The older a person gets, the greater the risk of developing degenerative and destructive changes, especially in the work of the musculoskeletal system. Osteoarthritis of the ankle joint is a disease that affects the cartilage and tissues of the joint to varying degrees of severity, and if left untreated it will lead to disability. With the initial development of pathology, the symptoms of the disease are poorly expressed, and its presence can only be determined with the help of x-rays.
What is osteoarthritis of the ankle
The disease, in which the joint cartilage and surrounding tissues are gradually destroyed, is called osteoarthritis of the ankle. The basis of the pathology is a degenerative-dystrophic process, and the inflammation is secondary. Osteoarthritis of the ankle has a chronic wavy course, with alternating exacerbations and remissions. The disease progresses gradually. The female and male population also suffers from osteoarthritis. With age, the probability of developing pathology increases sharply.
Symptoms
Diseases of the ankle joint are periodically exacerbated. During remission of osteoarthritis, symptoms may not appear at all. The pathology develops without revealing itself. A person experiences moderate ankle pain with heavy physical exertion, increased stiffness and fatigue in the legs. With the progression of the pathology, the pain becomes more pronounced, appears at rest and intensifies at night.
When the deformation of the joint becomes visible, the range of motion of the ankle decreases, and when walking, a characteristic cracking and clicking sound is heard. Sometimes there is a curvature of the lower leg, the legs acquire a valgus (X-shaped) or varus (O-shaped) shape. For osteoarthritis of the ankle, the starting pains are characteristic, appear at the beginning of the movement after a state of rest and disappear during walking.
<1_img_centerxx>Causes of occurrence
Osteoarthritis of the ankle is divided into two groups: primary and secondary. The first occurs for unknown reasons. The second develops due to unfavorable factors: inflammation, trauma, etc. In both cases, the pathology is based on metabolic disorders in the cartilage tissue. The main reasons for the development of secondary osteoarthritis:
- bone deformation (fractures) or ligament damage due to ankle injury;
- stretching of the joint capsule;
- pinching of the nerve endings of the lumbar spine;
- overweight;
- wearing uncomfortable shoes;
- prolonged load on the joint (intense sports, constant standing);
- diseases associated with metabolic disorders (gout, diabetes mellitus, lack of estrogen during menopause and others);
- intervertebral hernias, osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine and other conditions, accompanied by disruption of the lower leg, muscular apparatus or nerve compression.
The degree of the disease
With osteoarthritis of the ankle, three degrees are distinguished, which are specified by the hardware diagnosis:
- I degree - pathological changes are not noticeable, there is a narrowing of the gap of the ankle joint, compaction of the talus;
- II degree - puffiness becomes a consequence of the progression of the disease, painful sensations appear over time, the mobility of the legs decreases, deformation of the joints is noted;
- III degree - there is a loss of the damping properties of the joint, ossification of cartilage tissue, deformation of the foot leads to disability.
Possible consequences
A patient with osteoarthritis of the ankle may be assigned a disability, since the complete destruction of the joint leads to limitation of motor activity. For this, the patient must undergo a medical examination. Categories of patients who can be attributed a disability:
- patients with progressive osteoarthritis who have been ill for more than 3 years with exacerbations of the disease at least 3 times / year;
- patients who have had surgery on the joint and have life limitations;
- patients with severe impairment of static-dynamic function.
Diagnostic
The diagnosis of "osteoarthritis of the second degree of the ankle joint" (or any other stage) is made on the basis of investigation, visual examination and laboratory results. X-rays play a decisive role. In the most advanced stages, deforming osteoarthritis and cystic formations in the bone area are detected. In difficult cases, the patient is referred for a scan of the ankle for a more precise assessment of bone structures. An MRI of the ankle may be done to examine soft tissue.
Treatment of osteoarthritis of the ankle
Therapy of the affected joint in post-traumatic osteoarthritis is carried out according to the general scheme. The complete treatment includes:
- suppression of painful symptoms;
- elimination of the inflammatory process;
- restoration of joint mobility;
- improvement of trophic processes;
- restoration of normal blood circulation in the limb:
- replacement of a joint with artificial prostheses (if necessary).
Medicines
Drug treatment is selected taking into account the signs of the disease and the stage of the disease. During periods of exacerbation, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used in the form of tablets or injections. With them it is recommended to take local anesthetic drugs in the form of gels or ointments. With pronounced painful sensations, corticosteroids are prescribed for intra-articular blockages. Their introduction is carried out no more than 4 times / year. To normalize the metabolism in cartilage tissue, drugs of the chondroprotective group are prescribed.
Ointments
Topical medications will not be able to cure osteoarthritis or crusarthrosis of the ankle, but will help speed recovery and prevent recurrence of the disease. Among the effective drugs are:
- Multicomponent homeopathic ointment intended for the treatment of inflammatory and dystrophic conditions of the musculoskeletal system. Apply 1 to 3 times / day in a thin layer on the affected area. The duration of the course is 2 to 4 weeks. Rarely, local skin reactions occur: hives, burning sensation, itching, development of dermatitis.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with analgesic effect. Apply in small doses to the affected joints 3 times / day. The doctor prescribes the course of treatment individually. On average, these ointments are used until the pain subsides, but not more than 14 consecutive days.
Physiotherapy
The following physiotherapeutic methods will help to suspend osteoarthritis of the ankle:
- Medium wave ultraviolet irradiation. Under the influence of ultraviolet waves in the affected area, there is an accumulation of substances that reduce the sensitivity of nerve endings, which can quickly relieve the pain syndrome.
- Infrared laser therapy. The laser reduces the sensitivity of the nerve roots, improves the blood circulation process. The procedure relieves the patient from the stress suffered due to the constant pain in the ankle.
Diet
For inflammatory diseases of the knee joints, bone tissue and ankle joint ligaments, a special diet is indicated. It is necessary to include jelly, jelly meat and edible gelatin in the diet, since these products are natural chondroprotectors that restore cartilage tissue. Complex carbohydrates (vegetables, fruits, wholemeal bread), milk proteins (cottage cheese, cheese), vitamin and mineral complexes should be on the menu. For better food assimilation, food should be steamed or boiled.
Physical exercises
After studying the x-ray, the doctor may prescribe the performance of therapeutic exercises. Special ankle exercises will help get rid of pain, relieve muscle tension and restore blood circulation. Examples of exercise therapy exercises:
- sitting on a chair, socks and heels alternately come off the floor;
- the toes of the feet rest on the ground, the heel rises and makes circular movements;
- the legs are joined, the foot stretches to the side of the body.
Massage
The procedure for osteoarthritis of the ankle is distinguished by a variety and multi-step techniques. The purpose of massage is to improve lymphatic and blood circulation in the foot muscles of the joint cavity, eliminate poor mobility of the ankle. To relax the muscles, first massage the ankle using kneading and stroking techniques. Then the toes are massaged, then the foot and heel are kneaded. Finish the procedure by deeply working the ankle joints.
Surgery
If conservative treatment of osteoarthritis did not give positive results, the attending physician prescribes surgical treatment. Among the operational methods are considered the best:
- Ankle stents. A state-of-the-art ceramic or metal prosthesis is replaced partially or completely at the site of cartilage destruction.
- Ankle arthrodesis. It is prescribed for the severe destruction of joint surfaces. During the operation, the bones are rigidly fixed by means of their internal connection.
Traditional methods
Recipes from the village help with complex ankle joint therapy for osteoarthritis:
- Chalk and kefir. Mix the two ingredients into a paste. Apply this mixture to the painful joint at night to relieve swelling.
- Butter and cinquefoil root. In a 10: 1 ratio, mix the ingredients and rub the painful joint overnight for pain relief.
Prevention of osteoarthritis of the ankle
To reduce the risk of developing osteoarthritis of the ankle, it is necessary to adhere to preventive measures, including:
- body weight control;
- adequate nutrition;
- wear comfortable shoes without high heels;
- avoid joint injuries;
- timely treatment of endocrine and vascular diseases;
- regular performance of ankle gymnastics.
Photo of osteoarthritis of the ankle
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