The older a person is, the more likely he is to undergo degenerative and destructive changes, especially in the work of the musculoskeletal system. Osteoarthritis of the ankle is a disease affecting cartilage and joint tissue with varying degrees of severity, if not treated, will lead to disability. With the initial development of the pathology, the symptoms of the disease are poorly expressed, and its presence can be determined only with the help of X-rays.
What is ankle joint disease?
A disease in which joint cartilage and surrounding tissues are gradually destroyed is known as ankle joint disease. The basis of the pathology is a degenerative-dystrophic process, and inflammation is secondary. Ankylosing spondylitis has a rippling chronic course, with alternating exacerbations and remissions. The disease progresses gradually. The male and female populations are equally affected. With age, the likelihood of developing pathology increases sharply.
The symptoms
Diseases of the ankle joint have a more severe stage. During joint disease remission, symptoms may not appear. Pathology develops without giving itself away. A person experiences moderate pain in the ankle with significant exertion, increased stiffness, and leg fatigue. With the progression of the pathology, the pain becomes more pronounced, arises at rest and increases at night.
As joint deformity becomes evident, the ankle's range of motion is reduced, and characteristic crunching and clicking sounds are heard with walking. Sometimes there is a curvature of the lower leg, the legs are valgus (X-shaped) or varus (O-shaped). For ankle joint disease, the onset of pain is characteristic, manifesting when moving after rest and disappearing with walking.
Cause it happened
The ankle joint is divided into two groups: primary and secondary. The first arose for unknown reasons. The latter develops due to adverse factors: inflammation, trauma, etc. v. In both cases, the pathology is based on metabolic disturbances in the cartilage tissue. The main reasons for the development of secondary joint disease:
- deformity of the bone (fracture) or damage to the ligaments from an ankle injury;
- joint capsule dilatation;
- compression of the nerve endings of the lumbar spine;
- excess weight;
- wearing uncomfortable shoes;
- prolonged load on the joint (playing intense sports, standing continuously);
- diseases associated with metabolic disorders (gout, diabetes, estrogen deficiency during menopause and others);
- disc herniation, osteonecrosis of the lumbar spine and other pathologies, accompanied by disruption of the lower leg, muscular apparatus or nerves.
Degree of disease
With joint disease of the ankle, three degrees are distinguished, which are determined by hardware diagnostics:
- Grade I - pathological changes are not noticeable, there is a narrowing of the ankle joint gap, compression of the vertebral margins;
- Grade II - bullae become a consequence of the progression of the disease, painful sensations appear in the weather, reduced mobility of the legs, joint deformities are noted;
- Grade III - loss of wear-and-tear properties of the joints, histiocytosis of cartilage, deformity of the foot leading to disability.
Possible consequences
Patients with ankylosing spondylitis may be considered disabled, as the joint is completely destroyed resulting in limited range of motion. For this, the patient needs to undergo a medical examination. Types of patients that can be assigned a disability:
- patients with advanced joint disease who have had the disease for more than 3 years with exacerbations of the disease at least 3 times/year;
- the patient has undergone joint surgery and has limited life;
- Patients with severe impairment of static-dynamic function.
Diagnose
The diagnosis of "grade 2 ankle osteoarthritis" (or any other stage) is made on the basis of survey, visual examination, and laboratory results. X-rays play a decisive role. At the most severe stage, bone deformity and cyst formation in the bony area are detected. In difficult cases, the patient is referred for a CT scan of the ankle to more accurately evaluate the bony structures. An ankle MRI may be done to examine the soft tissue.
Treatment of ankle joint
Treatment of the affected joint in post-traumatic arthropathy is carried out according to the general scheme. Comprehensive treatment includes:
- eliminate painful symptoms;
- eliminates the inflammatory process;
- restore joint mobility;
- improve nutritional processes;
- restores normal blood circulation in the extremities:
- joint replacement with prostheses (if necessary).
Drugs
Drug therapy is selected taking into account the signs of the disease and the stage of the disease. During the exacerbation phase, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used as tablets or injections. Along with them, you should take local anesthetics in the form of gels or ointments. With pronounced pain, corticosteroids are prescribed to treat blockages in the joints. Their referral is made no more than 4 times/year. To normalize metabolism in cartilage tissue, drugs of the chondroprotective group are prescribed.
Ointment
Topical medications won't cure joint disease or sclerosis of the ankle, but will help speed recovery and prevent recurrence. Among the effective drugs are:
- A multicomponent homeopathic ointment intended for the treatment of inflammatory and dystrophic conditions of the musculoskeletal system. Apply 1-3 times/day with a thin layer on the affected area. The duration of the course is from 2-4 weeks. Rarely, local skin reactions: urticaria, burning, itching, dermatitis develop.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have an analgesic effect. Apply a small dose to the affected joints 3 times/day. The doctor prescribes an individual course of treatment. On average, such ointments are used until the pain disappears, but not more than 14 days in a row.
Physical therapy
The following physical therapy methods will help stop ankle arthritis:
- Medium wave UV irradiation. Under the action of ultraviolet waves in the damaged area, there is an accumulation of substances that reduce the sensitivity of nerve endings, helping to quickly reduce pain syndrome.
- Infrared laser therapy. The laser reduces the sensitivity of the nerve roots, improves blood circulation. The procedure helps the patient relieve the stress he has endured due to constant pain in his ankle.
Diet
For inflammatory diseases of the knee joint, bone tissue and ligaments of the ankle joint will prescribe a special diet. It is necessary to include jelly, meat jelly and edible gelatin in the diet, since these products are natural chondroprotectors that help restore cartilage tissue. Complex carbohydrates (vegetables, fruits, whole grain bread), milk proteins (cheese, cheeses), complex vitamins and minerals must be on the menu. In order for the food to be assimilated better, the food must be steamed or boiled.
Physical exercise
After studying the X-rays, the doctor may prescribe therapeutic exercises. Special exercises for the ankle will help relieve pain, relieve muscle tension and restore blood circulation. Examples of therapeutic exercises:
- sitting on a chair, socks and heels taking turns off the floor;
- toes rest on the floor, heels raise and make circular motions;
- feet together, feet extended to the side of the body.
Massage
The procedure for treating the ankle joint is distinguished by a variety of techniques and stages. The purpose of massage is to improve the lymphatic system and blood circulation in the muscles of the joint cavity of the foot, eliminating poor mobility of the ankle. To relax the muscles, first massage the ankle with the kneading and swiping technique. Then the toes are massaged, then the feet and heels are kneaded. Finish the procedure with deep impact on the ankle joints.
Surgery
If conservative treatment of the joint does not bring satisfactory results, the doctor will prescribe surgical treatment. Among the methods of operation that are considered the best:
- Hormonal ankle. Ultra-modern porcelain or metal restorations are partially or fully replaced at the site of cartilage destruction.
- Ankle arthritis. It is prescribed for severe destruction of joint surfaces. During surgery, the bones are firmly fixed by their internal connections.
Traditional method
Supportive village recipes for complex therapy of the ankle joint for rheumatic diseases:
- Chalk and kefir. Mix the above two ingredients into a smooth paste. Apply this mixture to the painful joint at night to reduce swelling.
- Avocado and cinquefoil root. In a 10: 1 ratio, mix the ingredients well and massage into the painful joint overnight for pain relief.
Prevention of ankle joint disease
To reduce the risk of developing ankylosing spondylitis, precautions should be followed, including:
- body weight control;
- proper nutrition;
- wear comfortable shoes without high heels;
- avoid joint injuries;
- timely treatment of endocrine and vascular diseases;
- Exercise regularly for the ankle.
Pictures of ankle joint disease
