Austria is an amazing European country, rich not only in magnificent landscapes and attractions, it is also famous for its SPA clinics. Health resorts in Austria have been known for many centuries.
There is a wide variety of thermal, peat and mineral waters and mud on the territory of this country.
Germany is characterized by a moderate, mild climate and a large number of SPA resorts. The largest of them are Bad Kissingen and Bad Wildungen. German resorts have a large number of their own thermal springs, mud deposits, as well as clean air from coniferous forests.
Arthrosis (osteoarthrosis) of the foot is a chronic pathological condition caused by degenerative-dystrophic changes in the cartilage and bone tissues of the small joints of the legs. A clear symptom of the disease is a change in the structure and configuration of the toes, accompanied by inflammation of the surrounding soft tissues (photo). The development of such processes is facilitated by injuries, metabolic disorders, accompanied by deterioration of blood circulation and nutrition of the joints, especially peripheral ones. In the absence of treatment, according to patients, severe pain occurs when walking - this is how arthrosis of the foot progresses.
Osteoarthritis of the foot can significantly reduce a person’s quality of life and undermine his or her performance.
There are many reasons why the foot may be affected by arthrosis. However, medical scientists have managed to bring together the factors that make circulatory disorders in the foot more likely and more likely to occur, which leads to dystrophy and deformation of the joints.
More often than others, pathology develops in people:
All symptoms associated with this pathology depend on what stage of development the disease is at. Doctors tend to distinguish the stages of development of foot arthrosis with their characteristic symptoms.
It is characterized by the presence of pain in the forefoot, which tends to make itself felt when the load on the legs increases (the person gets tired quickly), but does not constantly bother the patient. Sometimes the disease does not manifest itself in any way at all.
The pain syndrome worries the patient almost constantly. Deformation of the joints of the toes occurs, the heads of the metatarsal bones increase in size, which is most clearly manifested on the protruding joint of the big toe - the so-called “bone” grows. Movements in the joints occur with effort and through pain.
The deformation of the foot is noticeable to the naked eye. Pain in this area bothers the patient, both at rest and during movement. Movement in the joints is problematic, and the big toe changes its position. A callus forms at the base of the thumb.
In addition to the above, the following signs are characteristic of foot arthrosis:
The diagnosis of “arthrosis of the foot joints” is established thanks to:
Arthroscopy will allow us to determine changes inside the joint and thus determine the stage of the disease.
Depending on the stage of development of the pathological process in the foot area, doctors resort to two methods of eliminating this problem: conservative therapy and surgical intervention.
In this case, treatment is aimed at restoring the functionality of the affected joint, as well as eliminating pain.
Treatment options include:
In the conservative treatment of arthrosis of the foot, the use of physiotherapy is appropriate, in particular:
Among the surgical methods for the treatment of arthrosis of the foot, the following are widely used:
This operation has several advantages:
After such an intervention, patients quickly “get back on their feet” both in the literal and figurative sense of the word, and in the future do not feel discomfort in the joints when moving.
This operation involves replacing the affected joint with an artificial one, which is indicated for the last stage of arthrosis.
So folk remedies will help relieve pain and also eliminate joint immobility.
100 g of herb is poured with boiling water (about 4 cups) and kept in a dark place for three weeks. After this period, the solution is filtered and consumed before the main meal three times a day. Can also be used as compresses or for rubbing the surface of the foot.
Finely chop the leaves of the plant, mix with 100 g of honey and pour 150 g of vodka over the resulting mass. This compress is recommended to be applied to the joint in the evening before bed and left overnight.
They have a noticeable anti-inflammatory and calming effect.
I have arthrosis of the big toe. I’ve been undergoing treatment for almost a year now, but there are zero results. I am taking Structum 500, I was given a course of Alflutop injections, physiotherapy, and ointments with bee venom. I am a former athlete, track and field athlete. Now, let alone running, walking is almost impossible. Very severe pain in the foot, and the legs constantly swell. As doctors say, heavy loads took their toll. I really want to get rid of all this!
For the first time, my foot began to hurt very badly when walking in the area of the big toe about 5 years ago. I didn’t go to the hospital, it gradually went away. Since then, exacerbations have been repeated, and always in winter. I try to wear spacious and comfortable shoes with medium heels, do not buy shoes and boots with a sharp and narrow toe, and use gel insoles. I feel good in the summer. The main thing is not to overload your feet.
Sergey Innokentievich, orthopedic doctor:
Quite often, women call deformation of the forefoot as a result of transverse flatfoot arthrosis, and men call gouty arthritis. To treat these pathologies, different methods and different drugs are used. The diagnosis of arthrosis of the foot joints and its degree can and should be established accurately, or it can be excluded. Be sure to go to a specialist, and do not treat non-existent diseases.
The wonderful climate, abundance of thermal springs and clean air of the Alpine mountains contribute to the great popularity of Austria as a country favorable for recreation and treatment among tourists from all over the world. At Austrian thermal resorts you can not only relax your body and soul, but also get rid of many diseases.
The healing properties of thermal springs have been known since ancient times. Even the inhabitants of Ancient Rome got rid of many diseases in thermal baths and baths, built next to hot healing springs. Thermal waters typically have a temperature between 37°C and 42°C and contain chemical compounds and elements that are extremely important for human health.
Thermal procedures act through skin receptors on organs and trigger the mechanism of self-regulation and restoration of the body, increasing its resistance to infectious and inflammatory diseases. The composition of hot healing waters includes such healing substances as fluorine, iodine, sodium, bromine, selenium, silicic acids and many other elements.
Some sources even contain hyaluronic acid, which is necessary for rejuvenating aging skin. Therms containing radon activate life processes at the cellular level. Waters with a high content of nitrogen-silicon substances improve skin regeneration, smooth out scars, heal ulcers, treat eczema and psoriasis.
The effect of treatment in thermal springs is difficult to overestimate. We list just some of the diseases that hot thermal water helps to cope with:
Treatment at thermal resorts has contraindications. Therefore, before going to the healing waters, you should definitely consult a doctor.
A stay at a thermal resort is not only a health improvement, but also a wonderful relaxation. Swimming pools with waterfalls, baths with underwater hydromassage, thermal baths in the fresh air surrounded by beautiful nature have an amazing positive effect, they relax, charge you with vigor, health and make you forget about all your problems.
There are thermal water resorts in many European countries. However, the thermal resorts of Austria are considered one of the best.
The mild climate, clean mountain air and unique hot healing waters are the secret to the success of thermal resorts in Austria, which are among the top three in Europe in terms of quality of treatment and level of service.
While relaxing in Austria on the thermal waters, you can not only receive high-quality treatment, but also enjoy walks in beautiful places, playing all kinds of sports, and traveling around the country.
The resorts of Austria are famous for their sulfur and salt thermal springs, as well as for their healing mud with a rare, unique composition. In addition, vacationers can experience the healing power of radioactive radon adits.
The best time to visit thermal resorts in Austria is winter. Warm bathing and fresh frosty air have a very beneficial effect on the body. In addition, treatment at the resort in winter can be combined with active recreation on the famous ski slopes of the Alpine mountains. And the cost of holidays on thermal waters in winter is an order of magnitude lower than in summer.
The resort, located 130 km from Vienna, is suitable for treatment:
The total area of the unique system of outdoor and indoor thermal pools at Rogner Bad Blumau is 1500 square meters. km.
In addition to treatment with thermal waters, guests are offered:
The resort also has its own salt grotto with Dead Sea salts. The resort is equipped with sports grounds and children's playgrounds.
The Rogner resort of Bad Blumau is also known throughout the world for its unique architecture with “dancing” windows and walls reminiscent of a magic castle.
The cost of one day at the resort will be from 150 euros per person.
The health and wellness complex Baden near Vienna, 30 km from Vienna, uses thermal waters from 14 sulfur springs, which contain calcium, sodium and magnesium. Sulfur water is used for baths, drinking treatments and therapeutic mud procedures.
The healing sulfur waters at the resort treat diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Patients are also recovering here after undergoing operations and receiving various injuries.
The cost of treatment at the resort will cost from 65 to 270 euros per day per person.
The mud spa resort of Bad Ischl is located 60 km from the city of Salzburg. The thermal waters of the resort are distinguished by salinity and belong to sodium-chloride waters. The resort is famous for its successful treatment of the respiratory system, which involves swimming and breathing exercises in thermal waters.
They also treat:
Bad Ischl is an ideal place for rehabilitation after illnesses for both children and adults. The cost of treatment varies from 120 to 180 euros per day per person.
The resort of Warmbad Villach is located in the lands of Carinthia. This is the southernmost thermal resort in Austria and one of the oldest hospitals. It has been mentioned in ancient publications since the 16th century. The thermal waters of the resort are full of bicarbonates, magnesium and calcium.
Guests coming to Warmbad Villach are treated for joint pathologies, diseases of the spine, heart, obesity, metabolic disorders, stress, and the consequences of injuries and operations. The famous ski resort of Villach is located nearby.
The cost of living here starts from 115 euros.
The thermal resort of Loipersdorf is located in Styria, 160 km from Vienna. It is the largest health center not only in Austria, but also in Europe. The resort's springs have a high degree of mineralization and a temperature of 62 °C. In the vicinity of Loipersdorf, a unique clay of volcanic origin was found, which contains sulfur.
Clay is indispensable in the treatment of the musculoskeletal system, which is what the resort specializes in.
The resort has a large amusement park. This is a family water park with attractions and a complex of pools of different shapes, temperatures and lighting. At the resort, two towns with themed baths and saunas have been built for guests. There are also natural food bars and an underwater restaurant.
The cost of living in the complex will be from 120 euros per day per person. The price of visiting the thermal complex for adults is 29 euros per day, for children 6-16 years old – 19 euros.
The high mountain resort of Bad Hofgastein is located in the Hoch Tauern National Park, 100 km from Salzburg. At the same time, it is one of the best ski resorts in Austria. At this resort you can successfully combine first-class relaxation with wellness.
The resort is fed by 17 alpine springs rich in radon, which are located in radon adits. With the help of swimming in thermal waters, visiting radon adits, mud treatments and drinking mineral water, they treat:
The cost of a weekly wellness program at the resort will start from 970 euros per person.
The thermal spa of Laa is located in the center of the famous Weinviertel wine region. The healing spring of the resort refers to iodine-bromine thermal waters. Laa is the most modern thermal baths in Austria.
The complex offers its guests:
For children, Laa has unique children's pools with bubbles and a 90-meter slide.
The thermal springs of the resort treat joints, heart disease, psoriasis, diseases of the genitourinary system, gastrointestinal tract, and urology. Anti-stress programs operate successfully in Laa.
The cost of accommodation with access to the thermal baths will be from 185 euros per day per person.
The resort of Bad Tatzmannsdorf is located 120 km from Vienna in a place where three sources of health are concentrated:
These three components ensured Bad Tatzmannsdorf's reputation as a cardiological resort. Diseases of the cardiovascular system are treated here by swimming in carbonated waters and dry baths.
Peat wraps and mud baths successfully cope with rheumatic disorders, gynecological problems and diseases of the musculoskeletal system. In addition, the treatment here is based on a strictly scientific basis.
The resort collaborates with a local research institute.
The cost of the treatment program for the musculoskeletal system and cardiovascular system for 14 days will be from 1820 euros per person.
In the best thermal resorts in Austria, absolutely everything is aimed at improving the health of vacationers. Thoughtful treatment programs using the amazing properties of hot thermal springs will allow patients to get rid of illnesses and restore strength. And numerous entertainments will complement the picture of a complete relaxation.
The feet are a part of the body that undergoes enormous loads every day, because the weight of the whole body presses on them. If a person is overweight or constantly carries heavy weights, the situation worsens greatly and the legs begin to hurt. There are many problems associated with the feet, one of them is arthrosis of the foot.
People of all ages suffer from this disease, but it is more common in women who spend a lot of time in heels. Gradually, the feet begin to hurt; over time, this condition becomes chronic, and the joints are destroyed. It is imperative to treat arthrosis of the foot joints in order to slow down the destruction of the joints.
Osteoarthritis of the foot is a chronic degenerative disease in which, as a result of stress and other factors, the small joints of the feet are destroyed. Normally, the joints contain synovial fluid, which is constantly released and ensures smooth operation of the joints; meanwhile, they act as a shock absorber, protecting human bones from destruction.
Usually joints recover on their own if they begin to wear out, but when negative factors act on them, they simply do not have time to return to working condition and become worn out. During treatment, it is necessary to restore the normal functioning of the joints of the foot, but it is impossible to completely recover from arthrosis.
Most often among women, arthrosis of the thumb occurs; in this case, the joint begins to bulge, making it impossible to wear nice shoes. The cause of this deviation is usually injury and wearing tight shoes that squeeze the toes.
Typically, arthrosis of the foot occurs as a result of impaired blood circulation in the tissues, after an injury or with constant exposure to negative factors, in which case the disease progresses quickly and causes a lot of inconvenience.
The following factors provoke the occurrence of leg disease:
As a rule, most of the listed reasons do not depend on the person himself, because it is impossible to accurately predict the occurrence of a particular disease. But doctors note that it is those who wear uncomfortable shoes and lead an unhealthy lifestyle who are more likely to suffer from this disease.
According to statistics, women over 50 years of age are more susceptible to arthrosis; the disease occurs less frequently in younger women 30 years of age. As a rule, the reason for this is the constant wearing of narrow and uncomfortable shoes with high heels, and a passive lifestyle, in which the muscles become weak and cease to perform their functions to their full potential.
Also at risk are people who engage in professional sports, whose legs constantly undergo increased stress. These include bodybuilders, dancers and figure skaters, etc. It is also worth noting that athletes should not suddenly stop training, as the muscles quickly lose their elasticity, and the joints cannot withstand the change in load.
People who are overweight, eat poorly, smoke, drink alcohol, and move little are at risk of developing arthrosis of the foot and other joints. Such an incorrect lifestyle will lead to disruptions in the functioning of the entire body, including in the joints, because a constant lack of nutrients does not allow tissues to recover, and a passive lifestyle makes the muscles flabby, they cease to support the musculoskeletal system to the extent that should, as a result, quickly fray the joints.
Tall people are also at risk of developing arthrosis, as additional pressure is created on the feet. The risk of the disease increases in children and adults who have relatives suffering from arthrosis or other diseases of the joints and periarticular tissues of an inflammatory or degenerative nature.
There are several degrees of arthrosis of the legs:
Often the first signs of athrosis are mistaken for ordinary fatigue, because in the morning the pain goes away. But if you spend time on your feet again, by the end of the working day the aching pain appears again. Normally, this should not happen, so if such pain occurs, you should visit a specialist and begin treatment immediately.
It is important to note that it is impossible to completely cure arthrosis of the legs; timely therapy will help stop the destruction and prolong the functioning of the joints for many years, but if the disease is neglected, there is a risk of causing serious disorders in the functioning of the musculoskeletal system.
The doctor usually makes a preliminary diagnosis immediately, since there are no particular difficulties in identifying arthrosis of the foot. At the first appointment, the specialist interviews the patient, asking what exactly is troubling him in general and at the moment, when problems arise, whether there have been any injuries recently, what kind of shoes the person wears and what he eats.
If during palpation the doctor feels the presence of changes in the joint, even small ones, he prescribes an x-ray of the foot, which confirms the presence of degenerative changes due to arthrosis. To check whether there is an inflammatory process in the tissues of the legs or whether blood circulation is impaired, the doctor prescribes an ultrasound, CT or MRI, and blood tests are prescribed to identify the true cause of the disease.
Usually, an accurate diagnosis can be made on the basis of an x-ray, which shows changes in the cartilage tissue of the joint. The disease is treated by doctors such as a rheumatologist, arthrologist and orthopedist, but if there are other diseases, the patient may be advised to visit a therapist, endocrinologist, or nutritionist. During treatment, the patient is necessarily sent to a physiotherapist to prescribe physiotherapy and a physical therapy complex.
Arthrosis of the foot is identified, symptoms are identified, and treatment is prescribed by a doctor; often the specialist associates the disease with uncomfortable shoes and an unhealthy lifestyle. Arthrosis is dangerous; treatment cannot completely get rid of the problem forever, since this disease is incurable. Drug therapy, injections and even surgical intervention help only temporarily; they stop the destruction of the joint and help pacify the pain and live a full life.
It is necessary to treat arthrosis of the foot in a comprehensive manner, you cannot do it with medications alone, you will have to give up uncomfortable shoes, constantly do special exercises and improve your diet, otherwise the disease will begin to progress rapidly and the motor activity of the joints of the legs will be impaired.
Typically, the patient is prescribed the following procedures and medications:
As an addition to general therapy, treatment with leeches and acupuncture, as well as lotions according to traditional recipes, may be recommended, but such procedures can only be carried out with the permission of the attending physician as a supplement. These procedures cannot be used instead of what the attending physician prescribed; such an attitude to treatment will most likely lead to serious complications.
Folk remedies for joint diseases are very effective in complex therapy; they help relieve pain and reduce the amount of painkillers used, which have a large number of side effects. But traditional medicine recipes are not a panacea, and alone they cannot stop the destruction of cartilage tissue, much less completely cure arthrosis.
It is important to note that before using folk remedies, you must always consult a doctor, since there may be incompatibility of the prescribed drugs with the chosen remedies. In this case, side effects such as nausea and rash at the site of exposure may appear. For the same reason, you should not take the tablets with herbal decoctions, and do not apply lotions after applying the medicinal ointment.
For treatment, medicinal baths with chamomile, sage, salt, warming rubs and compresses can be used, and teas from plants can also be used, which relieve pain and inflammation and strengthen the overall immune system.
An important role in the treatment of the disease is played by proper nutrition, aimed at improving metabolism in the body and promoting the restoration of cartilage tissue. It is important to note that excess weight often becomes a provoking factor for arthrosis, since the joints of the legs constantly endure heavy loads. In this case, you must definitely go on a diet to lose weight.
Nutrition for arthrosis should be balanced, rich in healthy vitamins and other substances. It is strictly forbidden to fast in order to lose weight faster. Firstly, fasting will not help you lose weight, and this has been proven because the body becomes stressed and begins to accumulate fat, and the person feels weak throughout the body due to lack of energy. Secondly, hunger will lead to rapid destruction of joints due to a lack of nutrients.
It is best if a specialist selects nutrition for atrosis, taking into account the patient’s condition. In general, the following guidelines are recommended:
Prevention of joint arthrosis lies in the correct lifestyle. To avoid destruction of the joints of the whole body and legs, you must always eat right, do not overuse harmful foods, and also exercise regularly; the loads should be moderate and not traumatic.
Women are strongly advised to stop wearing high-heeled shoes, or at least reduce the time to 2-3 hours a day, if necessary. In this case, it is better to take a comfortable pair of shoes to work and change them, and in the intervals between wearing uncomfortable shoes, be sure to do therapeutic foot exercises.
Professional athletes need to undergo regular medical examinations and begin adequate treatment at the first signs of arthrosis in order to avoid serious problems. On the recommendation of a doctor, the athlete may be advised to give up training, as there is a risk of complete destruction of the joints in the shortest possible time due to heavy loads.
To avoid complications in children, you need to regularly visit a pediatrician and orthopedist, who can identify the problem in the initial stages and prescribe the necessary treatment. At the first complaints of a child, you need to immediately visit a specialist, because the child’s body is very fragile and all destruction in it takes place much faster.
Lake Heviz is a natural active thermal lake, which has no equal in the world in terms of size and balneological properties. It is located in a very beautiful area 6 km from Lake Balaton, 198 km from Vienna and 193 km from Budapest.
Thermal lake Heviz is the only one in the world where you can swim . One of the largest warm-water healing lakes in Europe, Lake Heviz, covers an area of 4.4 hectares and is surrounded by a magnificent forest park located on 50 hectares of territory.
Lake Heviz, even if we do not take into account the medicinal nature of its waters, is a unique geological formation, an analogue of which is found only on the northern island of Rotoruaban in New Zealand. The surface of the lake has an oval shape, the cross section resembles a curving funnel in shape, the depth of which increases as it approaches the site of the source.
According to the latest data, the actual depth of the lake is 38.5 meters . The water of the lake is “heated” by geotemic energy, the temperature is the result of the displacement of hot waters emerging from a deep source and karst waters.
The water temperature over most of its surface in summer stays on average at 33-35 degrees Celsius; in autumn and winter, depending on weather conditions, it does not fall below 22 degrees Celsius. Chemical analysis of water was carried out at the end of the 18th century, however A complete and final picture of the nature of medicinal water was obtained only in the second half of the 20th century.
The water in the lake is classified as radioactive thermal water and successfully treats people suffering from diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Water has a beneficial effect on people in the post-traumatic period. Water improves the condition of skin suffering from psoriasis; Mouth rinse treats periodontal disease. Thanks to the multi-meter layer of medicinal silt lying at the bottom of the thermal lake, pelotherapy is an extraordinary healing factor. The bacterial flora of the silt secretes a weak antibiotic, so no pathogenic bacteria are found in the lake .
The mineral springs of Heviz are also suitable for drinking; they treat chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract . Along with the positive effect of thermal water on the human body, there are also contraindications. Thermal waters are unsuitable for ordinary beach bathing due to their pronounced biological effects. It is not recommended to stay in the water for more than 30 minutes. Long stay in water causes increased stress on the heart and circulatory system . In addition, children under 12 years of age are not recommended to take long-term water treatments to avoid the influence of water on the hormonal system.
Water composition - Radon activity (Bq/l) in water 3.8-0.8 (1997)
Degenerative-dystrophic destruction of the feet, or arthrosis of the foot (erroneously - feet) is a chronic disease associated with a pathological disorder in the articular cartilage and soft periarticular tissues. This happens due to changes in the intensity of blood microcirculation and metabolism.
Arthrosis of the foot is a chronic disease that is associated with damage to cartilage
Anatomical “diagram” of the ankle joint:
The first sign of arthrosis is sharp and unexpected pain in the leg area
The primary symptoms are sharp and unexpected pain when walking, which subsequently persists even with complete rest. The characteristic gait for a patient with arthrosis of the lower limb is that the tilt (load) of the body moves to the outer edge of the foot.
Over time, a person’s ability to work and movement activity decreases, and advanced deforming arthrosis of the ankle joint often leads to disability.
Osteoarthritis is most often registered in women after 40-50 years of age, and is expressed in damage to the joint of the big toe.
At a younger age, people who engage in gymnastics, boxing, wrestling, jumping and some other active sports become “hostages” of deforming arthrosis.
Factors that contribute to the development of degenerative changes are constantly present in our daily lives; one should not think that the symptoms of foot arthrosis can only appear in a narrow circle of people.
Causes of changes in the ankle joint:
Most often, doctors record the following predisposing factors:
Traumatic arthrosis develops after changes in joints and bruises
Traumatic arthrosis is a secondary form of the disease, when the disease begins to develop after bruises, necrotic changes in the joint and vascular lesions. The primary form of arthrosis of the foot appears suddenly and for no apparent reason.
Arthrosis of the ankle joints develops due to the peculiarity of the distribution of loads during human movement, the main one falls on the foot, or rather the heel and five metatarsal bones.
The sole of the foot has transverse and longitudinal supporting structures, and it is when their functions are weakened that flat feet develop.
When affected by arthrosis, changes primarily affect the articular cartilage, which protects the bones. They lose elasticity, begin to gradually collapse and cease to absorb shock, which entails excessive mechanical stress, damage to ligaments and tendons.
Impaired blood microcirculation in these areas leads to the formation of osteophytes, changes in articular surfaces, limited range of motion and muscle atrophy.
The first signs of arthrosis, most often, go completely unnoticed. Symptoms may vary for each person, and the severity of inflammatory reactions depends on the stage of the disease. Signs of ankle arthrosis can be recognized by the following symptoms:
In total the following degrees are called:
Post-traumatic arthrosis of the ankle joint occurs after injury to the outer or inner malleolus, tibia and talus of the ankle. The surface of the bones becomes uneven, and swelling of the joints is visually noted.
Static flat feet are common in people who frequently walk and carry heavy objects.
Static flatfoot is very common in people whose profession involves constant standing, lifting and carrying heavy objects. This is due to a decrease in the usefulness of the muscular-ligamentous apparatus, when its functionality cannot accept what is offered by the person, the “owner of the body” - obesity, long-term and severe illnesses, when the foot ceases to be in its normal position.
Transverse flatfoot is predominantly the fate of women, which is explained by the lack of endurance of their ligamentous apparatus and wearing uncomfortable and irrational shoes.
Longitudinal flatfoot occurs with weakness of the muscles and ligaments that ensure the normal condition of the internal arch. When such a deformation occurs, there may be an outward deviation of the big toe, although this is more noticeable with transverse flatfoot.
Treatment of foot arthrosis is aimed primarily at the following points:
The disease will go away faster if you consult an experienced doctor
At the initial stage of the disease, any treatment will be faster and more effective, so it is important to consult a specialist at the first signs of discomfort in the ankle area.
Very often, the main cause of problems in the lower extremities is excess weight; people who have gained extra pounds need to go on a diet and choose the right shoes. Stylish pumps with narrow toes and thin stilettos will have to be abandoned; shoes should be stable, with medium heels.
The first sign of ankle osteoarthritis will be a change in the big toe, but in more complex cases, the deformity affects all the toes, when all the phalanges begin to bend at the same time. Standard shoes start to feel tight and finding suitable shoes or boots becomes very problematic.
Here we should also voice the psychological aspect, which concerns women who are accustomed to dressing fashionably - elegant shoes have to be replaced with “galoshes” with a wide nose and low heels.
Methods for solving problems of leg joints consist only of an integrated approach to treatment, which consists of the following points:
The main methods of treatment for arthrosis of the feet:
The use of glycosaminoglycans, drugs that are obtained from animal cartilage extracts, is effective, as they contain all the necessary substances required to restore the functionality of the joint.
To improve circulatory functions, the doctor prescribes biostimulants.
Massage of the ankle joint is extremely necessary, it will help cure the disease
The patient assumes a position: lying on his back (or sitting), with his leg extended along the couch or table. It is imperative to place a cushion under the Achilles tendon so that the heel is supported and the entire joint is in a relaxed state.
They start with concentric stroking of the front surface of the ankle (4-6 times), then move on to “straight-line forceps” (rubbing), straight-line and circular rubbing with one hand with a weight, then with both hands and smoothly move on to straight-line rubbing with the base of the palm with the tubercles of the thumbs. All actions are performed 4-6 times. The ankle massage ends with concentric stroking.
In the same position, massage is performed on the back surface of the ankle joint - in the direction from the lower edge of the outer ankle along the Achilles tendon to the calf muscle.
After massaging the joint, a foot massage is performed using rubbing.
Osteoarthritis of the ankle joint is treated with the help of physical education, and a physical therapy session should take at least an hour, this is when serious results can be achieved.
Physiotherapy will help restore all functions of the feet
Thermal procedures are useful in that they prevent the destruction of articular cartilage in the foot area and relieve inflammation.
Physiotherapy can be used in combination with drug treatment or independently.
The main methods of hardware physiotherapeutic treatment of arthrosis:
Laser therapy is indicated in cases where it is necessary to act on a “narrow” area of the joint without affecting the rest. It helps well with pain symptoms, but relief occurs only at stages 1 and 2, only a few courses are enough:
For ankle arthrosis, magnetic therapy can be used, which is characterized by the following positive aspects:
The magnetic field is able to block the nerve endings that transmit the pain signal to the brain, painful sensations cease to torment the patient.
Magnetic therapy has virtually no contraindications or side effects, except in rare cases, so it can be prescribed to any patient.
There are the following treatment methods for ankle arthrosis:
How to treat arthrosis of the foot after injury (post-traumatic arthrosis)? To do this, doctors have the following methods in their arsenal:
There is no diet for problems in the ankle joint; special nutrition is prescribed only to quickly reduce weight and load on the sore spot. It is a good idea to introduce preparations containing calcium and vitamins into the diet. B and C. Alcohol is considered one of the factors contributing to the development of the disease, so it is better to exclude it altogether.
A medicinal bath with mustard helps in the fight against arthrosis
How to treat arthrosis of the ankle joint if you have “grandmother’s methods” in your arsenal? It should be remembered that folk remedies are effective only in the initial stage of the disease.
It is useful to walk on sand, mown grass and loose earth; such gymnastics improves the condition of the foot joints and increases blood microcirculation and nutrition of the cartilage surfaces. Baths with mustard, hay dust, mint, and decoctions of burdock and wild rosemary will help restore lost functions.
Foot baths can be prepared with herbs such as thyme, violet, juniper, oregano.
Compresses made from a combination of honey and salt, or with alcohol, are best done at night.
If you can afford treatment for ankle osteoarthritis in a sanatorium, then this will be the best solution for treating the ankle joint. Specialized medical institutions offer the full range of treatment procedures described above, coupled with medicinal methods.
The treatment process will also be monitored by specialists who will be able to quickly direct the treatment in the right direction.
It is important to remember that in order to avoid surgical intervention, you must consult a doctor as early as possible. The sooner treatment is prescribed, the less trouble deforming arthrosis of the ankle joint will bring you.