circulation, strengthening muscles, relieving painful spasms, swelling and muscle tension, as well as increasing diastasis between the articulating elements of the joint.
If you don’t have a professional massage therapist, you can do the massage yourself. Massage for arthrosis can be performed either manually or with the help of various massage devices and even a stream of water (hydrokinesitherapy).
Treatment of arthrosis of the hip joint with physical exercise is to achieve two goals: increase the mobility of the legs and prevent muscle atrophy. All standard exercise therapy complexes for coxarthrosis also have a general strengthening character and a positive effect on the entire body.
A specialist prescribes a set of gymnastic exercises. The first couple of physical therapy sessions should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor. He will show you how to perform each movement correctly and will also ensure proper stress on your hip joints.
The diet will reduce the load on the hip joints and provide them with everything necessary for tissue restoration.
Arthrosis of the elbow joint is a dystrophic-degenerative disease characterized by thinning and destruction of the cartilage tissue of the joint. In most cases, the disease is the result of natural aging of the body and usually begins to develop after 45 years of age.
But there are exceptions to the general rule, when arthrosis is diagnosed in very young patients or professional athletes. In this case, pathological changes develop against the background of injuries, excessive physical exertion, or as a result of concomitant chronic diseases. Today we’ll talk about the symptoms and treatment of arthrosis of the elbow joint, and learn all about the causes of the disease and the consequences caused by dystrophic damage to the articular structures.
Unlike the hip or knee joints, which bear the highest loads, the elbow joint is less susceptible to arthrosis. But the main danger of the pathological process is that it develops for a long time without pronounced symptoms and manifests itself already at the stage of joint destruction.
The mechanism of development of the disease is a decrease in the volume of synovial fluid, which leads to a narrowing of the joint space, increased friction in the joint area and the gradual proliferation of bone growths (osteophytes). The result of dystrophic processes is the occurrence of pain and limitation of joint mobility. In this case, the degenerative process covers all structures - ligaments, muscles, synovial capsule and its membrane, as well as subchondral bone.
The following provoking factors can trigger joint destruction:
According to the ICD, 10 arthrosis of the elbow joint belongs to codes from M00 to M99, since there are many subtypes of this destructive pathology.
In the development of the disease, there are several characteristic signs indicating damage to the elbow joint:
The pain syndrome due to arthrosis does not go away even at night, intensifies in damp and cold weather and greatly exhausts the patient, depriving him of sleep and rest and leading to nervous breakdowns. With an exacerbation of the pathological process, a general deterioration in well-being is noted, the skin around the affected joint becomes dry and hot to the touch.
Deforming arthrosis is the most common type of pathology, which is diagnosed in almost 50% of cases. In this case, the main lesion is localized at the articular end of the humerus, and osteophytes grow around the glenoid cavity. Arthritis deformans is characterized by the same symptoms listed above, but at the same time there are some differences.
For example, already at the first stage of the pathological process, osteophytes that form around the joint are pressed into the ulnar fossa and do not allow free extension of the arm.
At the second stage of the disease, bone growths evenly surround almost the entire elbow joint, limiting the mobility of the limb.
At the third stage of deforming arthrosis, the proliferation of osteophytes is accompanied by sclerosis of the adjacent lobes of the ulna.
Deforming arthrosis progresses slowly and most often affects joints that are subject to regular stress. It is generally accepted that the mechanism of development of the disease is triggered by impaired blood circulation in the tissues of the joint, which causes their nutrition to deteriorate. Cartilage gradually loses elasticity and eventually ceases to perform its functions.
Taking into account the severity of clinical manifestations, several degrees of the pathological process are distinguished:
Arthrosis of the elbow joint of 1st degree occurs without visible symptoms. Only sometimes, during high physical exertion or sudden movements, certain discomfort occurs. However, already at this stage degenerative changes begin, which, in the absence of visible external signs, can still be detected upon examination of the patient. Thus, the onset of arthrosis may be indicated by a slight decrease in muscle tone, as well as some difficulties in flexing and extending the arm and abducting it behind the back. The production of synovial fluid decreases and a narrowing of the joint space can already be seen on an x-ray.
Arthrosis of the 2nd degree is marked by the formation of osteophytes (bone growths) and the gradual destruction of the joint. At this stage of the disease, a crunching sensation appears in the damaged area, and painful sensations increase that do not go away even at rest. The functionality of the joint is already seriously impaired, the patient cannot move the arm back or bend it, and therefore, performing ordinary everyday activities causes difficulty. The photograph of the elbow joint shows multiple bone growths and tissue deformation. On external examination, swelling is noticeable in the area of the elbow joint.
Arthrosis of the joint of the 3rd degree is characterized by extensive destruction of the joint, thinning of the cartilage tissue, and severe deformation of the articular joints. The normal relationship of anatomical structures is disrupted, the ligamentous apparatus is shortened and loses its functions, and therefore, when the range of movements is limited, pathological mobility of the elbow joint is noted, leading to subluxations. The nutrition of the joint and surrounding tissues is almost completely disrupted, the muscles lose the ability to contract, as a result of which the person cannot perform usual actions.
The pain becomes unbearable and haunts the patient constantly, even at night. Their severity can only be reduced by fixing the joint in a comfortable position. An X-ray image, in addition to a large number of osteophytes, reveals destroyed cartilage and the absence of a joint space. At this stage, external changes are noticeable, for example, one arm becomes shorter and the deformation of the joint is clearly visible. The more the disease progresses, the more pronounced bone growths, pain and elbow deformity become.
The method of radiography, arthroscopy or MRI helps to make the correct diagnosis for arthrosis of the elbow joint, with the help of which you can accurately determine the severity of the pathological process.
An x-ray image clearly shows degenerative changes in the joint - destruction of cartilage tissue, narrowing of the joint space and the presence of bone growths (osteophytes) in the joint cavity. This allows the specialist to make the correct diagnosis and determine how to treat arthrosis of the elbow joint.
Treatment for arthrosis should begin in the early stages, since as the pathology progresses, it becomes more and more difficult to cope with the destructive consequences. The best results are achieved by complex therapy, which includes:
The main drugs used in the acute stage of arthrosis are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). When treating the inflammatory process, Diclofenac, Voltaren, Ortofen, Ibuprofen, Nimesulide are prescribed in tablets for oral administration, as injections into the area of the affected joint or in the form of local preparations (ointments, gels). Their use helps relieve pain and cope with inflammation. The dosage of drugs and the duration of treatment are determined by the doctor.
All external agents used for arthrosis can be divided into several main groups:
Representatives of this group are ointments, gels and creams that provide anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects - Fastum gel, Nurofen, Diclofenac, Voltaren, Ketoprofen, etc.
This group includes ointments with a warming effect, which contain an extract of red hot pepper. The use of drugs such as Nise, Nicoflex, Espol improves blood circulation in the affected joint and relieves pain.
Such ointments contain several active substances that provide a complex effect - relieve swelling and inflammation, improve metabolic processes in the joint, and slow down further destruction of joint tissue. Representatives of this group are Viprosal, Apizatron.
In severe cases, in order to stop the inflammatory process, intra-articular administration of corticosteroids is required - Diprospan, Hydrocortisone. After the acute phase of inflammation subsides, injections of hyaluronic acid are made, which acts as a lubricant that prevents friction of the joints and eliminates pain.
At the second stage of treatment, the patient is prescribed chondroprotective drugs that prevent further destruction of the joint and promote the restoration of cartilage tissue. The most popular products are Artra, Condronova, Ostenil, Glucosamine sulfate, Chondroitin. They are used in the form of ointments to treat the affected joint or as intra-articular injections.
After acute inflammatory symptoms have been relieved, a course of physiotherapeutic procedures is prescribed. Popular techniques:
During the treatment process, you should provide the sore arm with a gentle treatment, for which the elbow joint is fixed with a special bandage. This eliminates stress on the affected limb and alleviates pain. A course of massage treatments will help improve the mobility of the affected joint.
During the rehabilitation period, the patient is recommended to do therapeutic exercises aimed at strengthening the ligamentous apparatus and preventing the formation of contractures. A set of exercises for each patient is selected individually, taking into account age, degree of joint damage, and the presence of concomitant diseases.
Exercises for arthrosis of the elbow joint should not cause discomfort or pain when performed, otherwise they will not be beneficial. The complex of therapeutic exercises is selected in such a way that its implementation solves a specific problem. For example, one block of exercises is aimed at improving blood circulation in the joint, another at relaxing muscles and eliminating pain symptoms, and a third at accelerating tissue regeneration.
Surgery for arthrosis of the elbow joint is resorted to only when the use of conservative methods of therapy does not produce results and the disease continues to progress, which threatens with serious consequences (including disability). In advanced cases, damaged joints can no longer be restored, so the joint is replaced with a prosthesis made of a metal alloy or high-strength silicone. Additionally, during surgery, bone growths and tissues affected by necrosis are removed, which eliminates the recurrence of the inflammatory process.
Surgical treatment of arthrosis with implantation of a prosthesis is an expensive procedure, which is not performed in every metropolitan clinic and requires highly qualified and professional doctors. After surgery, the patient must develop a new artificial joint during the rehabilitation period, which lasts several months. Only after this can he return to his usual way of life.
Folk remedies for arthrosis of the elbow joint are a good addition to the main course of therapy. The use of compresses, rubs, and decoctions based on medicinal herbs help cope with pain and speed up recovery. Popular recipes:
The medicinal composition is prepared on the basis of propolis and vegetable oil, taken in equal volumes (50 g each). The components of the ointment must be mixed and simmered in a water bath until the propolis is completely dissolved. The prepared ointment can be stored in the refrigerator and slightly warmed before each use. It is best to use it as a base for a compress. The sore elbow is generously lubricated with ointment, covered with a film on top, secured with a bandage and wrapped in a scarf. This compress can be applied before bed and removed only in the morning.
Pour boiling water over fresh or dry birch leaves and leave for 2 hours. Then drain the liquid, place the plant mass on a gauze napkin folded in several layers and apply to the sore joint. Cover the top with plastic wrap, apply a bandage and insulate with a woolen scarf or headscarf. Keep the compress for at least 3 hours.
Dry elecampane root can be bought at a pharmacy, crushed, measured out 50 g and filled with 300 ml of high-quality vodka. Place all ingredients in a dark glass container and place it in a dark, warm place for 10-12 days. Rub the prepared infusion on the sore elbow in the morning and evening, before bed.
Mix the egg yolk with turpentine and apple cider vinegar in a 1:1:1 ratio. Use the resulting composition to rub the affected joint, then wrap it in a woolen scarf and go to bed. It is recommended to do the procedure 2-3 times a week.
Steam pine or spruce needles with boiling water, boil for 7-10 minutes, cool to such a temperature as not to burn yourself, pour the pine infusion into a container and lower the sore elbow into it. The duration of the procedure is 10-15 minutes.
Osteopath Arthrosis of the ankle joint is a disease due to which the patient experiences partial or complete destruction of the structure of the articular cartilage and other tissues in this area. Over the course of life, cartilage loses its strength and becomes brittle. Because of this, bone tissue collapses, followed by deformation of the joint. This joint is the connection between the tibia and the talus bone of the foot. In addition to the tissues at the joint itself, both the ligaments and muscles of the leg suffer. If a person pays attention to the problem in time and adheres to the recommendations, then the treatment is almost guaranteed to be successful.
Modern medicine distinguishes two types of the above disease:
It was mentioned above that past injuries can lead to such consequences. It often happens that problems come from the lumbar region, where nerve branches can be pinched. Because of this, the performance of the muscles in the feet and legs may be impaired. Similar injuries are caused by other ailments: hernias, fractures, osteochondrosis, dysplasia, sprains and torn ligaments. In addition to these reasons, there are other problems that cause arthrosis: diabetes, enlarged thyroid gland and others.
The causes of arthrosis of the ankle joint can be frequent foot injuries.
There is an assertion that the disease can be activated due to genetic predisposition. Arthrosis of the ankle joint etiology confirms that women (wearing high heels) are at risk. The same can be said about those who receive heavy loads on the elements of the ankle. Such loads can be associated with work or sports activities. In addition, serious challenges await the joints of people who are overweight or overweight.
Arthrosis of the ankle joint has the following symptoms:
Frequent pain, crunching and creaking in the ankle joint can be symptoms of arthrosis
Once the diagnosis is accurately established, it is very important to begin timely intervention. It will depend on the stage at which the disease occurs. If you contact a specialist early (arthrosis of the ankle joint of the first degree), you can achieve the desired results quite quickly. Treatment with medications and special physiotherapeutic manipulations is possible. To begin with, under the influence of manual procedures, doctors try to return the joint to its natural position and then fix it. It is also important to remove the load from the diseased joint as much as possible. If you are overweight, it is advisable to start losing it.
The initial stages of treatment involve eliminating pain and inflammation. This is done with analgesics and non-steroidal drugs. In addition, they may prescribe special agents that strengthen and accelerate the regeneration of bone tissue. Biostimulants are prescribed to improve blood circulation.
Arthrosis of the ankle joint of the second degree may require extensive physical therapy options. It relieves pain and improves the capacity of arteries and blood vessels. Today, magnetic therapy, restorative physical education, acupuncture, phonophoresis, and UHF have become widespread.
Remarkable progress in the fight against the disease can be achieved through balneotherapy procedures. If the patient has no contraindications, then he can take advantage of radon or hydrogen sulfide baths, as well as therapeutic mud. Such procedures are usually carried out in sanatoriums and resorts. After such treatment, most patients experience remission, during which the need to use pharmaceuticals may disappear.
When asked which doctor treats late-stage ankle arthrosis, unfortunately, the answer is that it is a surgeon. Such radical intervention may be required if the joint has been destroyed. At the same time, the doctor assesses the patient’s condition and decides on further actions. Intervention may be used - arthrodesis. During this operation, parts of the cartilage are removed, followed by immobilization of the diseased joint. The patient is given a plaster cast, which he must wear for 2 to 12 months. In severe cases, endoprosthesis replacement is performed. During this operation, the patient completely replaces the joint or parts thereof with artificial analogues. Such a replacement greatly weakens or completely relieves a person of pain, and also leads to a significant improvement in mobility.
Deforming arthrosis of the ankle joint (DAH) is a chronic form of the disease, the main cause of which is considered to be changes in the articular cartilage.
It is worth noting that this disease occurs quite often, especially among athletes and people experiencing severe physical activity. DAH is also often observed in overweight people.
The ankle joint is almost always in motion and is regularly subject to stress. The process of destruction of articular cartilage is dangerous because in the early stages it does not have clinical symptoms. Thus, a person does not even suspect that he is developing a rather serious disease. As practice shows, in most cases the disease is diagnosed in old age.
The process of ankle joint deformation can progress under various factors. The cartilaginous joint itself does not have nerve endings or blood vessels, which is the main reason for the painless destruction.
During the process of destruction, the cartilage becomes quite loose and small pieces are separated from it, which float in the joint space and penetrate between the rubbing surfaces of the joint. As a result, small parts wear away the synovial covering of the joint capsule and cartilage tissue.
All this leads to painful inflammation of the joint membrane. This chain of processes leads to even more destruction of cartilage.
To prevent the development of a disease such as DAH, it is important to know the causes of its occurrence. One of the most common factors that provoke deforming arthrosis of the ankle is an increased load on the foot and on the legs in general.
As mentioned earlier, it is athletes who are often susceptible to DAH. The disease can also occur in women who often wear heels and do not give their limbs rest. The situation is aggravated by regular hypothermia of the legs.
Excess weight is another significant reason for the development of deformity. Therefore, you should carefully monitor your lifestyle and diet. It is worth noting that pathological changes may come from the cartilage itself, and not due to heavy load. But doctors often cite a disorder in the metabolism of proteins in the tissue as the reason for this change.
Deforming arthrosis of the ankle joint can begin to develop after an intra-articular fracture, partial rupture of the capsules or hemorrhage into the joint.
The disease can also be triggered by other concomitant diseases, for example, diabetes mellitus or arthrosis of another part of the body. In some cases, deforming arthrosis of the ankle joint can be inherited.
If parents have a tendency to this disease, then it is extremely important to know about the rules of prevention, we will talk about them a little below.
Deforming arthrosis of the ankle joint has three degrees of development, namely:
Different degrees of deforming arthrosis of the ankle joint differ in their symptoms. But we can highlight the main ones, suitable for everyone. Among them:
“Start-up” pain is one of the most common and characteristic symptoms. It occurs even in the early stages. This pain occurs after a long period of rest or calmness.
After getting out of bed or chair, the pain lasts for a short period of time. After a few minutes of movement it goes away, especially in the first stage of arthrosis. If you notice a similar trend, it is better to immediately consult a doctor for professional help.
Only a doctor can diagnose deforming arthrosis of the ankle. For this purpose, an MRI of the ankle is most often prescribed. During the examination, the specialist determines the degree of development and depth of the problem. After this, treatment methods are prescribed.
It is worth noting that treatment is a whole complex of actions that, for quite a long time, fight the causes of the disease. First of all, doctors recommend completely eliminating heavy physical activity and minimizing movement.
Special therapeutic exercise, massage and physiotherapy have a good effect. In most cases, drug treatment is prescribed. Medicines help relieve pain and inflammation. In advanced stages, intra-articular corticosteroids are used.
Today, laser therapy is often used to treat deforming arthrosis of the ankle joint. Laser treatment is one of the most effective, especially in the initial stages of the disease.
In order for the body to fully recover, it is important to take care of proper nutrition and nutritional supplements. Healthy products include khash, jelly and jellied meat. Also, for arthrosis, it is recommended to eat foods rich in calcium, as well as B vitamins.
The consequences of deforming arthrosis of the ankle joint can be very unpleasant. This disease can cause partial or complete immobility. If you do not see a doctor in time, the risk of disability increases.
There are several recommendations that will help avoid the appearance and progression of DAH. The first step is to avoid joint injuries.
You should only wear shoes with stable heels, and use protective equipment when playing sports. Also, do not use shoes with too hard soles.
It is imperative to monitor your diet, consume calcium and all vitamins. Introduce dairy products, vegetables and fruits into your daily diet. You should avoid very salty and spicy foods.
If the work involves constant stress, then you should get plenty of rest and try to regularly do special gymnastics.
It is necessary to treat any disorders associated with vascular diseases and the endocrine system. You also need to undergo regular examinations with doctors to avoid unpleasant surprises.