Arthrosis of the ankle joint is a serious disease that always requires a qualified approach to treatment. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to deal with this pathology. However, modern medicine offers effective means to reduce the level of existing inflammation and slow down the progression of the disease.
what is disease
The ankle joint connects the lower leg to the ball of the foot. Basically, it moves along the frontal axis, thus providing flexibility 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 related, is a process of successive destruction of joint tissue. The pathology leads to a violation of the normal structure of the tissues, the death of part of the cartilage cells, the formation of cracks on its surface and the compaction of bones. If you do not take the medicine prescribed for arthrosis of the joints, it is deformed and its normal function becomes impossible.
The older a person is, the more likely he is to develop degenerative-destructive changes. In this case, the muscular system is no exception. About 10% of the world's population over 40 years of age suffers from arthrosis. In developed countries, the number of patients aged 65 and older 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 is swollen and softened. Arthrosis of the 2nd degree is distinguished by the fact that microcracks appear in the places of the greatest pressure of the joint heads, and in the places of the lowest pressure there are obvious protrusions. In the third and fourth stages, the cartilage breaks down, which is followed by the formation of cysts, i. e. yearAs a result, the joint heads themselves become flattened, which does not allow the foot to perform normal movements.
The main reasons
Very rarely, the disease is primary, that is, it develops spontaneously. Most often, it is secondary and is explained by the influence of a number of factors. The causes of osteoarthritis of the ankle joint can be the following:
- Damage to the musculoskeletal system of the foot and the joint itself (flat feet, hereditary connective tissue dysplasia).
- Post-traumatic arthrosis (dislocation, sprain, bruise).
- Inflammation of an immune nature.
- Infectious damage.
- Various types of neurological disorders (osteochondrosis, neuritis).
- Metabolic pathologies (obesity, rickets, gout).
The causes of arthrosis of the ankle joint are often the constant wearing of high-heeled shoes. The unnatural position of the foot causes the load to increase several times on the foot itself. The risk group also includes athletes, dancers and those whose weight is significantly higher than the standard indicators.
How is ankle osteoarthritis diagnosed? Symptoms and treatment
First of all, patients report painful discomfort when trying to fully stand on their feet, as well as the appearance of a characteristic cramp during movement. Over time, the pain worsens and persists even at rest. Limitation of leg mobility along different axes gradually worsens. The joint itself increases in size, the leg is slightly bent. In the advanced stage of the pathology, pain can be felt in the knee and hip joints.
conservative therapy
Most drugs that reduce pain 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 long-term use in patients, gastritis often worsens and even an ulcer appears. That is why such funds are prescribed in short courses to minimize negative consequences.
Local treatment of the affected area involves reducing 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 is ineffective.
Local treatment includes the use of gels that have anesthetic components in their composition. However, this cost is completely justified. Ointments and gels provide an excellent therapeutic effect, especially in combination with other medications.
Some patients are prescribed chondroprotectors. They help restore cartilage and significantly improve tissue synthesis.
surgical treatment
Unfortunately, it is not always possible to overcome ankle arthrosis with drug therapy alone. Sometimes medications are ineffective. In such a situation, the doctor stops the surgical intervention. The safest way to stop the degenerative process is arthroscopy.
This procedure is carried out by means of a special tool, which is inserted into the affected area through micro-incisions. This operation allows you to remove all bone formations.
Exercise therapy
Exercise therapy is prescribed for many types of arthrosis. Such exercises are especially effective in the post-traumatic variant of the disease. The exercises for the treatment of arthrosis are primarily aimed at restoring the tone of the lost muscles, as well as expanding the range of motion of the ankle itself.
Initially, such exercises are selected that require a minimum load. They are done in a lying position (for example, circular movements with the foot). Then the lessons become more difficult. Exercises are performed in a sitting position (leg rolls without lifting the heels from the floor). Note that in each case the set of exercises is selected by the doctor individually.
Prevention
First of all, experts insist on avoiding injuries and mechanical damage to the joint. For this, you should choose shoes with stable heels, and use special protective equipment during sports.
It is very important to control the body weight, because excess weight is often the main reason for the development of arthrosis of the ankle joint. The symptoms and treatment of this pathology should not be ignored. When the first symptoms appear, you should seek qualified help, do not try to solve the problem yourself.
Also, experts recommend following a diet with a high content of protein foods. For some time, you should give up excessively salty and fatty foods, as well as alcohol.
conclusion
In this article, we have explained in as much detail as possible what arthrosis of the ankle joint is. Symptoms and treatment, causes and prevention are just a few topics that are answered in detail here. Keep in mind that the effectiveness of disease therapy depends not only on the specific stage of its development and the presence of accompanying health problems, but also on the competent observance of all the doctor's recommendations.