Osteoarthritis of the ankle joint develops at any age.Dystrophic changes lead to gradual immobilization of the joint.Treatment in the first stages leads to a positive result;a process override can be corrected using an operation.
The ankle joint is one of the movable joints of the lower limb, which plays an important role in the walking process.Physiologically, it is designed in such a way that a malfunction in one of the joints will lead to a pathological effect on the adjacent components.
The disease itself destroys connective and bone tissue.Arthrosis deforms the joint, deprives it of mobility and can lead to a complete loss of mobility.
Pathogenesis of ankle arthrosis
One of the complex joints in humans, shaped like a block, connects the fibula and tibia of the leg to the talus of the foot.The anatomical structure allows the joint to move in several planes, performing not only forward, backward and lateral abduction, but also easy circular movements.
The degenerative-dystrophic disease affecting the ankle joint often occurs not only in old age.Provocative factors can contribute to the development of the disease, intersecting with the main causes.Ankle arthrosis leads to serious health problems, depriving the patient of his ability to work.
The initial stage of the disease is characterized by pathological processes that destroy the cartilage layer, making it thin and inelastic.
Such a change in structure leads to a restructuring of all components:
- the joint space between the heads of the bones becomes narrow;
- the synovial fluid changes its chemical composition and thickens;
- the inner lining of the joint capsule becomes inflamed;
- the subarchid layer of the bone becomes dense and grows;
- with a prolonged course of the disease, osteophytes (bone growths) appear;
- the joint is deformed.
The whole process takes a lot of time.The initial phase is dangerous because of the smoothness of the symptoms.The first changes can be stopped with early diagnosis, preserving all the functionality of the mobile joint.
In the later stages, with significant deformations and ineffectiveness of conservative treatment, surgery to replace the affected joint is recommended.
Causes of pathology
Osteoarthritis of the ankle joint develops when the following factors occur:
- As we age, pathological changes begin in the body, which cause the process of destruction in the movable joint of the bones.People over the age of fifty may be at risk, especially if the person leads an unhealthy lifestyle or has co-morbidities.
- With the appearance of extra pounds, the load increases, which creates excessive pressure on the joint.The leg in the area of the sole begins to deform, while at the same time the cartilaginous tissue, which plays the role of a natural shock absorber, wears out.
- Intense physical activity during work or sports training.The joint is subjected to regular increased pressure, which has a physiologically destructive effect.
- Ankle joint injury (fractures, sprains, sprains, bruises) of varying degrees.Mechanical impact with the appearance of microtraumas changes the course of self-renewal processes in the joint.
- Dropping of the arches of the feet, which occurs at birth or is acquired during life.Improper load distribution during movement and impaired spring function are compensated by the nearby joint, which is the ankle.
- Congenital deformities in the absence of the necessary treatment lead to adverse consequences for the body, including degenerative changes in the joint tissue.
- Osteoarthritis of the ankle joint can be a direct consequence of wearing the wrong shoes, which provide an incorrect position of the foot when walking.High heels, insufficient fullness of the model, complete lack of heels, uncomfortable ends, mismatched shoe sizes "kill" your feet.
- Decreased muscle tone due to a sedentary lifestyle.
- There is a genetic predisposition.If relatives have been diagnosed with a pathology, a person exposes himself to a great risk by not following the rules of prevention.
- Autoimmune diseases provoke arthrosis.The basis of this group of diseases is the self-destruction of the body by its own cells.
- Metabolic disorders affect the joints, creating a shortage of "building" material in the form of trace elements.
- Pathologies arising from malfunctioning of the endocrine glands: diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, etc.
- Hormonal disorders during the period of body restructuring in elderly women.
Signs of the disease
Osteoarthritis of the ankle joint has a hidden beginning.The symptoms are not clearly manifested, therefore the patient may not pay attention to the unpleasant sensations in the pelvic area during active movements.The first stage is discovered by chance;one does not seek medical help during this period.
In the initial stage, the pain in the ankle area appears during fast running, prolonged walking and jumping.After rest, the pain passes and does not bother the patient at rest.The stage of dystrophic changes in the cartilage lasts for years;at the next stage, ankle arthrosis affects the bone layer.
In the second phase of arthrosis, a clicking sound appears when moving the leg, and the pain becomes more intense during exercise.In the morning, after waking up, there is a slight stiffness in the joint, which passes after the patient walks a little.
When the process worsens, the joint begins to deform.The patient develops a barely perceptible lameness of the affected leg, thus the body tries to physiologically adapt to the regular pain during movement.Gradually, a limited range of motion of the ankle joint appears.
When a significant narrowing of the joint space occurs, the pain syndrome becomes regular.A change in the shape of the joint is visually noticeable;therefore shortening of the diseased lower limb is possible.
Advanced third stage ankle sprain is characterized by severe crepitus and joint contracture.Pain in the ankle joint bothers you not only during the day, but also at night, during sleep.A person cannot walk without rehabilitation aids (canes, crutches, walkers), the ability to work is impaired and this stage most often leads to disability.
At any stage of arthrosis, an inflammatory process can occur that develops on the inner surface of the joint capsule.
The symptoms are:
- throbbing pain in the area of the inflamed ankle;
- swelling of the soft tissues in the area of the inflamed bone joint;
- redness of the skin;
- local increase in temperature.
How to treat arthrosis of the ankle
An orthopedist diagnoses and prescribes treatment.Treatment procedures, with the exception of joint injections and some physiotherapy procedures, are performed on an outpatient basis.Therapeutic procedures are prescribed in combination and are carried out in parallel to each other to enhance the effect.
It is impossible to restore the damaged tissue and correct the deformity;the main role of treatment is to stop the disease process and maintain the condition of the composition at the same level, preventing deterioration.Strict adherence to the doctor's recommendations will guarantee the desired effect.
Drug treatment
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used in the form of tablets or ointments for external use.NSAIDs have both anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.The dosage and regimen are prescribed by a medical specialist, taking into account individual indicators.It is not recommended to take drugs from this pharmacological group by yourself;NSAIDs have many side effects, especially on the gastrointestinal tract.
- Chondroprotectors supplement the joint with all the missing chemical elements that stop the destruction process and restore the cells of the joint.To achieve a lasting therapeutic effect, it is necessary to take chondroprotectors for a long time.
- In case of developed inflammation, glucocorticoids are used.Hormonal drugs work for acute pain, allergic reactions and inflammation.They can be injected intramuscularly or directly into the affected joint to create a block.
Engine mode
Osteoarthritis of the ankle joint forces you to change your entire lifestyle.Physical activity should be measured.It is forbidden to overload the joint with long walks, intense physical exercises, carrying weights.Active movements should be alternated with rest;continuous static loading is prohibited.
To prevent deterioration of the ankle joint, it is helpful to wear proper orthopedic or anatomical shoes.To achieve a shock-absorbing effect, orthopedic insoles are used daily.
Preventive orthopedic bandages protect the joint from excessive load and provide a local compression and micromassage effect.If injuries have previously occurred or arthrosis is in a severe stage, the priority choice will be orthoses with metal inserts that reliably fix the joint.
Diet therapy
The principles of proper nutrition should be the basis of the diet of a person with joint disease.
The following should be excluded from the menu:
- fatty meat and fish broths;
- smoked and sausage products;
- canned goods and semi-finished products;
- sugar and confectionery;
- sugary sodas and coffee;
- alcoholic beverages;
- mayonnaise and high-fat sour cream.
You should eat in small portions to monitor your weight and prevent extra pounds.These measures will ensure the prevention of additional load on the joints and the supply of the necessary substances to nourish the joint cells in sufficient quantities.
Physical therapy
Physical exercises with a curative purpose should be present when the joint is destroyed.The complex of exercises is compiled by a medical specialist - a physical therapy instructor.With correct technique and therapeutically dosed load in the area of the affected ankle, blood circulation improves, muscle tone increases and the range of motion increases.
In order for the classes to bring only benefits, you need to remember when you cannot do physical therapy:
- acute period accompanied by inflammation;
- the appearance of pain when performing exercises in the ankle;
- the movements, the number of repetitions and the range of movements must be strictly agreed with the doctor.
To get good results, you need to be patient.Regular exercise will gradually get the ankle joints in good shape.
Physiotherapy procedures
- Electrophoresis is prescribed to introduce drugs into the patient's body using an electric current.
- Exposure to pulsed magnetic current is carried out in courses of twenty procedures, after which a break is taken for two months.During the entire period of non-use of the magnet, the cumulative effect of the completed course will remain.
- Infrared radiation is prescribed to the sick leg, which will provide a lasting anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.
People's funds
The use of alternative medicine recipes from available natural ingredients can be used in patients with osteoarthritis.
- It is useful to apply crushed garlic with vegetable oil to the diseased joint for 8 hours, spreading it in a thin layer.An herbal anti-inflammatory will help relieve pain and inflammation.
- Raw potatoes are grated and used as compresses placed on the ankle.The product will relieve swelling and reduce pain in the joint.
- The dry raw materials of hops and St. John's wort are mixed one dessert spoon at a time and fifty milliliters of petroleum jelly is added to the resulting mass.The resulting ointment is applied to the sore spot in the morning and evening.
Surgical intervention in ankle arthrosis
The last stages of the disease, in which complete blocking of the joint occurs, cannot be treated with conservative means.This fact is due to the fact that the developed deformation is irreversible.In this case, arthrosis of the ankle joint can be treated only with surgery.
The therapy is based on replacing a worn out joint with an artificial prosthesis that will allow a person to maintain independent movement and vital activity.The replaced joint will last more than ten years, depending on the quality of the material from which it is made.
Preventive measures
Preventing a disease is always easier than treating it later.An active lifestyle without harmful habits is the key to healthy joints.Maintaining an optimal weight at any age is useful not only for a beautiful appearance, but also for freeing the body from unwanted stress on all organs and systems.
A lot of attention should be paid to shoes:
- models must be of correct anatomical shape;
- made of natural materials;
- the use of orthopedic insoles will ensure proper distribution of the load on the lower limb;
- size and fullness should correspond to the leg;
- shoes must be appropriate for the season to prevent hypothermia, which negatively affects the joints.
At the first signs of discomfort in the ankle joint or pain when moving, you should consult a doctor for an early diagnosis.If the pathology is noticed in time, it can be easily treated, which will allow you to avoid severe development and maintain a beautiful gait until old age.