Arthrosis of the ankle joint - dystrophic erosion of the feet. Typically, the disease is chronic and quite difficult to treat. Because the consequence is a decrease in the intensity of blood circulation in the joint and, accordingly, a neglected metabolism.
In the initial stages, arthrosis occurs completely unnoticed by the patient. And over time, the symptoms may be different for everyone and may not show the true “face” of the disease.
The main symptoms of deforming osteoarthritis of the ankle joint, which you should definitely pay attention to at their first manifestations:
The primary task in treatment is the elimination of pain and inflammation. Complex therapy based on medications can cope with this problem, but there are also other methods of restoring the functionality of the ankle joints.
Let's consider the main methods of assistance for arthrosis of the ankle joint:
When treating deforming osteoarthritis of the ankle joint, no special diets are required. But it is mandatory to prescribe a vitamin complex (especially groups B and C) and calcium. You should completely eliminate alcohol from your diet. Among the common folk remedies, you can prescribe walking on mown grass or simply on the ground barefoot. Taking baths with the addition of mustard and herbs will also not harm.
Arthrosis of the ankle joint most often occurs in old age. The joints wear out and bring a lot of discomfort when walking. It is necessary to pay attention to the symptoms of the disease in time to begin therapy. Treatment of arthrosis consists of drug therapy, massage, gymnastics and surgical treatment in the final stages.
Arthrosis of the ankle joint is a common orthopedic pathology that is most often observed in older people. The main reasons for the development of ankle arthrosis are wearing heels, physical activity and hypothermia. The cartilage of the ankle joint wears and wears down with age, so pain when walking is the main symptom of the disease.
Arthrosis of the ankle joint in most cases develops in old age, but increasingly this disease is being diagnosed in young people.
The ankle joint is the most important “participant” in such a process as walking. It smoothly rolls the foot and transfers body weight from the heel to the toe. The articular heads of bones are covered with elastic but dense cartilaginous tissues, which for certain reasons can irreversibly change - become thinner, crack, wear out. Destruction of cartilage fibers in the ankle joint is called deforming arthrosis of the ankle.
Arthrosis of the ankle joint has four stages:
Important! Despite the fact that the symptoms of ankle arthrosis at the first stage are not very disturbing, the process of destruction of the joint has already begun. The earlier treatment is started, the greater the chance of complete restoration of cartilage tissue and recovery.
Damaged and healthy joints. With arthrosis, cartilage tissue is primarily affected, resulting in joint deformation.
Arthrosis of the ankle joint is a common disease among lovers of high platforms and heels. Orthopedists recommend abandoning such shoes in favor of shoes and sandals with small wedges or heels.
There are many causes of ankle arthrosis:
Advice! Doctors recommend wearing comfortable shoes. For women who prefer heels, it is advisable to choose shoes or boots with a platform or heel no more than 3-5 cm.
Arthrosis of the ankle joint at the first stage of development is very rarely diagnosed. Patients do not attach due importance to pain in the lower extremities, attributing discomfort to fatigue, uncomfortable shoes, etc.
A disease such as arthrosis of the ankle joint is most often diagnosed at the second stage. Unfortunately, when the first symptoms appear, patients prefer not to look for the root cause, but to take painkillers. To diagnose ankle arthrosis, doctors use methods such as:
First aid for ankle arthrosis - complete immobilization of the damaged joint
For arthrosis of the ankle joint, drug therapy is first resorted to. The patient is prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (orally, in the form of ointments, gels or intra-articular injections). To relieve pain, anesthetics and painkillers are prescribed. Also, the course of treatment for ankle arthrosis necessarily includes intra-articular administration of glucocorticoids, muscle relaxants, chondroprotectors and means for restoring blood circulation.
Additionally, patients are recommended:
Important! The third and fourth stages of arthrosis of the ankle joint in most cases require surgical treatment - removal of destroyed cartilage fibers, joint replacement, arthroscopy, etc.
Arthrosis of the ankle joint can be treated not only with medications. There are a huge number of folk recipes to combat this disease.
How to treat arthrosis of the ankle joint using traditional methods? There are many recipes to combat this disease:
To immobilize the damaged joint, you can wear special bandages and splints. Complete rest is the main condition for the treatment of ankle arthrosis.
Important! Treatment of ankle arthrosis is a long process. To obtain a positive result, the procedures should be performed regularly over several weeks. Under no circumstances should traditional methods of treatment be replaced with drug therapy. All methods of combating the disease must be comprehensive and approved by the attending physician.
Arthrosis of the ankle joint is a common disease in both women and men. It is easier to cure the disease at the initial stage of development, so it is important to immediately seek help from a specialist at the first symptoms.
Co-author of the material: Dmitry Ulyanov is an orthopedist-rheumatologist with 22 years of experience, a doctor of the first category. Engaged in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of all diseases of the joints and connective tissue. He has a diploma in Rheumatology and studied at the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia.
Arthrosis of the ankle joint is a chronic dystrophic-degenerative disease. First, the damage occurs in the cartilage, then the inflammatory process spreads to the joint tissue: bones, capsule, synovial membrane, muscles, ligaments. The disease develops as a result of injury, excessive stress, certain inflammatory processes and metabolic failures. Sometimes arthrosis can appear for no reason at all. Why does arthrosis of the ankle joint occur? What are the methods of treating pathology?
During the disease, gradual destructive processes occur in the surrounding tissues, in the articular cartilage. The pathology proceeds in waves - it either subsides or worsens. In some cases, it begins to actively progress. Both women and men suffer from arthrosis of the ankle joint. The risk of developing arthrosis increases with age, although recently the disease has begun to be diagnosed in young people.
Primary and secondary forms of arthrosis can be distinguished. The primary form occurs for no apparent reason, and the secondary form appears under the influence of various factors - inflammation, injury, metabolic disorders in cartilage. The main causes of secondary arthrosis of the ankle include:
Each surface of the joints should be elastic and smooth. Due to friction against each other, shock absorption is provided under different types of loads. In case of injury or metabolic failures, cartilage loses its elasticity. With a lack of shock absorption, the entire load falls on the bone, in which degenerative processes begin to develop.
If arthrosis occurs after an injury, the function of not only bones and cartilage, but also tissues is disrupted. The synovial membrane and capsule begin to thicken sharply, and fibrous degeneration begins in the ligaments. Subsequently, problems arise with the movement of the joint, and severe pain appears. In advanced cases, the surface of the joint begins to completely collapse, and the person cannot move.
At first, the patient gets tired quickly and is bothered by slight pain after heavy exertion. Then the discomfort increases. Pain occurs not only after exercise, but also at night. As a result, the number of movements in the joint decreases, and a crunching sound becomes audible. At a later stage, the patient moves with a cane or crutch.
The following are the main symptoms of ankle arthrosis:
In advanced cases, the joint becomes completely deformed and the lower leg begins to bend.
The disease is diagnosed after examination and other studies. An x-ray of the ankle is of no small importance. If you have arthrosis, the joint space will be significantly narrowed, and osteophytes will begin to grow.
At a late stage, a cystoid formation is diagnosed. In advanced cases, the patient is sent to a CT scan to examine the soft tissues. Additionally, it is important to consult a rheumatologist, neurologist, or endocrinologist.
Conservative course of treatment
Most often, the patient is carefully examined by a traumatologist. When the disease worsens, consultation with an orthopedist is necessary. First of all, the patient should pay attention to his lifestyle and perform a special set of exercises every day. Physiotherapeutic procedures play an important role. The following methods are used to treat arthrosis:
Drug treatment of ankle arthrosis
Surgery for ankle arthrosis
In severe cases, surgery may be required:
So, arthrosis of the ankle joint is a fairly serious disease that you definitely need to pay attention to, otherwise everything can end with serious consequences. If there is the slightest violation, you must immediately undergo a general examination and the necessary course of therapy.
Arthrosis of the ankle joint is a fairly serious disease that always requires a qualified approach to treatment. Unfortunately, it can be very difficult to cope with this pathology. However, modern medicine offers effective means to reduce the level of existing inflammation and slow down the progression of the disease.
The ankle joint connects parts of the lower leg to the talus bone of the foot. Basically, it moves along the frontal axis, thereby ensuring flexion and extension of the foot. Lateral movements are characterized by minimal amplitude.
Arthrosis of the ankle joint, the symptoms and treatment of which are directly interrelated, is a process of sequential destruction of articular tissue. The pathology entails a disruption of the usual tissue structure, the death of some cartilage cells, the formation of cracks on its surface, as well as compaction of the bones. If you do not take the prescribed medicine for arthrosis of the joints, it becomes deformed, and its normal operation becomes truly impossible.
The older a person is, the higher the likelihood of developing degenerative-destructive changes. In this case, the musculoskeletal system is no exception. According to available information, approximately 10% of the population of our planet over the age of 40 suffers from arthrosis. In developed countries, the number of patients aged 65 years and older varies from 60 to approximately 80%.
The first stage of the disease is characterized by direct narrowing of the joint space, the cartilage itself swells and softens. Arthrosis of the 2nd degree is distinguished by the fact that microcracks form in the areas of the greatest pressure of the articular heads, and obvious protrusions form in the areas of the least. At the third and fourth stages, cartilage rupture occurs, followed by the formation of cysts and the growth of so-called bone calluses (osteophytes). As a result, the articular heads themselves become flattened, which prevents the foot from making normal movements.
Very rarely, the disease is primary, that is, it occurs spontaneously. Most often it is secondary and is explained by the influence of a number of factors. The causes of arthrosis of the ankle joint may be as follows:
The causes of arthrosis of the ankle joint often lie in the constant wearing of high-heeled shoes. The unnatural position of the foot provokes a several-fold increase in the load on the ankle itself. Athletes, dancers and those whose weight significantly exceeds standard values are also included in the risk group.
First of all, patients note painful discomfort when trying to fully stand on their leg, as well as the appearance of a characteristic crunching sound when moving. Over time, the pain becomes more severe and persists even at rest. The limitation of foot mobility along various axes gradually worsens. The joint itself increases in size, the foot becomes somewhat curved. In advanced stages of the pathology, pain can also be felt in the knee and hip joints.
Most medications that reduce pain belong to the group of so-called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. As a rule, doctors prescribe the following medications: Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Nimesulide, Aceclofenac, Diclofenac. The price of such drugs can vary from 20 to about 100 rubles. Let's say the cost of Diclofenac is only 25 rubles.
These medications can help relieve pain, but they also have some disadvantages. The thing is that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have an extremely negative effect on the gastric mucosa. For example, with long-term use, patients often experience gastritis worsening and even developing an ulcer. That is why the use of such drugs is prescribed in short courses to minimize the negative consequences.
Local treatment of the affected area involves reducing inflammation in the joint. In this way, it is possible to reduce the progression of the disease, that is, to keep the inflammatory process under constant control. This therapy is prescribed if the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is ineffective.
Local treatment includes the use of gels containing analgesic components (Bystrum-gel, Butadion, Deep-Relief, Diclofenac ointment). The price for these products is certainly high (from 200 to 700 rubles). However, this cost is completely justified. Ointments and gels provide an excellent therapeutic effect, especially when combined with other medications.
Some patients are prescribed chondroprotectors (Teraflex, Structum, Alflutop). They help cartilage recover and significantly improve tissue synthesis.
Unfortunately, it is not always possible to overcome ankle arthrosis only through drug therapy. Sometimes medications are ineffective. In this kind of situation, the doctor decides on surgical intervention. The safest way to stop the degenerative process is arthroscopy.
This procedure is carried out using a special instrument, which is inserted into the affected area through micro-incisions. This operation allows you to remove all bone growths.
Exercise therapy is prescribed for many types of arthrosis. Such exercises are especially effective for post-traumatic variants of the disease. Therapeutic exercises for arthrosis are aimed primarily at restoring lost muscle tone, as well as expanding the range of motion in the ankle itself.
Initially, exercises that require minimal load are selected. They are performed in a supine position (for example, circular movements in the foot). Then the classes become more difficult. The exercises are performed in a sitting position (rolling the foot without lifting the heel from the floor). Please note that in each specific case, the set of exercises is selected individually by the doctor.
First of all, experts strongly recommend avoiding injuries and mechanical damage to the joint. To do this, you should choose shoes with stable heels, and use special protective equipment when playing sports.
It is very important to control body weight, because excess weight is often the main reason that arthrosis of the ankle joint develops. The symptoms and treatment of this pathology should not be ignored. If primary symptoms appear, you should seek qualified help; you should not try to solve the problem yourself.
Experts also recommend following a diet high in protein foods. You should avoid excessively salty and fatty foods, as well as alcohol, for a while.
In this article, we have explained in as much detail as possible what arthrosis of the ankle joint is. Symptoms and treatment, causes and prevention are just some of the topics that are answered in depth here. Note that the effectiveness of treatment for the disease depends not only on its specific stage of development and the presence of concomitant health problems, but also on proper adherence to all the doctor’s recommendations.
Arthrosis of the ankle joint is a chronic disease of a degenerative-dystrophic nature. The cartilage is primarily affected; over time, the pathological process covers all tissues of the joint: capsule, synovial membrane, bones, ligaments and adjacent muscles. The cause of development may be trauma, developmental disorders, excessive stress, some inflammatory diseases and metabolic disorders. In some cases, the disease occurs for no apparent reason. Manifested by limitation of movements and pain in the joint. The diagnosis of arthrosis is made based on symptoms, examination and radiography. Treatment is usually conservative, using general and local anti-inflammatory drugs, agents for cartilage restoration and glucocorticoids, exercise therapy and physiotherapy. In severe cases, surgery is performed.
Arthrosis of the ankle joint is a disease in which the articular cartilage and surrounding tissues are gradually destroyed. The disease is based on degenerative-dystrophic processes; inflammation in the joint is secondary. Arthrosis has a chronic undulating course with alternating remissions and exacerbations, and gradually progresses. Women and men suffer equally often. The likelihood of development increases sharply with age. At the same time, experts note that the disease is “getting younger” - every third case of ankle arthrosis is currently detected in people under 45 years of age.
There are two groups of arthrosis: primary and secondary. Primary arthrosis occurs without any apparent reason. Secondary develops under the influence of some unfavorable factors: injury, inflammation, etc. In both cases, the basis is a violation of metabolic processes in cartilage tissue.
The main causes and predisposing factors for the development of secondary arthrosis of the ankle joint:
Less commonly, the cause of arthrosis is nonspecific purulent arthritis, arthritis due to specific infections (tuberculosis, syphilis) and congenital malformations. Unfavorable environmental conditions and hereditary predisposition play a certain role in the development of arthrosis.
Normally, the articular surfaces are smooth and elastic. They slide smoothly relative to each other during movements and provide effective shock absorption when loaded. As a result of mechanical damage (trauma) or metabolic disorders, cartilage loses its smoothness, becomes rough and inelastic. Cartilage “rubs” during movements and increasingly injure each other, which leads to worsening pathological changes. Due to insufficient depreciation, excess load is transferred to the underlying bone, and degenerative-dystrophic disorders also develop in it: the bone is deformed and grows along the edges of the articular area.
Due to secondary trauma and disruption of the normal biomechanics of the joint, not only the cartilage and bone suffer, but also the surrounding tissues. The joint capsule and synovial membrane thicken, and foci of fibrous degeneration form in the ligaments and periarticular muscles. The ability of the joint to participate in movements and withstand loads decreases. The joint becomes unstable, contractures occur, and pain progresses. In severe cases, the articular surfaces are destroyed, the supporting function of the limb is impaired, and movements become impossible.
At first, fatigue and mild pain occur after significant exertion. Subsequently, the pain syndrome becomes more intense. Pain appears not only after exercise, but also at night. A visible deformation gradually forms, the range of movements in the joint decreases, and a crunching sound is heard during movements. In the later stages, movements are sharply limited, support becomes difficult, and patients are forced to use crutches or a cane when moving.
Distinctive features of pain and other symptoms in arthrosis:
The diagnosis is made based on a survey, examination data and the results of additional studies. Radiography of the ankle joint plays a decisive role in making a diagnosis and determining the degree of arthrosis. Arthrosis is indicated by narrowing of the joint space and proliferation of the edges of the articular surfaces (osteophytes). In later stages, cystic formations and osteosclerosis of the subchondral (located under the cartilage) zone of the bone are detected. In difficult cases, for a more accurate assessment of the condition of the bone structures, the patient is additionally referred to a CT scan of the ankle joint, and for examination of soft tissues - to an MRI of the ankle joint. If necessary, to identify the cause of arthrosis and differential diagnosis with other diseases, consultations with related specialists are prescribed: neurologist, rheumatologist, endocrinologist, etc.
Treatment of ankle arthrosis is long-term and complex. Patients are usually seen in the emergency room. During an exacerbation, hospitalization in the orthopedic department is possible. The most important role in slowing the progression of arthrosis is played by lifestyle and the correct mode of physical activity, therefore the patient is given recommendations for weight loss and optimizing the load on the leg. A complex of physical therapy is prescribed, developed taking into account the manifestations and stage of the disease. The patient is referred for physiotherapy. In the treatment of arthrosis, massage, UHF, magnetic fields, laser therapy, ozokerite, paraffin, phonophoresis and electrophoresis are used.
Drug therapy is also selected taking into account the symptoms and stage of the disease. During exacerbation, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed: indomethacin, meloxicam, diclofenac. Drugs in this group have a negative effect on the gastric mucosa, therefore, for diseases of the digestive system, either “gentle” medications (celecoxib, nimesulide) are prescribed, or external NSAIDs are used in the form of ointments.
Along with anti-inflammatory drugs, local painkillers in the form of ointments and gels are recommended. In cases of severe pain that cannot be relieved with medications, intra-articular blockades with corticosteroid drugs are performed. Corticosteroids should be administered no more than 4 times a year.
All these drugs only eliminate pain and inflammation, but do not affect the cause of arthrosis, therefore, along with the listed drugs, the patient is prescribed chondroprotectors - substances that help normalize metabolic processes in cartilage tissue. Chondroprotective agents are used in the form of creams, gels and preparations for intra-articular administration. They use Synvisc, Ostenil and other medications containing glucosamine and collagen hydrolysate. To improve local blood circulation and activate tissue metabolism, pentoxifylline and nicotinic acid are prescribed.
If necessary, surgical treatment is performed: sanitation arthroscopy, arthrodesis of the ankle joint or endoprosthetics. Sanitation arthroscopy is usually performed for severe pain at stage 2 of arthrosis. During the operation, the orthopedist, using an arthroscope, removes from the joint cavity loose fragments of cartilage, osteophytes and other formations that cause pain and interfere with movements in the joint. The effect of surgery lasts for several years.
If there is significant destruction of the articular surfaces, arthrodesis can be performed - removal of the joint and “fusion” of the bones of the foot and lower leg. As a result, pain disappears and the supporting function of the limb is restored. At the same time, this method cannot be called physiological - the patient can use the limb by maintaining the mobility of other joints, but this creates difficulties in movement and significantly limits the ability to work. The most effective and physiological operation in the later stages of arthrosis is endoprosthetics - removal of destroyed articular surfaces of bones and their replacement with plastic, ceramic or metal prostheses. Movements after such interventions are fully restored, the service life of the prosthesis is 20-25 years.
Arthrosis of the ankle joint of the first or second degree is a degenerative-dystrophic lesion of the cartilage tissue of the ankle joint. This problem is personally familiar to many elderly people. Statistics show that 6 out of 100 people examined are diagnosed with this joint damage. To avoid being one of them, you need to know the first symptoms of the disease, as well as the principles of treatment and prevention of this pathology.
The joint where the bones of the foot and leg are connected is called the ankle joint. It is anatomically determined that in this place the bone has greater mobility and bears the load of the entire body. The bone surfaces of the articular elements have a reliable layer in the form of hyaline cartilage, which ensures mobility, ease of friction and elasticity during movement. Over the years, cartilage loses its qualities, exfoliates, becomes thinner and dries out. It is at this time that degenerative-dystrophic processes are launched, which lead to dysfunction of the joint.
Doctors in the orthopedic branch of medicine distinguish two types of this disease:
The peculiarity of the first type is that pathological changes in the joint occur in a healthy joint, while the second degree of the disease is diagnosed in an already changed joint. The causes of the development of ankle arthrosis can be injuries, fractures and vascular pathologies localized in this area. The connection between arthrosis and pathologies of the spinal cord has also been proven, resulting in pinching of the neurovascular bundle. As a consequence of this process, the processes of tissue trophism, innervation and blood circulation are disrupted in the lower extremities.
It is also possible that there is an influence of heredity, when several generations show progression of arthrosis at a certain age. Women who have extra pounds, as well as those who like to show off in high heels, are at risk. Orthopedic doctors insist that shoes, first of all, should be of high quality and comfortable, meeting all orthopedic requirements.
Clinical manifestations of ankle arthrosis are as follows:
At the initial stage of the disease, the patient may not feel any symptoms at all, while the pathological process is actively progressing. At an advanced stage, tissue swelling and a local increase in body temperature may occur in the affected area.
To prevent complications, it is necessary to consult a doctor in a timely manner, undergo examination and receive a course of treatment as quickly as possible.
Treatment of grade 2 ankle arthrosis completely depends on the degree of neglect of the pathological process. If the disease was diagnosed at an early stage, then after a week of taking medications and simple physiotherapeutic procedures the patient will notice significant changes for the better. If the disease is discovered at an advanced stage, when there are already irreversible changes in the joint, then the recovery process will be quite long and it is almost impossible to achieve a complete recovery.
The standard treatment regimen for arthrosis is as follows:
In addition to taking drugs for systemic action, do not forget about an important component of the treatment of arthrosis - drugs for topical use. Nowadays, there are many medications for topical use. All kinds of gels, ointments and rubs promote a speedy recovery, and also effectively relieve pain, restore trophism and blood circulation in the affected joint.
To prevent the occurrence of grade 2 ankle arthrosis, it is recommended to introduce a few simple rules into your daily life:
Taking good care of your health is the key to a healthy, active and happy life for many years!
Ankle arthritis is an inflammation of the ankle joint that develops against the background of systemic lupus, gout, ankylosing spondylitis, and rheumatoid arthritis. The course of the pathological process is often accompanied by an infection that enters the damaged joint through blood and lymph.
According to statistics, in 80% of cases this disease affects elderly people (60 and older). But doctors note that arthritis, including the ankle, has rapidly become “younger.” Now it is often detected even in children.
The name of the ankle joint speaks for itself; it connects the foot and lower leg. Due to the complex structure and special shape of the joint, human feet have high mobility. Moreover, if we compare the daily load on the knee, hip and ankle joints, then the latter is much higher, which means it is more susceptible to injuries or other damage.
Ankle arthritis has two forms: acute and chronic:
The acute form is characterized by a rapid onset of the disease with vivid symptoms, which is expressed in the rapid development of swelling in the joint area with an increase in local temperature. In acute purulent form, the skin over the affected joint acquires a reddish tint. Body temperature is high.
Chronic ankle arthritis manifests itself as a feeling of stiffness in the joint and pain. These signs are especially pronounced when a person wakes up after a night's sleep, at which point redness and swelling are almost not observed.
The manifestation of general symptoms of the disease depends on the form of the pathological process. It is important to understand that the lack of adequate treatment within two years threatens the complete destruction of the cartilage of the ankle joint. As a result, the joint area noticeably thickens, while its position becomes unnatural, the person experiences significant difficulties when walking, and passive movements of the ankle become extremely difficult or completely impossible. Atrophy of the lower leg muscles indicates that the disease is severely neglected - one leg becomes much thinner than the other.
Based on the symptoms of ankle arthritis, one can judge the underlying pathology that caused the development of this disease.
But since this is an inflammatory process, it has the following symptoms:
pain in one joint or both at once;
swelling, which is characterized by slow smoothing of the hole formed after pressing it with a finger;
redness of the skin, accompanied by an increase in local temperature (the ankle area “burns”);
limited mobility of the affected joint and difficulty moving;
The main symptom of arthritis is difficulty moving, which cannot be ignored. It is for this reason that people go to the doctor for an initial appointment.
The initial stage of the disease can manifest itself in an acute form, or proceed gradually.
The disease does not manifest itself in any way in the earliest stages, but the following symptoms indicate the onset of the inflammatory process:
familiar shoes become tight, which indicates the presence of edema;
flexion and extension of the ankle is accompanied by painful sensations.
Let's pay attention to the younger generation. The symptoms of “childhood” ankle arthritis are identical to “adult” ones. It is difficult for children to explain the feeling of discomfort; they can describe their condition simply: “my leg hurts” and refuse to move independently. These complaints cannot be ignored; you need to examine the ankle and, if there is the slightest sign of swelling, show the child to a doctor. Ankle injuries at an early age can lead to serious illnesses in adulthood.
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Arthritis of the ankle joint is divided into types. Let's look at each and understand the reasons for its development:
Rheumatoid arthritis. It is considered a systemic disease localized in the ankle area. A person's genetic predisposition plays an important role in the development of this disease. Its course is often accompanied by mild swelling and aching pain in the joint.
Periarthritis. This type is characterized by inflammation of the tissues surrounding the surface of the joint. Degenerative processes extremely rarely affect the ankle, but this disease is characterized by pain and limitation of motor activity of the joint.
Traumatic arthritis. Its very name indicates the reason for its occurrence - it is a sprain or rupture of articular ligaments, bruises and other closed injuries. As a result of damage, a certain amount of blood enters the joint cavity, which causes aseptic inflammation. With open trauma (gunshot wounds), septic (purulent) arthritis almost always develops.
Gouty arthritis. The cause of the development of the disease is a metabolic disorder caused by bad habits (abuse of tobacco, coffee, alcohol). These excesses increase the level of uric acid in the human blood, which the body can no longer cope with. As a result, its salts (urates) settle in tissues and organs.
Reactive arthritis. Affects joints as a result of nasopharyngeal, genitourinary, and intestinal infections. Accompanied by pain in the ankle joint, slight swelling and stiffness of movement.
Post-traumatic arthritis. The cause of the disease is mechanical damage to the cartilage, capsule, tendons, and ligaments of the joint. This problem is often encountered by hockey and football players, fans of skiing or skating, and lovers of shoes with high and unstable heels.
Common causes of ankle arthritis are: :
infectious attack of the joint by pathogenic bacteria. There is a specific form of the disease (infection with a pale spirochete, chlamydia or gonococcus) and a nonspecific form - a secondary response to furunculosis or influenza;
metabolic disorder (gout) caused by the presence of parasitic infestation and bad habits. Arthritis, in this case, is considered a secondary disease;
failure of the immune system (Bechterew's disease, systemic lupus erythematosus). The body perceives joint tissues as foreign and begins direct aggression against them;
mechanical damage and joint injury.
The causes of ankle arthritis can be intestinal or urogenital infections (urethritis, acute prostatitis, enterocolitis, vaginitis). They can cause reactive arthritis several days or weeks after the onset of the underlying disease.
Ankle arthritis can be caused by:
metabolic disorders,
wearing tight shoes or walking in unstable high heels,
professional activities (active sports, ballet),
After the doctor has made a final diagnosis indicating signs of ankle arthritis, the patient is first prescribed maximum rest. If possible, bed rest. If complete rest cannot be maintained, then immobilization with elastic bandages is necessary. Crutches or a cane, orthopedic shoes or inserts should be used as aids.
Depending on the form of the disease, treatment can be conservative or surgical.
Conservative treatment boils down to:
antibacterial therapy, the prescription of which is justified only in the fight against the bacterial form of the disease. Antibacterial drugs with a broad spectrum of action are used (tetracycline, chloramphenicol);
a special diet in which the patient should avoid nightshades, as they provoke pain, and from eating canned and smoked foods, since they contain a large amount of salt;
anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drugs, such as diclofenac, aspirin, voltaren. They reduce swelling, but their use should be under the supervision of a specialist, as they have unwanted side effects. When the disease is in the progression stage, hormone therapy is prescribed;
painkillers. These medications are necessary for the patient to relieve pain in the affected area. However, when the pain stops, the person feels relief and begins to increase the load on the ankle, which can lead to even more problems with the joint. This is why doctors categorically insist on using crutches and other aids during treatment;
vitamin therapy. To improve metabolic processes in the body as a whole and directly in the damaged joint, folic acid and vitamins B and C are prescribed;
biologically active supplements with collagen as the main component. It contains glucosamine, which acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, and collagen hydrolyzate, a component that is part of the structure of joint cartilage.
If the disease is not treated in a timely manner, synovitis or deforming arthrosis may develop, and then drug therapy is no longer sufficient.
As for surgical treatment, it can only be prescribed in cases of severe and advanced forms of the disease that have caused deformation of the ankle joint. The goal of the intervention is to increase the ability of the joint to move. The main methods are reduced to fusion or prosthetic replacement of the ankle joint.
Physiotherapeutic methods such as ultrasound and hydromassage are actively used in the treatment of ankle arthritis. With their help, you can significantly reduce pain, and in addition, they help restore the function of the affected joint.
Doctors recommend physical therapy exercises as therapeutic and rehabilitation measures. These exercises help strengthen the muscles surrounding the ankle joint, which relieves stress on the ankle.
If a regular walk is still difficult, then it can be replaced by visits to the pool. Movement in the water will ease the load on your ankle.
A visit to a sanatorium will facilitate the fastest possible recovery after suffering from ankle arthritis. With the help of mud therapy sessions, hydromassage, deep heating and therapeutic baths, patients are able to get rid of the consequences of the disease or delay the next exacerbation in the case of a chronic form of ankle arthritis.
Author of the article: Muravitsky Igor Valerievich, rheumatologist