Arthrosis of the ankle joint is quite a 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 to reduce the level of existing inflammation and slow down 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 frontal axis, thus providing flexion and extension of the foot. Lateral movements are characterized by a minimum amplitude.
Arthrosis of the ankle joint, the symptoms and treatment of which are directly interconnected, is a process of sequential destruction of joint tissue. Pathology involves a violation of the usual 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 medicine prescribed for joint osteoarthritis, it becomes deformed and its normal functioning becomes really impossible.
The older the person, the greater the probability of developing degenerative-destructive changes in him. In this case, the musculoskeletal system is no exception. It is reported that approximately 10% of the world's population over the age of 40 suffers from osteoarthritis. In developed countries, the number of patients aged 65 years or older varies from 60 to approximately 80%.
Classification
The first stage of the disease is characterized by a direct narrowing of the joint space, the cartilage swells and softens. Arthrosis of the second degree is distinguished by the fact that microcracks form in the areas of increased pressure of the joint heads, and obvious bulges in the places of lower pressure. In the third and fourth stages, a breakdown of the cartilage occurs, followed by the formation of cysts, the growth of so-called bone calluses (osteophytes). As a result, the joint heads are flattened, which does not allow the foot to perform the usual movements.
main reasons
Very rarely, the disease is primary, that is, it occurs spontaneously. Most of the time it is secondary and is explained by the influence of a series of factors. The causes of osteoarthritis of the ankle joint can be the following:
- Damage to the musculoskeletal apparatus of the foot and the joint itself (flat foot, hereditary dysplasia of connective tissue).
- Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (dislocation, sprain, contusion).
- Inflammation of the immune nature.
- infectious lesion.
- Various types of neurological disorders (osteochondrosis, neuritis).
- Metabolic pathologies (obesity, rickets, gout).
The causes of arthrosis of the ankle joint are often found in the constant use of high-heeled shoes. The unnatural location of the foot causes an increased load several times on the ankle itself. Athletes, dancers and those whose weight significantly exceeds the standard indicators are also included in the risk group.
How does ankle osteoarthritis manifest itself? Symptoms and treatment
First of all, patients note painful discomfort when trying to fully stand up, as well as the appearance of a characteristic crunch during movements. Over time, the pain becomes stronger and persists even at rest. The limitation of foot mobility in various axes gradually worsens. The joint itself is increased in size, the foot is slightly curved. In the advanced stages of the pathology, pain in the knee and hip joints can also be felt.
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 thing is that nonsteroidal 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 receipt of such funds is prescribed in short courses in order to minimize negative consequences.
Local treatment of the affected area consists of deflating 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 nonsteroidal 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 provide an excellent therapeutic effect, especially when combined with other drugs.
Some patients are prescribed chondroprotectors. They help cartilage recovery and significantly improve tissue synthesis.
surgical treatment
Unfortunately, it is not always possible to overcome ankle osteoarthritis through drug therapy alone. Sometimes medications are ineffective. In this type of situation, the doctor decides on surgical intervention. The surest way to stop the degenerative process is arthroscopy.
This procedure is performed using a special instrument, which is inserted into the affected area through microincisions. This operation allows you to remove all bone growths.
exercise therapy
Exercise 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 mainly aimed 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 a supine position (for example, circular movements on the foot). Then the lessons become more difficult. The exercises are performed in a sitting position (the foot rolls without lifting the heels off the floor). Please note that in each case a set of exercises is individually selected by a doctor.
Prevention
First of all, experts strongly recommend avoiding injuries and mechanical damage to the joint. To do this, you need to choose shoes with stable heels, and when playing sports, wear special protective equipment.
It is very important to control body weight, because being overweight is usually the main reason why osteoarthritis of the ankle joint develops. The symptoms and treatment of this pathology should not be ignored. When the primary symptoms appear, you need to seek qualified help, do not try to solve the problem yourself.
Also, experts recommend following a diet with foods rich in protein. You should for some time give up excessively salty and fatty foods, as well as alcohol.
conclusion
In this article, we explain in as much detail as possible what constitutes ankle joint osteoarthritis. Symptoms and treatment, causes and prevention are just some of the topics for which detailed answers are provided here. Keep in mind 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 compliance with all the doctor's recommendations.