Osteoarthritis of the ankle joint is a fairly serious disease that always requires a qualified approach to treatment. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to cope with this pathology. However, modern medicine offers effective means of reducing the level of existing inflammation and slowing the progression of the disease.
What is a disease?
The ankle joint connects the lower leg to the talus of the foot. Basically, it moves along the front axis, thus providing flexion and extension of the foot. Lateral movements are characterized by minimal amplitude.
Arthrosis of the ankle joint, the symptoms and treatment of which are directly interconnected, is a process of sequential destruction of the joint tissue. Pathology involves a violation of the normal structure of tissues, the death of part of the cartilage cells, the formation of cracks on its surface and compaction of the bones. If you do not take the prescribed medicine for osteoarthritis of the joints, it is deformed and its normal functioning becomes really impossible.
The older the person, the greater the likelihood of developing degenerative-destructive changes in him. In this case, the musculoskeletal system is no exception. About 10% of the world's population over 40 is said to suffer from osteoarthritis. In developed countries, the number of patients aged 65 and over ranges from 60 to about 80%.
Classification
The first stage of the disease is characterized by a direct narrowing of the joint space, the cartilage itself swells and softens. 2nd degree arthrosis is distinguished by the fact that microcracks are formed in the areas of greatest pressure of the joint heads and evident protrusions at the points of least pressure. At the third and fourth stages, a breakdown of the cartilage occurs, followed by the formation of cysts, the growth of so-called bony calluses (osteophytes). As a result, the joint heads themselves flatten, which does not allow the foot to perform the usual movements.
Main reason
Very rarely, the disease is primary, that is, it manifests itself spontaneously. Most often it is secondary and is explained by the influence of numerous factors. The causes of arthrosis of the ankle joint can be the following:
- Damage to the musculoskeletal system of the foot and to the joint itself (flat feet, hereditary dysplasia of the connective tissue).
- Post-traumatic arthrosis (dislocation, sprain, contusion).
- Inflammation of the immune nature.
- Infectious wound.
- Various types of neurological disorders (osteochondrosis, neuritis).
- Metabolic disorders (obesity, rickets, gout).
The causes of arthrosis of the ankle joint often lie in the constant use of high-heeled shoes. The unnatural position of the foot causes several times an increase in the load on the ankle itself. The risk group also includes athletes, dancers and those whose weight significantly exceeds the standard indicators.
How does osteoarthritis of the ankle manifest itself? Symptoms and treatment
First of all, patients notice painful discomfort when trying to fully stand, as well as the appearance of a characteristic creak during movements. Over time, the pain becomes stronger and persists even at rest. The limitation of the mobility of the foot along the various axes progressively worsens. The joint itself increases in size, the foot is slightly curved. In the advanced stages of the disease, pain can also be felt in the knee and hip joints.
Conservative therapy
Most pain-reducing drugs belong to the group of so-called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
These drugs allow you to get rid of pain, but they also have some disadvantages. The fact is that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have an extremely negative effect on the gastric mucosa. For example, with prolonged use in patients, gastritis often worsens and even an ulcer appears. That is why the reception of such funds is prescribed in short courses in order to minimize the negative consequences.
Local treatment of the affected area involves reducing the inflammation of the joint. Thus, it is possible to reduce the progression of the disease, that is, to keep the inflammatory process under constant control. Such therapy is prescribed if the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs has been ineffective.
Local treatment includes the use of gels that have anesthetic components in their composition. However, this cost is fully justified. Ointments and gels give an excellent therapeutic effect, especially when combined with other drugs.
Some patients are prescribed chondroprotectors. They help the cartilage to recover and significantly improve tissue synthesis.
Surgical treatment
Unfortunately, it is far from always possible to overcome osteoarthritis of the ankle through drug therapy alone. Sometimes the drugs are ineffective. In this type of situation, the doctor decides on the surgery. The surest way to stop the degenerative process is arthroscopy.
This procedure is performed by means of a special instrument, which is introduced into the affected area through micro-incisions. This operation removes all bone growths.
physical therapy
Physical therapy is prescribed for many types of osteoarthritis. Especially such exercises are effective in the post-traumatic variant of the disease. Therapeutic exercises for osteoarthritis are aimed primarily at restoring lost muscle tone, as well as expanding the range of motion of the ankle itself.
Initially, such exercises are selected that require a minimum load. They are performed in the supine position (for example, circular movements of the foot). Then the lessons get more difficult. Exercises are performed in a sitting position (rolls of the foot without lifting the heels off the floor). Note that in each case, a set of exercises is selected individually by a doctor.
Prevention
First of all, experts strongly recommend avoiding injuries and mechanical damage to the joint. To do this, you should choose shoes with stable heels, and when playing sports, use special protective equipment.
It is very important to control body weight, because it is overweight that is often the main reason why osteoarthritis of the ankle joint develops. Symptoms and treatment of this pathology should not be ignored. When primary symptoms appear, you should seek qualified help, do not try to fix the problem on your own.
Additionally, experts recommend following a diet high in protein foods. You should for some time give up excessively salty and fatty foods, as well as alcohol.
Conclusion
In this article, we have told in as much detail as possible what constitutes osteoarthritis of the ankle joint. Symptoms and treatment, causes and prevention are just some of the topics for which detailed answers are provided here. Note that the effectiveness of therapy for a disease depends not only on its specific stage of development and the presence of concomitant health problems, but also on competent adherence to all recommendations of the doctor.