Arthrosis of the ankle joint develops at any age.Dystrophic changes lead to gradual immobilization of the joint.Treatment at the first stage leads to a positive result;neglecting the process can be corrected with surgery.
The ankle joint is one of the movable joints of the lower limb, which plays an important role in the process of walking.Physiologically, it is designed so that the failure of one joint has a pathological effect on adjacent parts.
The disease itself destroys connective and bone tissue.Arthrosis deforms the joint, deprives it of mobility and can lead to a complete loss of motor skills.
Pathogenesis of ankle arthrosis
A complex joint in humans, which is block-shaped, connects the fibula and tibia of the leg to the tibia of the foot.The anatomical structure enables the movement of the joint in several planes, not only forward, backward and lateral abduction, but also easy circular movements.
Degenerative-dystrophic disease affecting the ankle joint often occurs not only in old age.Precipitating factors can contribute to the development of the disease, crossing the root 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 entails the restructuring of all components:
- the joint gap between the bone heads narrows;
- Synovial fluid changes its chemical composition and thickens;
- the inner lining of the joint capsule becomes inflamed;
- the subarchidal layer of the bone becomes dense and grows;
- in the case of a prolonged course of the disease, osteophytes (bone growth) appear;
- the joint is deformed.
The whole process takes a long time.The initial stage is dangerous because of the smoothness of the symptoms.The first changes can be stopped with an early diagnosis, preserving all the functions of the movable joint.
In the case of significant deformities in the later stages and the ineffectiveness of conservative treatment, surgery is recommended to replace the affected joint.
Causes of pathology
Arthrosis of the ankle joint develops when the following factors appear:
- As age progresses, pathological changes begin in the body, which trigger the process of destruction in the movable joints of the bones.People over the age of fifty may be at risk, especially if the affected person leads an unhealthy lifestyle or has accompanying diseases.
- With the appearance of extra pounds, the load increases, which puts excessive pressure on the joint.The foot in the area of the foot begins to deform, and at the same time, the cartilage tissue that plays the role of a natural shock absorber wears out.
- Intense physical activity during work or sports training.The joint is exposed to regular increased pressure, which has a physiologically destructive effect.
- Ankle joint injuries of various degrees (fractures, dislocations, sprains, bruises).The mechanical impact associated with the appearance of microtraumas changes the course of self-renewal processes in the joint.
- Falling of the arches of the foot, which appears at birth or is acquired during life.The incorrect distribution of the load during movement and the deterioration of the spring function is compensated by the nearby joint, which is the ankle.
- In the absence of the necessary treatment, congenital deformities have harmful consequences for the body, including degenerative changes in the joint tissue.
- Osteoarthritis of the ankle joint can be a direct consequence of wearing inappropriate shoes, which ensure the wrong position of the foot while walking.High-heeled shoes, insufficient fullness of the model, complete lack of heels, uncomfortable postures, and inappropriate shoe sizes "kill" your feet.
- Decreased muscle tone due to a sedentary lifestyle.
- I have a genetic predisposition.If relatives have been diagnosed with pathology, the person exposes himself to great risk if he does not follow the rules of prevention.
- Autoimmune diseases provoke arthrosis.The basis of this group of diseases is the self-destruction of the body's own cells.
- Metabolic disorders affect the joints, causing a lack of "building material" in the form of microelements.
- Pathologies that occur during the malfunction of the endocrine glands: diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism and others.
- Hormonal disorders during the period of body restructuring in older women.
Signs of the disease
Arthrosis of the ankle joint has a hidden beginning.The symptoms are not clearly manifested, so the patient may not pay attention to pelvic discomfort during active movements.The first stage is discovered by accident;a person does not seek medical help during this period.
In the initial stage, pain occurs in the ankle area during fast running, long walks and jumping.After rest, the pain goes away and does not bother the patient at rest.The stage of dystrophic changes in cartilage lasts for years;in 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 joints, which disappears after the patient walks a little.
As the process worsens, the joint begins to deform.A barely noticeable lameness develops on the patient's leg, so the body physiologically tries to adapt to the pain during regular movement.Limited range of motion of the ankle joint gradually appears.
In case of significant narrowing of the joint space, the pain syndrome becomes regular.The change in the shape of the joint is visually noticeable;for this reason, it is possible to shorten the patient's lower limb.
The advanced third stage of the ankle joint is characterized by severe crepitus and contracture of the joint.The pain in the ankle joint bothers him not only during the day, but also at night, during sleep.Without rehabilitation devices (sticks, crutches, walkers) a person cannot walk, performance deteriorates, this phase most often leads to disability.
At any stage of arthrosis, an inflammatory process can occur, which develops on the inner surface of the joint capsule.
Symptoms include:
- throbbing pain in the area of the painful ankle;
- swelling of the soft tissues in the area of the inflamed bone joint;
- skin redness;
- local temperature rise.
How to treat ankle arthrosis
The orthopedist makes a diagnosis 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 with each other in order to enhance the effect.
Restoration of damaged tissue and correction of deformation is impossible;the main role of treatment is to stop the disease process and maintain the condition of the preparation at the same level, preventing deterioration.Strict adherence to the doctor's recommendations ensures 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 pain-relieving effects.The dosage and treatment regimen are prescribed by a doctor, taking into account individual indicators.It is not recommended to take drugs from this pharmacological group independently;NSAIDs have many side effects, especially in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Chondroprotectors replenish the joint with all the missing chemical elements that stop the destruction process and restore the cells of the joint.In order to achieve a lasting therapeutic effect, chondroprotectors must be taken for a long time.
- Glucocorticoids are used to treat inflammation.Hormonal drugs affect acute pain, allergic reactions and inflammation.They can be injected intramuscularly or directly into the diseased joint to perform a blockade.
Motor mode
Arthrosis of the ankle joint forces you to change your entire lifestyle.Physical activity must be measured.It is forbidden to overload the joint with long walks, intense physical exercises or weight bearing.Active movements should alternate with rest;prolonged static loading is prohibited.
In order to prevent damage to the ankle joint, it is advisable to wear suitable orthopedic or anatomical shoes.In order 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 there have been previous injuries or the arthrosis is in a severe stage, the priority is orthoses with metal inserts, which reliably fix the joint.
Diet therapy
The basis of the diet of people suffering from joint diseases should be the principles of proper nutrition.
The following should be excluded from the menu:
- fatty meat and fish soups;
- smoked and sausage products;
- canned goods and semi-finished products;
- sugar and sweets;
- sweet carbonated drinks and coffee;
- alcoholic beverages;
- high-fat mayonnaise and sour cream.
Eat in small portions to monitor your weight and prevent extra pounds.These measures ensure the prevention of further loading of the joints and the supply of substances necessary for the proper nutrition of the joint cells.
Therapeutic practice
Physical exercises for therapeutic purposes must be present during the structuring of the joints.The gymnastics therapy complex is put together by a specialist - a physiotherapist.With proper technique and a therapeutically dosed load, blood circulation in the area of the affected ankle 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 participate in physical therapy:
- acute period accompanied by inflammation;
- the appearance of pain during exercises in the ankle;
- the movements, the number of repetitions and the range of movements must be strictly agreed with the doctor.
You have to be patient to get good results.Regular exercise easily puts the ankle joints in good condition.
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 during twenty procedures, after which a two-month break is taken.During the entire time when the magnet is not in use, the cumulative effect of the completed course remains.
- Infrared radiation is applied to the painful leg, which provides a lasting anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effect.
Folk remedies
Alternative medicine recipes made of available natural ingredients can be used in arthrosis patients.
- It is useful to apply crushed garlic with vegetable oil to the painful joint for 8 hours, spreading it in a thin layer.The herbal anti-inflammatory helps relieve pain and inflammation.
- Raw potatoes are grated and used as a poultice, placed on the ankle.The product relieves swelling and reduces pain in the joints.
- Mix the dry ingredients of hops and St. John's wort with a dessert spoon each, and add fifty milliliters of petroleum jelly to the resulting mass.The resulting ointment is applied to the sore spot in the morning and evening.
Surgical intervention in case of ankle arthrosis
The last stages of the disease, in which the joint is completely blocked, cannot be treated with conservative methods.This fact is due to the fact that the formed deformation is irreversible.In this case, arthrosis of the ankle joint can only be treated with surgery.
The therapy is based on replacing the worn out joint with an artificial prosthesis that allows the person to maintain independent movement and vital activity.The replaced bandage lasts more than ten years, depending on the quality of the material from which it is made.
Preventive measures
It is always easier to prevent a disease than to treat it later.An active lifestyle without bad habits is the key to healthy joints.Maintaining an optimal body weight at any age is useful not only to look good, but also to relieve the body of unwanted stress on all organs and systems.
Special attention should be paid to shoes:
- the models must have an appropriate anatomical shape;
- made from natural materials;
- the use of orthopedic insoles ensures proper distribution of the load on the lower limb;
- its size and fullness must match the foot;
- shoes must match the season to prevent hypothermia, which negatively affects the joints.
At the first sign of discomfort in the ankle joint or pain during movement, a doctor should be consulted for an early diagnosis.If the pathology is detected in time, it can be easily treated, which makes it possible to avoid serious development and maintain a beautiful gait until old age.