Osteoarthritis of the ankle - causes, symptoms, diagnosis, degree of disease and treatment

The older a person becomes, the greater the risk of developing degenerative and destructive changes, especially in the work of the musculoskeletal system. Osteoarthritis 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, will lead to disability. With the initial development of the pathology, the symptoms of the disease are poorly expressed, and its presence can only be determined with the help of X-rays.

What is osteoarthritis of the ankle?

The disease, in which the joint cartilage and surrounding tissues are gradually destroyed, is called osteoarthritis of the ankle. The basis of the pathology is a degenerative-dystrophic process, and inflammation is secondary. Osteoarthritis of the ankle has a chronic wavy course, with alternating exacerbations and remissions. The disease progresses gradually. The female and male population equally suffer from osteoarthritis. With age, the likelihood of developing pathologies increases significantly.

Symptoms

Diseases of the ankle joint are periodically exacerbated. During remission of osteoarthritis, symptoms may not appear at all. The pathology develops without betraying itself. A person experiences moderate pain in the ankle with significant physical exertion, increased stiffness and fatigue in the legs. With the progression of the pathology, the pain becomes more pronounced, arises at rest and intensifies at night.

As the deformity of the joint becomes visible, the range of motion of the ankle decreases and, when walking, a characteristic crunch and click is heard. Sometimes there is a curvature of the lower leg, the legs acquire a valgus (X-shaped) or varus (O-shaped) shape. For osteoarthritis of the ankle, starting pains are characteristic, which occur at the beginning of the movement after a state of rest and disappear during walking.

Causes of the event

Osteoarthritis of the ankle is divided into two groups: primary and secondary. The first arises for unknown reasons. The second develops due to adverse factors: inflammation, trauma, etc. In both cases, the pathology is based on metabolic disorders in the cartilage tissue. The main reasons for the development of secondary arthrosis:

• deformation of the bone (fractures) or damage to the ligaments due to an ankle injury;
• elongation of the joint capsule;
• pinching of the nerve endings of the lumbar spine;
• excess weight;
• wearing uncomfortable shoes;
• prolonged load on the joint (intense sports, constant standing position);
• diseases associated with metabolic disorders (gout, diabetes mellitus, lack of estrogen during menopause and others);
• intervertebral hernias, osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine and other conditions, accompanied by disruption of the lower leg, muscular system or entrapment of nerves.

The degree of the disease

With osteoarthritis of the ankle, three degrees are distinguished, which are specified by hardware diagnostics:

• I degree - pathological changes are not noticeable, there is a narrowing of the joint space of the ankle, compaction of the talus;
• II degree - swelling becomes a consequence of the progression of the disease, painful sensations appear over time, the mobility of the legs decreases, joint deformation is noted;
• III degree - there is a loss of the cushioning properties of the joint, ossification of cartilage tissue, deformation of the foot leads to disability.

Possible consequences

A patient with osteoarthritis of the ankle can be assigned a disability, since complete destruction of the joint leads to a limitation of motor activity. For this, the patient must undergo a medical examination. Categories of patients who can be assigned a disability:

• patients with progressive osteoarthritis who have been ill for more than 3 years with exacerbations of the disease at least 3 times / year;
• patients who have undergone joint surgery and have a life limitation;
• patients with severe impairment of static-dynamic function.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis of "2nd degree arthrosis of the ankle joint" (or any other stage) is made on the basis of a survey, visual examination and laboratory results. X-rays play a decisive role. In the more advanced stages, deforming osteoarthritis and cystic formations in the bone area are detected. In difficult cases, the patient is referred for a CT scan of the ankle for a more accurate assessment of the bone structures. MRI of the ankle may be done to examine soft tissue.

Treatment of osteoarthritis of the Ankle

Therapy of the affected joint in post-traumatic arthrosis is carried out according to the general scheme. The complete treatment includes:

• removal of pain symptoms;
• elimination of the inflammatory process;
• restoration of joint mobility;
• improvement of trophic processes;
• restoration of normal blood circulation in the limb:
• replacement of a joint with artificial prostheses (if necessary).

Medicines

Drug therapy is selected taking into account the signs of the disease and the stage of the disease. During periods of exacerbation, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of tablets or injections are used. Along with them, it is recommended to take local anesthetic drugs in the form of gels or ointments. With pronounced pain sensations, corticosteroid drugs are prescribed for intra-articular blockages. Their introduction is carried out no more than 4 times / year. To normalize the metabolism in the cartilage tissue, drugs of the chondroprotective group are prescribed.

ointments

Topical medications will not be able to cure osteoarthritis or crusarthrosis of the ankle, but they will help speed recovery and prevent recurrence of the disease. Among the effective drugs are:

1. Multicomponent homeopathic ointment intended for the treatment of inflammatory and dystrophic conditions of the musculoskeletal system. Apply 1-3 times a day with a thin layer on the affected area. The duration of the course is 2-4 weeks. Local skin reactions rarely occur: urticaria, burning, itching, development of dermatitis.
2. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with analgesic effect. Apply in a small dose to the affected joints 3 times a day. The doctor prescribes the course of treatment individually. On average, such ointments are used until the pain subsides, but no more than 14 consecutive days.

Physiotherapy

The following physiotherapeutic methods will help to stop osteoarthritis of the ankle:

1. Medium wave ultraviolet irradiation. Under the influence of ultraviolet waves in the affected area, there is an accumulation of substances that reduce the sensitivity of the nerve endings, which makes it possible to quickly relieve the pain syndrome.
2. Infrared laser therapy. The laser reduces the sensitivity of the nerve roots, improves the blood circulation process. The procedure relieves the patient of the stress he has endured due to constant ankle pain.

Diet

For inflammatory diseases of the knee joints, bone tissue and joint ligaments of the ankle, a special diet is indicated. It is necessary to include jelly, jellied meat and edible jelly in the diet, as these products are natural chondroprotectors that restore cartilage tissue. Complex carbohydrates (vegetables, fruits, wholemeal bread), milk proteins (cottage cheese, cheese), vitamin and mineral complexes must be on the menu. For better assimilation of food, the food must be steamed or boiled.

Phisical exercises

After studying the radiography, the doctor can prescribe the performance of therapeutic exercises. Special ankle exercises will help get rid of pain, relieve muscle tension and restore blood circulation. Examples of physical therapy exercises:

• sitting on a chair, socks and heels alternately come off the floor;
• the toes rest on the floor, the heel rises and makes circular movements;
• the legs are together, the foot extends to the side of the body.

Massage

The procedure for osteoarthritis of the ankle is distinguished by a variety and multistage techniques. The purpose of the massage is to improve lymphatic and blood circulation in the foot muscles of the joint cavity, to eliminate poor ankle mobility. To relax the muscles, first massage the ankle using kneading and stroking techniques. Then the toes are massaged, then the foot and heel are kneaded. Finish the procedure by working deeply on the ankle joints.

Surgery

If conservative therapy of arthrosis has not brought positive results, the attending physician prescribes surgical treatment. Among the operating methods are considered the best:

1. Endoprosthesis of the ankle. An ultramodern ceramic or metal prosthesis is partially or completely replaced at the site of cartilage destruction.
2. Arthrodesis of the ankle. It is prescribed for severe destruction of the articular surfaces. During the operation, the bones are rigidly fixed by their internal connection.

Traditional methods

Village recipes come to the aid of complex ankle joint therapy for osteoarthritis:

1. Chalk and kefir. Blend the two ingredients into a paste. Apply this mixture on the sore joint overnight to relieve swelling.
2. Butter and cinquefoil root. In a 10: 1 ratio, mix the ingredients and massage the sore joint overnight to relieve pain.

Prevention of osteoarthritis of the ankle

To reduce the risks of developing osteoarthritis of the ankle, it is necessary to adhere to preventive measures, which include:

• body weight control;
• appropriate nutrition;
• wear comfortable shoes without high heels;
• avoid joint injuries;
• timely treatment of endocrine and vascular diseases;
• regular performance of gymnastics for the ankle.

Photo of osteoarthritis of the ankle