The ankle joints are subject to special stress - they have to support the weight of the entire body and be constantly in motion. These are one of the most irreplaceable joints in our body, since the slightest discomfort in them limits the ability to walk. As a result, chronic inflammation in this area may turn out to be not only a medical problem, but also a social one. Therefore, if you suspect that you are developing ankle arthritis, do not delay treatment and visit a doctor.
Symptoms of ankle inflammation depend on the underlying pathology (which caused the problem). But since the disease is inflammatory in nature, there are always a number of common signs characteristic of all forms of arthritis:
Difficulty walking causes particular suffering to patients, and this is often what forces them to see a doctor.
The onset of the disease can be acute or gradual. In the first stages of arthritis, characteristic symptoms are sometimes absent, and ankle inflammation can be suspected based on the following two signs:
Pain at the maximum amplitude of flexion and extension in the joint. To check this, take your foot in your hands and bend it as far as you can towards the shin, then straighten it in the opposite direction.
Constriction when wearing and putting on shoes. If you notice that boots or shoes have become tight for you in the ankle area, there is probably a slight swelling.
Like any inflammation, ankle arthritis can be acute or chronic. In chronic forms, if there is no adequate treatment, complete destruction of articular cartilage may occur within 1-2 years. In this case, deformation and visible thickening of the ankle develops, the foot takes on an unnatural position, flexion at the joint and independent walking are extremely difficult or impossible. Atrophy of the lower leg muscles is clearly visible.
In the photo, one of the symptoms is redness of the skin over the affected area
For a doctor, the correct diagnosis plays a decisive role, since the symptoms of ankle arthritis have a number of common features with other pathologies with similar manifestations. For example, it can be difficult to distinguish chronic arthritis from arthrosis or arthropathy*, and often these diseases are present simultaneously. Therefore, if you find yourself with the symptoms described above, hurry up and get tested as soon as possible. These are the diagnostic methods that are usually used in arthrological practice.
* Arthropathy is a secondary joint disease. That is, it is not independent, other main pathologies lead to it.
Each form of arthritis, acute or chronic, has its own treatment tactics. How to properly treat acute ankle arthritis?
Chronic arthritis of the ankle joint must be treated systematically and comprehensively:
It is necessary to understand that in any treatment there is nothing more or less important. All that really matters is that the therapy is carried out regularly and under the supervision of a professional specialist. Then you will be able to avoid serious and irreparable consequences that can have a very negative impact on the quality of your life.
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
Arthritis of the ankle joint is an inflammatory process that has a destructive effect, leading to hyperemia, deformation or complete fusion of the articular surfaces.
If left untreated, the damage will lead to irreversible consequences: complete immobility of the joint and disability of the victim.
The main reason for the development of arthritis is joint injury with the addition of pathogenic bacterial flora caused by specific pathogens (gonococci, chlamydia spirochetes) or nonspecific (pseudomonas aeruginosa, streptococci, influenza viruses).
A number of autoimmune diseases can lead to the destruction of joint tissue:
Lupus, against the background of which the articular tissue undergoes degenerative-dystrophic changes due to impaired blood supply and lack of nutrients.
Cracks appear inside the articular cartilage and the cartilage tissue is destroyed.
First, the affected area begins to hurt and swell; upon palpation, a noticeable hole remains.
Further, the reddened areas become hot, which is associated with an increase in temperature against the background of the ongoing inflammatory process.
Due to joint pain, it becomes difficult for the patient to walk and it hurts to step on his foot.
It is the ankle joint that hurts.
The pain can be sharp, aching or shooting.
The patient experiences weakness, a feeling of aching, and increased pain when extending or flexing the joint.
Symptoms completely depend on the underlying pathology that led to the development of arthritis.
Signs are more pronounced in the acute course of the disease:
If further development of inflammation is not prevented, arthritis will enter the chronic stage. After 2-3 years, the articular cartilage will be completely destroyed.
When carrying out diagnostic measures, the images clearly show thickening of the ankle at the site of the lesion, the adoption of an unnatural position by the foot, atrophy of the ankle muscles, or dislocation of the joint, sprains due to weakening of the ligamentous apparatus under the influence of the inflammatory process.
Signs of arthritis can be determined independently and visually.
Pain increases when bending or straightening the joint. If you move your foot towards the shin and then straighten it back, you will simply experience a burning pain; also, a swollen ankle will not allow you to put on your once-comfortable shoes.
There are 5 types of ankle arthritis: gouty, reactive, rheumatoid, purulent, post-traumatic.
1) Gouty arthritis leads to the accumulation of breakdown products of uric acid in the joint due to a violation of its metabolism.
Salt crystals clog the joint cavity, and the pathological process begins.
The articular cartilage is damaged, whitish growths around the joint or tophi are formed, characteristic of the gouty form of arthritis. The site of inflammation is hyperemic, deformed, and constantly hurts. When the skin is damaged, decay products are released in the form of a white cheesy mass.
2) Reactive arthritis leads to the development of inflammation in cartilage tissue and pathological changes throughout the body.
The reason is infection of the joint cavity with an infection: salmonellosis, chlamydia.
Pus accumulates in the soft tissues, the lower leg area swells, and osteomyelitis develops. Reactive arthritis leads to damage to the hyaline cartilage, serous fluid accumulates in the cavity, and the ankle in the ankle area swells and hurts.
The pain only intensifies with palpation and movement, and the temperature rises. The joints need urgent fixation by applying a plaster cast.
3) Rheumatoid arthritis is associated with autoimmune processes in the body.
The development of the disease is facilitated by a failure of the immune system. Mistaking one's own cells for foreign ones, the destruction and destruction of hyaline cartilage occurs. Small joints on the legs and arms are often affected together.
4) Purulent arthritis develops as a result of infection entering the joint cavity, where suppuration occurs.
Healthy nearby joints are gradually damaged. The disease can develop against the background of HIV infection, hemarthrosis. The foot and lower leg swell, the temperature rises, the articular cartilage begins to quickly melt under the influence of pus, and eventually collapses completely.
5) Post-traumatic arthritis is the result of degeneration of cartilage tissue under the influence of an inflammatory process.
The cartilage is damaged and a fracture of the ankle bone is possible. The joint swells. When a puncture is taken, bloody fluid oozes from the site of inflammation.
Treatment depends entirely on the form of the disease, the stage of its progression, symptoms and signs. It is important to stop the inflammatory process and eliminate the root cause that triggered the development of arthritis.
First of all, you need to give the joint complete rest and minimize any stress on it. Doctors recommend using a cane when walking to relieve some of the stress.
Bed rest, immobilization of the joint and application of an elastic bandage are recommended. Treatment of arthritis is complex with the prescription of medications, painkillers, chondroprotectors, and physiotherapy.
Diet, gymnastics, massage, local treatment by rubbing ointments and gels into the joint, applying lotions to relieve pain and swelling are indicated. Attention! Only the doctor prescribes treatment.
Self-medication can become not only ineffective, but also dangerous, only complicate the situation, and lead to irreversible degenerative consequences. At the first suspicion of arthritis, you should go to the emergency room.
It is important to apply a cast or other fixing bandage in a timely manner, to reduce the load on the joint, so that in addition to the inflammatory process occurring in it, you do not aggravate the situation by placing stress on the joint, which only accompanies the appearance of cracks and accelerating the destruction of the articular cavity.
1) Medicines are prescribed by a doctor only when a final diagnosis is made based on the results of examinations: ultrasound, x-ray, MRI.
To relieve inflammation, pain and swelling, anti-inflammatory, non-steroidal drugs are used: Ibuprofen, Ketaprofen, Aspirin.
Also non-hormonal drugs: Pyridoxicam, Nimesulide, Diclofenac, Naproxen, Etodolac, Indomethacin, Celecoxib, Diflucinac, Flurbicin.
Painkillers and antipyretics are prescribed in tablets, injections and ointments.
To maintain immunity - vitamins, general strengthening agents. It is possible to administer injections into the joint cavity to relieve unpleasant symptoms. Glucocorticoids, cytostats for pain relief in gouty or rheumatoid arthritis.
2) Chondoprotectors with the appointment of Terraflex, Structum for the purpose of restoring cartilage tissue, normalizing nutritional processes in its structures.
3) Physiotherapy to improve blood supply, regeneration of cartilage in articular tissues.
4) Compresses are useful: paraffin, ozokerite, medicinal mud.
5) Endoprosthetics for post-traumatic arthritis, when conservative methods are no longer effective. Additionally, with physical therapy, the chances of restoring joint function are much higher.
6) Arthroscopy is a surgical method by introducing instruments into the joint cavity to remove purulent fluid, eliminate inflammatory foci, and also stop bleeding.
7) Orthopedic shoes are recommended to be worn by doctors with special inserts (insoles) to unload the foot, relax the muscles, and reduce the load on the joint as a whole.
The main role in shoes is played by a rigid sole or convex shoes, the selection of which is carried out by the doctor, taking into account the existing symptoms and the stage of development of arthritis.
Indispensable for diseases such as ankle arthritis.
Normalizes the trophism of the entire osteo-articular system, which is designed to support the supply of nutrients and microelements to cartilage and bone tissue.
Recommended for consumption are pork cartilage, gelatin, poultry and fish containing collagens that can restore connective tissue.
Exercises are developed by the attending physician on an individual basis, taking into account the symptoms and stage of the disease.
Of course, in acute cases of severe pathology, the load (even a slight one) on the joint is unacceptable.
Exercises will prevent the formation of scars and adhesions in the joint cavity, but are carried out only in the post-rehabilitation period, or when the inflammatory process subsides.
Massage to maintain joint mobility. But it is carried out only by an experienced specialist. Any incorrect movements can aggravate the position of the joint.
Ointments. Combine turpentine (1-2 tsp) with egg yolk and apple cider vinegar (1 tbsp), mix. Rub into sore spots. The product helps with lameness due to joint deformation.
Fir oil. Prepare a compress. First rub the joint with sand, then with oil.
Next, apply a layer of sand or sea salt again and secure with a gauze bandage. Bishifit to the joint helps .
Sanatorium-resort treatment is indicated for ankle arthritis in order to prevent possible relapses in the future with the appointment of warming therapeutic baths and mud procedures.
If the arthritis is advanced, the joint constantly hurts and all the above methods of treatment are ineffective, then surgical intervention is possible - an operation for prosthetics or fusion of the ankle joint.
Today dietary supplements are applicable and approved by doctors.
For example, collagen ultra has a number of benefits:
You can prepare a decoction at home. Pour boiling water (1 glass) over elderberry leaves (3 tsp dry), leave in a water bath for up to 20 minutes, cool, drink in sips up to 8 times a day.
It is also good to brew and take corn silk, birch buds, and black currant leaves regularly.
The prognosis is quite favorable if treatment is not delayed for a disease such as ankle arthritis.
The effectiveness and duration of the healing process and the rehabilitation period will depend on how correctly the doctor selects treatment tactics, taking into account the existing symptoms and indications after the diagnostic methods performed.
With a disease such as arthritis, it is important to immobilize the joint in a timely manner, reduce the load, stop the inflammatory process, and stop its further development.
Wearing correct orthopedic shoes with inserts to reduce the load on the foot plays an important role in treatment.
It is important to take care of the joint and strictly follow all doctor’s instructions. After the symptoms pass, you can expect improvements, restoration of the cartilage cavity and mobility of the ankle joint.
Arthritis of the ankle joint is an inflammatory process that occurs when infectious agents penetrate the cartilage tissue of the ankle joint. The penetration of infection can be associated either with a direct hit during injury, or indirectly, through the lymph and bloodstream.
Many people are familiar with the sight of swollen ankles with redness and the inability to put on their usual shoes. The disease can occur after an injury or in response to long-term use of medications that weaken one’s own immunity.
A slight aching pain can develop into a sharp one, which will not give rest even during a horizontal position.
The ICD 10 code will depend on the etiology of the pathological process:
For all types of arthritis, a coding with values M00-M25 is assigned.
It is important to know! Rheumatoid and stress-related arthritis are the most common causes of ankle inflammation. If you are at risk, you need to carefully monitor the load you receive and, if possible, take preventive measures that will help strengthen your ankle and increase the body’s resistance to various infections.
Signs of the development of ankle arthritis are similar to those affecting other joints.
If the patient ignores the symptoms and avoids seeing a doctor in every possible way, then in a couple of years he runs the risk of complete destruction of the ankle joint.
The advanced state of the disease is indicated by pronounced muscle atrophy in the ankle area, expressed in a noticeable decrease in girth in the area of the joint.
The patient may also complain of a deterioration in general health, weakness and lethargy caused by intoxication of the body. You should be wary of pain when flexing and extending the ankle joint, and the inability to put on your usual shoes.
The most common triggers for ankle arthritis are bruises and injuries. However, doctors identify a number of other reasons contributing to the development of the disease:
We have a very impressive list that shows how serious the risk of arthritis is, because, in fact, even a seemingly insignificant respiratory virus can provoke inflammation.
The first thing that needs to be done during an exacerbation of arthritis is to provide rest to the joint, relieve the patient from pain and stop the development of inflammatory processes.
Ankles that become swollen during exacerbation of arthritis can be returned to normal using folk remedies. What can be done to restore functionality to the ankle joint at home?
First, immobilize the joint. A fixing bandage will make it possible to provide rest to the inflamed area, which will significantly alleviate the condition.
Secondly, poultices and compresses are actively used to relieve pain, get rid of swelling and reduce the manifestation of the inflammatory process. Baths made from fresh spruce needles and flax seeds in the form of a compress have proven themselves well. Also often onion pulp, cabbage leaves, and honey are applied to the large joint.
Warming ointments and tinctures, together with insulation, can relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
It should be noted that in case of acute purulent arthritis, experiments with traditional medicine can only lead to complications.
In order for the prognosis to become favorable, it is necessary to use drug treatment together with physiotherapy, massage, and physical therapy.
Therapy is carried out comprehensively, taking into account the individual characteristics of the disease in a particular patient. In advanced cases, surgical intervention may be required to pump out pus from the joint cavity and wash it with antibiotics.
Antibiotics for ankle arthritis are indicated to eliminate infectious agents and prevent the spread of pathogenic pathogens to similar tissues in other joints.
It is preferable to inject drugs intramuscularly or inject directly into the joint cavity. Such local injections promote effective action directly on the site of inflammation and help prevent the development of side effects of drugs.
Antibiotic treatment lasts up to 30 days. This duration is due to the need to completely rid the body of the presence of pathogens.
Warming ointments help relieve pain, relieve inflammation and increase blood microcirculation in the area of the affected joint, which has a beneficial effect on recovery processes.
Diet is one of the additional factors influencing the condition of the joints. Often the cause of inflammation is disturbances in metabolic processes. Changing your diet allows you to enrich your diet with the required nutrients. Chondroprotective supplements can be added to the diet to restore damage to the joint and restore elasticity.
Massage and a complex of exercise therapy can help relieve swelling in ankle arthritis after the inflammation has been removed and the temperature has been reduced to an acceptable level. Specific exercises are selected by the attending physician. First, the patient performs the complex under the supervision of a specialist, after which he can do it independently.
Immunomodulatory therapy is of great importance, because a course of hormonal drugs and antibiotics has a detrimental effect on the body’s own microflora. The formation of immunity will prevent relapses of the disease by strengthening the body's resistance.
Children are very dynamic in their development and curiosity. At the same time, their ligamentous and muscular apparatus is not yet fully strengthened, which can cause repeated damage to the ankle joint due to dislocations and subluxations. We cannot exclude bruises and wounds, which can cause infection to enter the joint cavity.
As a preventive measure, it is important to purchase comfortable shoes for children with high-quality ankle support. This will help avoid injury, which means the risk of developing arthritis will be reduced.
Parents are advised to pay attention to even minor injuries that the child receives. Each can become a trigger for the penetration of pathogenic microflora into the joint cavity and cause an inflammatory process. Be sure to make a follow-up visit to the traumatologist, especially if the child complains of pain after the visible signs of the injury have disappeared.
We remember that inflammation of the ankle joint can be caused by the penetration of an infectious pathogen. This could be ARVI, intestinal infection, diseases of the genitourinary system. The only way to protect a child from disease is to stimulate the functioning of his immune system so that the body can resist viruses and pathogenic bacteria.
Important signals will be redness and swelling of the soft tissues in the ankle area, and mobility is impaired. If the child is already walking, there will be lameness. The baby will noticeably take care of his leg and will stop running and jumping.
If you discover a symptom, consult a doctor as soon as possible to identify the cause of the disease and begin treatment. Remember that delay has a detrimental effect on the child’s joint. Early detection promotes full recovery.
Ankle arthritis can affect more than just older, overweight people. At risk are children and adolescents with weak ankles, prone to frequent bruises and injuries; workers who have to carry heavy loads, as well as specialists who spend most of the working day on their feet.
Frequent colds and hypothermia also have a detrimental effect on ankle health. A weakened immune system opens the way for infections that can easily infect cartilage tissue. Arthritis also threatens those who are the epitome of a healthy lifestyle - athletes whose achievements mean daily extreme stress on the ankle.
Timely recognition of symptoms allows treatment to be carried out more effectively than to deal with the devastating consequences that threaten complete destruction of the cartilage. A healthy ankle is a guarantee of your freedom of movement!
Arthritis of the foot is an inflammatory lesion of the articular surfaces of various etiologies. A characteristic feature of which is pain and discomfort in the limb, limitation of amplitude and number of movements. This may be due to disruptions in the immune system, infections, injuries, excess weight, flat feet, metabolic disorders and many other factors.
Most often, arthritis develops in the ankle, small interphalangeal or big toe joints. The disease is typically characterized by inflammation of the joint capsule, ligaments and tendons, accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the synovial bursa, swelling and redness of the periarticular tissues, and local hyperthermia. In acute arthritis, a person experiences very severe pain, but in the chronic form, the pain is less pronounced and more often aching in nature.
As is known, ankle arthritis can develop against the background of osteoarthritis or a recent infection, due to immune or metabolic disorders (for example, gout), or chronic inflammatory diseases. It often appears in people with psoriasis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and ankylosing spondylitis.
Swelling due to inflammation of the ankle.
Arthritis of the ankle joint can be suspected based on the following signs:
It is necessary to treat arthritis of the ankle joint comprehensively and only after consultation with a specialist. First of all, you need to provide complete rest to the sore leg and avoid unnecessary trauma to the ankle. If necessary, elastic bandages can be used for immobilization. Uncomfortable shoes should be replaced with orthopedic ones, and the load on the affected foot should be limited to the minimum.
To relieve inflammation and relieve pain, you should use drugs from the NSAID group (Diclofenac, Celecoxib, Ibuprofen, Ketoprofen, Piroxicam) in the form of tablets, ointments or creams. Physiotherapy, massage, physical therapy and sanatorium-resort treatment are quite useful (however, they are contraindicated in the acute form of the disease). For infectious arthritis, the use of antibiotics or antivirals is mandatory; for severe inflammation, corticosteroids are prescribed.
The cause of the disease is the perverted functioning of the immune system, as a result of which it begins to mistake articular cartilage for foreign bodies and attack them. Rheumatoid arthritis of the foot usually affects the interphalangeal joints of the toes, and it mainly affects women over 40 years of age. Very often, small joints of the hand are also involved in the pathological process.
This foot arthritis has the following symptoms:
Damage to the foot due to rheumatoid arthritis.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of ointments, creams and gels are most often used to treat the disease. For severe inflammation, pulse therapy is prescribed - three to five days of treatment with large doses of corticosteroids. To slow down the course of the disease, basic drugs are used (Leflunomide, Methotrexate, Sulfasalazine). It is also possible to slow down the destruction of cartilage with the help of biologically active drugs (Rituximab, Infliximab, Anakinra, Abatacept).
Osteoarthritis (synonyms: osteoarthritis, arthrosis, deforming osteoarthritis) is a disease of a degenerative-destructive nature, which is characterized by damage to articular cartilage. Mostly people over 65 years of age are affected. The development of the disease is facilitated by excess body weight, frequent hypothermia, regular trauma to the joints or too much stress on them.
Differences between healthy and osteoarthritis-affected joints.
Osteoarthritis is characterized by pain in the lower extremities, worsening in the evening and after prolonged physical activity. At later stages, deformation of the articular surfaces develops, leading to a deterioration in their mobility and limitation of a person’s motor activity. The disease often becomes a cause of disability.
Treatment of arthritis of the feet consists of lifestyle modification, the use of NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and chondroprotectors. An important role is played by the consumption of sufficient amounts of calcium, proper nutrition, physiotherapy and spa treatment. In severe cases, surgical treatment of osteoarthritis is indicated - replacing the affected joint with a piece prosthesis.
It develops as a result of deposits of urates - uric acid salts in the joint cavity. It mainly affects men over 50 years of age, and its favorite location is the metatarsophalangeal joints of the big toes. Much less commonly, gouty arthritis of the foot affects the ankle, interphalangeal, and calcaneal-talar joints. Characterized by unbearable pain, significant inflammation and the appearance of tophi - peculiar nodules on the ears and extensor surfaces of the joints.
The basis of treatment for gouty arthritis is proper nutrition. It is very important to completely remove legumes, offal, red meat, fatty and salty fish, lard, smoked meats, deli meats and alcohol from the diet. It is necessary to eat fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs (with the exception of rhubarb and sorrel). Porridges made from whole grains are quite good (wheat is best). You should drink as much pure water or green tea as possible.
Colchicine and Allopurinol are considered the most effective medications for gout. They are able to regulate the level of uric acid in the blood and eliminate hyperuricemia. Avoiding a recurrent attack of gouty arthritis is not difficult - all you need to do is stick to your diet.
Under certain conditions, any joint in the foot can be affected. Inflammation can be caused by many infectious processes in the body, endocrine diseases, any injuries, congenital abnormalities of the skeletal system, and flat feet. Treatment of any arthritis should first of all be etiological, that is, aimed at eliminating the cause of the disease.
Ring-shaped erythema in rheumatism
It develops as a result of rheumatism, a systemic inflammatory disease that most often affects the heart and musculoskeletal system. The causative agent of the infectious process is β-hemolytic streptococcus, and the disease itself develops 2-3 weeks after a streptococcal infection (sore throat, pharyngitis). Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by a strong increase in temperature, pain in the heart and large joints, and the appearance of ring-shaped erythema on the skin. A mandatory component of treatment is a course of antibiotic therapy.
It develops against the background of systemic infectious diseases and can have a bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic etiology. The infection spreads to the joints mainly through the circulatory system or lymphatic tract. Infectious arthritis occurs as a consequence of influenza, pneumonia, ARVI, helminthiasis, etc.
Occurs mainly after an intestinal or urogenital infection. The causative agents are most often enterobacteria, mycoplasma, and chlamydia. Unlike infectious arthritis, with reactive arthritis it is not possible to detect the causative agent of the disease in the intra-articular fluid.
Inflammation develops soon after sprains, bruises, sprains, fractures or other injuries to the foot. With open fractures, the infection enters directly into the joint, where it starts the pathological process. Various injuries most often lead to ankle inflammation. The disease requires long-term, serious treatment and rehabilitation.