The older a person gets, the greater the risk of developing degenerative and destructive changes, especially in the work of the musculoskeletal system. Anthrax of the ankle joint is a disease that affects the cartilage and tissue of the joint in varying degrees of severity and, if left untreated, leads to disability. With the initial development of the pathology, the symptoms of the disease are poorly expressed, its presence can only be determined with the help of X-rays.
What is ankle arthrosis
Anthrax of the ankle is a disease in which articular cartilage and surrounding tissues are gradually destroyed. The pathology is based on a degenerative-dystrophic process and the inflammation is secondary. Ankle arthrosis has a wavy chronic process, alternating with exacerbations and remissions. The disease progresses gradually. The female and male populations suffer from arthrosis equally. As we age, the likelihood of developing the pathology increases significantly.
Symptoms
Diseases of the ankle joint periodically worsen. During remission of arthrosis, symptoms should not occur at all. Pathology develops without surrendering. A person feels moderate pain in the ankle, with significant physical exertion, increased stiffness, and fatigue. As the pathology progresses, the pain becomes more pronounced, occurs at rest, and intensifies at night.
When the deformity of the joint becomes visible, the range of motion of the ankle decreases, and typical crackling and clicking sounds are heard when walking. Sometimes the lower leg has curvature, the legs are given a valgus (X-shaped) or varus (O-shaped) shape. Ankle arthrosis is characterized by initial pains that appear at the beginning of movement after resting and disappear while walking.
Causes of occurrence
Ankle arthrosis is divided into two groups: primary and secondary. The first arises for unknown reasons. The second is due to unfavorable factors: inflammation, trauma, etc. In both cases, the pathology is based on cartilage tissue metabolic disorders. The main causes of secondary arthrosis are:
- deformity of the bone (fractures) or damage to the ligaments due to injury to the ankle;
- stretching the joint capsule;
- stinging of nerve endings in the lumbar spine;
- overweight;
- wearing uncomfortable shoes;
- prolonged strain on the joint (intense sports, constant standing);
- diseases associated with metabolic disorders (gout, diabetes mellitus, estrogen deficiency during menopause, and others);
- intervertebral hernias, osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine and other conditions involving the lower leg, muscle device or nerve sticking.
Extent of the disease
Ankle arthrosis is distinguished by three degrees, which are determined by hardware diagnostics:
- Grade I - pathological changes are not noticeable, the gap in the ankle joint narrows, the talus compresses;
- Grade II - the swelling becomes a consequence of the progression of the disease, painful feelings appear during the weather, the mobility of the foot decreases, deformity of the joint is noticed;
- Grade III - loss of joint cushioning properties, ossification of cartilage tissue, deformity of the foot leads to disability.
Possible consequences
A patient with ankle arthrosis may order a disability because complete destruction of the joint leads to a limitation of motor activity. To do this, the patient must undergo a medical examination. Categories of patients with disabilities:
- patients with progressive arthrosis who have been ill for more than 3 years and the disease worsens at least 3 times a year;
- patients who have undergone joint surgery and are age-restricted;
- patients with severe impairment of static-dynamic function.
Diagnostics
"Grade 2 ankle arthrosis" (or any other stage) is determined by examination, visual examination, and laboratory findings. X-rays play a key role. In the most advanced stages, deformable osteoarthritis and cystic formations are observed in the bone area. In severe cases, the patient is referred for an CT scan of the ankle to more accurately assess bone structures. Ankle MRI can be performed to examine soft tissues.
Treatment of ankle arthrosis
In post-traumatic arthrosis, therapy of the affected joint is performed according to the general scheme. Comprehensive treatment includes:
- removal of pain symptoms;
- elimination of the inflammatory process;
- restoration of joint mobility;
- improving trophic processes;
- restoration of normal blood circulation in the limb:
- joint replacement with artificial prostheses (if necessary).
Medicines
Drug therapy is selected based on 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. It is recommended to take local anesthetic drugs with them in the form of gels or ointments. In case of severe pain, corticosteroid drugs are prescribed for intraarticular obstructions. They are introduced up to four times a year. Drugs of the chondroprotective group are prescribed to normalize cartilage tissue metabolism.
Ointments
Topical medications are not able to cure ankle arthrosis or crusarthrosis, but they promote recovery and prevent disease recurrence. Effective drugs include:
- A multi-component homeopathic ointment for the treatment of inflammatory and dystrophic conditions of the musculoskeletal system. Apply a thin layer to the affected area 1-3 times a day. The duration of the course is 2-4 weeks. Rarely, local skin reactions include: hives, burning sensation, itching, dermatitis.
- Analgesic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Apply in small doses to the affected joints 3 times a day. The doctor will prescribe the course of treatment individually. Such ointments are used on average until the pain disappears, but for up to 14 consecutive days.
Physiotherapy
The following physiotherapy methods help stop ankle arthrosis:
- Medium wave ultraviolet radiation. Under the influence of ultraviolet waves in the affected area, substances accumulate that reduce the sensitivity of nerve endings, allowing for rapid relief of pain syndrome.
- Infrared laser therapy. The laser reduces the sensitivity of nerve root sensitivity, improves the blood circulation process. The procedure relieves the patient from the stress of suffering from constant ankle pain.
Diet
A special diet is recommended for inflammatory diseases of the knee joints, bone tissue and ligaments of the ankles. Gels, jelly meats and edible gelatine should be included in the diet as these products are natural chondroprotectors that restore cartilage tissue. The menu should include complex carbohydrates (vegetables, fruits, wholemeal bread), milk protein (cottage cheese, cheese), vitamin and mineral complexes. To better assimilate food, food should be steamed or cooked.
Physical exercises
After studying the x-ray, your doctor may require you to perform therapeutic exercises. Special exercises for the ankle help to get rid of pain, relieve muscle tension and restore blood circulation. Examples of exercise exercises:
- sitting on a chair with socks and heels alternately coming off the ground;
- the toes rest on the floor, the heel rises and makes circular movements;
- the legs are together, the leg extending all the way to the side of the body.
Massage
The procedure for ankle arthrosis is distinguished by various and multi-stage techniques. The purpose of the massage is to improve the lymphatic and blood circulation in the joint cavity of the foot, to eliminate the poor mobility of the ankle. To relax the muscles, first massage the ankle with kneading and stroking techniques. The toes are then massaged and the foot and heel are kneaded. Complete the procedure by deep machining the ankle joints.
Surgery
If conservative therapy for arthrosis has not yielded a positive result, your doctor will prescribe surgical treatment. The best of the operating methods are:
- Ankle endoprostheses. The ultramodern ceramic or metal prosthesis is partially or completely replaced at the site of cartilage destruction.
- Boka arthrodesis. It is prescribed for severe destruction of joint surfaces. During surgery, the bones are rigidly fixed by their internal connection.
Traditional methods
Village recipes are helpful for the complex therapy of the ankle joint in case of arthrosis:
- Chalk and kefir. The two ingredients are blended together. Apply this mixture to the sore joint at night to relieve swelling.
- Butter and cinquefoil root. Mix the ingredients in a 10: 1 ratio and rub into the sore joint overnight to relieve pain.
Prevention of ankle arthrosis
In order to reduce the risk of developing ankle arthrosis, preventive measures should be taken, which include:
- weight control;
- proper nutrition;
- wearing comfortable shoes without high heels;
- avoid joint injuries;
- timely treatment of endocrine and vascular diseases;
- regular gymnastic performance for the ankle.
Photo of ankle arthrosis
