The older a person becomes, the higher the risk of developing degenerative and destructive changes, especially in the work of the musculoskeletal system. Arthrosis of the ankle joint is a disease that affects the cartilage and tissue of the articulation in varying degrees of severity, and if not treated, it will lead to disability. With the initial development of 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 arthrosis
The disease, in which the articular cartilage and the surrounding tissues are gradually destroyed, is called ankle arthrosis. The basis of pathology is a degenerative-dystrophic process, and inflammation is secondary. Ankle arthrosis has a wavy chronic course, with alternating exacerbations and remissions. The disease gradually progresses. The female and male population suffer from arthrosis equally. With age, the likelihood of developing pathology increases sharply.
Symptoms
Diseases of the ankle joint are periodically exacerbated. During remission of arthrosis, symptoms may not appear at all. Pathology develops without giving itself away. A person feels moderate pain in the ankle with significant physical exertion, increased stiffness and fatigue of the legs. With the progression of the pathology, the soreness becomes more pronounced, arises at rest and intensifies at night.
When the deformity of the joint becomes visible, the range of motion in the ankle decreases, and when walking, a characteristic crunch and clicking sounds are heard. Sometimes there is a curvature of the lower leg, the legs acquire a valgus (X-shaped) or varus (O-shaped) shape. For arthrosis of the ankle, the starting pains are characteristic, manifested at the beginning of movement after a state of rest and disappear during walking.
Causes of occurrence
Ankle arthrosis is divided into two groups: primary and secondary. The first one arises for unknown reasons. The second develops due to adverse 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 arthrosis:
- deformation of the bone (fractures) or damage to the ligaments due to an ankle injury;
- stretching of the joint capsule;
- pinching of the nerve endings of the lumbar spine;
- excess weight;
- 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 entrapment.
The degree of the disease
With arthrosis of the ankle, three degrees are distinguished, which are specified by hardware diagnostics:
- I degree - pathological changes are not noticeable, there is a narrowing of the ankle joint gap, compaction of the talus;
- II degree - puffiness becomes a consequence of the progression of the disease, painful sensations appear in the weather, leg mobility decreases, joint deformation is noted;
- III degree - there is a loss of the amortization properties of the joint, ossification of the cartilaginous tissue, deformation of the foot leads to disability.
Possible consequences
A patient with arthrosis of the ankle can be assigned a disability, since the complete destruction of the joint leads to a limitation of motor activity. For this, the patient needs to undergo a medical examination. Categories of patients who can be assigned a disability:
- patients with progressive arthrosis who have been ill for more than 3 years with exacerbations of the disease at least 3 times / year;
- patients who have undergone surgery on the joint and have a limitation of life;
- patients with severe impairment of static-dynamic function.
Diagnostics
The diagnosis of "arthrosis of the 2nd degree of the ankle joint" (or any other stage) is made on the basis of a survey, visual examination and laboratory results. X-rays play a decisive role. At the most advanced stages, deforming osteoarthritis and cystic formations in the bone area are detected. In difficult cases, the patient is referred for a CT scan of the ankle for a more accurate assessment of the bone structures. Ankle MRI may be done to examine soft tissue.
Ankle arthrosis treatment
Therapy of the affected joint in post-traumatic arthrosis is carried out according to the general scheme. Comprehensive treatment includes:
- removal of pain 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
Medication therapy is selected taking into account the signs of the disease and the stage of the disease. During periods of exacerbation, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used in the form of tablets or injections. Along with them, it is recommended to take local anesthetic medications in the form of gels or ointments. With pronounced pain sensations, corticosteroid drugs are prescribed for intra-articular blockages. Their introduction is carried out no more than 4 times / year. To normalize the metabolism in the cartilage tissue, medications of the chondroprotective group are prescribed.
Ointments
Topical medications will not be able to cure arthrosis or crusarthrosis of the ankle, but will help speed recovery and prevent recurrence of the disease. Among the effective drugs are:
- A multicomponent homeopathic ointment intended for the treatment of inflammatory-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 2-4 weeks. Rarely, local skin reactions occur: urticaria, burning, itching, dermatitis development.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with analgesic effect. Apply in a small dose to the affected joints 3 times / day. The doctor prescribes the course of treatment individually. On average, such ointments are used until the pain disappears, but no more than 14 days in a row.
Physiotherapy
The following physiotherapeutic methods will help to suspend arthrosis 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 the nerve endings, which makes it possible to quickly relieve pain.
- 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 that has been endured due to constant pain in the ankle.
Diet
For inflammatory diseases of the knee joints, bone tissue and articular ligaments of the ankle, a special diet is indicated. It is necessary to include jelly, jellied meat and edible gelatin in the diet, since these products are natural chondroprotectors that restore cartilage tissue. Complex carbohydrates (vegetables, fruits, whole grain bread), milk protein (cottage cheese, cheese), vitamin and mineral complexes must be on the menu. For better assimilation of food, food must be steamed or boiled.
Physical exercises
After studying the X-ray, the doctor may prescribe the performance of therapeutic exercises. Special exercises for the ankle 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;
- toes rest on the floor, the heel rises and makes circular movements;
- the legs are together, the foot stretches all the way to the side of the body.
Massage
The procedure for ankle arthrosis is distinguished by a variety and multi-stage techniques. The purpose of the massage is to improve the lymphatic and blood circulation in the muscles of the foot of the joint cavity, to eliminate the 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 on the ankle joints.
Surgery
If conservative therapy of arthrosis has not brought positive results, the attending physician prescribes surgical treatment. Among the operational methods are considered the best:
- Ankle endoprosthetics. An ultra-modern ceramic or metal prosthesis is partially or completely replaced at the site of cartilage destruction.
- Ankle arthrodesis. It is prescribed for severe destruction of the articular surfaces. During the operation, the bones are rigidly fixed by means of their internal connection.
Folk methods
Village recipes come to the aid of the complex therapy of the ankle joint for arthrosis:
- Chalk and kefir. Mix the two ingredients until a paste is made. Apply this mixture to the sore joint at night to relieve swelling.
- Butter and cinquefoil root. In a 10: 1 ratio, mix the ingredients and rub into the sore joint overnight to relieve pain.
Prevention of ankle arthrosis
To reduce the risks of developing ankle arthrosis, it is necessary to adhere to preventive measures, which include:
- control of body weight;
- proper nutrition;
- wearing comfortable shoes without high heels;
- avoiding joint injuries;
- timely treatment of endocrine and vascular diseases;
- regular exercise for the ankle.
Photo of ankle arthrosis
