The older a person is, the higher the risk of degenerative and destructive changes, especially in the work of the musculoskeletal system. Arthropathy of the ankle joint is a disease of varying severity that affects articular cartilage and tissues. If left untreated, it can lead to disability. With the initial development of pathology, the symptoms of the disease are poor, and X-rays can only be used to determine its existence.
What is ankle joint disease
This disease in which articular cartilage and surrounding tissues are gradually destroyed is called ankle joint disease. The pathological basis is the process of degenerative malnutrition, and inflammation is secondary. Ankle joint disease has a wavy chronic course, with alternating deterioration and remission. The condition gradually developed. Women and men also suffer from arthropathy. With age, the possibility of pathology increases dramatically.
symptom
Diseases of the ankle joints deteriorate periodically. During the remission of joint disease, there may be no symptoms at all. The development of pathology did not give up. A person will experience moderate pain in the ankle, heavy physical exertion, stiffness and fatigue in the legs. As the pathology progresses, soreness becomes more pronounced, appears at rest and worsens at night.
When the deformity of the joint becomes visible, the range of motion of the ankle will be reduced, and the characteristic crunch and click will be heard when walking. Sometimes the calf is bent, and the leg is turned outward (X-shaped) or inward (O-shaped). The initial pain of the ankle joint is characteristic. It appears when exercise starts after a rest and disappears when walking.
cause
Ankle joint disease is divided into two groups: primary and secondary. The reason for the first one is unknown. The second type develops due to unfavorable factors: inflammation, trauma, etc. In both cases, the pathology is based on metabolic disorders of cartilage tissue. The main causes of secondary arthropathy:
- Bone deformation (fracture) or ligament damage due to ankle injury;
- Stretch the joint capsule;
- Pinch the nerve endings of the lumbar spine;
- Excess weight;
- Wearing uncomfortable shoes;
- Long-term load on the joints (strength exercise, continuous standing);
- Diseases related to metabolic disorders (gout, diabetes, menopausal lack of estrogen, etc. );
- Intervertebral hernia, lumbar osteochondrosis and other diseases, accompanied by damage to the calf, muscle organs or nerve entrapment.
Extent of disease
Ankle joint disease is divided into three degrees, which are specified by the hardware diagnosis:
- Degree I-Pathological changes are not obvious, the ankle joint space is narrowed, and the talus is compacted;
- Degree II-edema becomes the result of disease progression, pain in the weather, reduced leg movement, joint deformation;
- Degree III-Loss of amortization characteristics of joints, ossification of cartilage tissue, deformities of the feet leading to disability.
Possible consequences
Patients with ankle joint arthropathy may be considered disabled because the complete destruction of the joints can lead to restricted movement. For this, the patient needs to undergo a physical examination. Types of patients who can be designated as disabled:
- Patients with progressive joint disease who have a disease course of more than 3 years and who have gotten worse at least 3 times a year;
- Patients who have undergone joint surgery and have limited life;
- Patients with severely impaired static-dynamic function.
diagnosis
The diagnosis of "ankle joint 2nd degree arthropathy" (or any other stage) is based on surveys, visual inspections, and laboratory results. X-rays play a decisive role. In the most advanced stage, deformable osteoarthritis and cystic formation in the bone area will be detected. In difficult situations, the patient will be referred for a CT scan of the ankle joint for a more accurate assessment of the bone structure. MRI of the ankle joint can be performed to examine the soft tissues.
Ankle joint disease treatment
The treatment of the affected joints in post-traumatic arthropathy is carried out according to the general protocol. Comprehensive treatment includes:
- Eliminate pain symptoms;
- Eliminate the inflammatory process;
- Restore joint mobility;
- Improvement of the nutritional process;
- Restore the normal blood circulation of the limbs:
- Replace the joint with an artificial prosthesis (if necessary).
drug
Consider the signs of the disease and the stage of the disease to choose medication. During exacerbations, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used in the form of tablets or injections. Together with them, it is recommended to take a local anesthetic in the form of a gel or ointment. Due to the obvious pain, corticosteroid drugs are used for intra-articular obstruction. Their introduction does not exceed 4 times per year. In order to normalize the metabolism in cartilage tissue, drugs of the cartilage protection group are prescribed.
ointment
Topical drugs cannot cure ankle joint disease or ankle joint disease, but help speed up recovery and prevent recurrence of the disease. Effective drugs include:
- A multi-component homeopathic ointment used to treat inflammation and malnutrition of the musculoskeletal system. Apply a thin layer to the affected area 1-3 times a day. The course duration is 2-4 weeks. Local skin reactions rarely occur: hives, burning, itching, dermatitis development.
- A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with analgesic effect. Apply a small dose to the affected joint 3 times a day. The doctor individually prescribes the course of treatment. On average, this type of ointment will be used until the pain disappears, but the continuous use time does not exceed 14 days.
physiotherapy
The following physiotherapy methods will help stop ankle joint disease:
- Medium-wave ultraviolet radiation. Under the influence of ultraviolet waves in the affected area, there will be accumulation of substances that reduce the sensitivity of nerve endings, which can quickly relieve the pain syndrome.
- Infrared laser treatment. Laser reduces the sensitivity of nerve roots and improves blood circulation. This operation reduces the pressure on the patient due to persistent pain in the ankle.
diet
For inflammatory diseases of the knee joint, bone tissue and ankle ligaments, a special diet is required. It is necessary to add jelly, aspic and edible gelatin to the diet, because these products are natural cartilage protectors that restore cartilage tissue. Complex carbohydrates (vegetables, fruits, whole-grain bread), milk protein (cottage cheese, cheese), vitamin and mineral complexes must be on the menu. In order to better absorb food, food must be steamed or boiled.
Physical Exercise
After studying X-rays, the doctor may prescribe the performance of therapeutic exercises. The special movement of the ankle will help to get rid of pain, relieve muscle tension and restore blood circulation. Examples of exercise therapy exercises:
- Sitting on a chair, socks and high heels alternately leave the floor;
- Touch the toes on the ground, raise the heels and make circular motions;
- Bring your legs together and stretch your feet to one side of your body.
massage
Ankle surgery is characterized by a variety of multi-stage techniques. The purpose of massage is to improve the lymphatic and blood circulation of the joint cavity muscles of the foot and eliminate the inconvenience of ankle movement. To relax the muscles, first massage the ankles using kneading and stroking techniques. Then massage your toes, then rub your feet and heels. Complete the surgery by studying the ankle joint in depth.
surgery
If conservative treatment of joint disease does not bring positive results, the attending doctor will prescribe surgical treatment. The method of operation is considered the best:
- Ankle joint prosthesis. Ultra-modern ceramic or metal prostheses are partially or completely replaced at the site of cartilage destruction.
- Ankle fusion. It is used to severely damage the articular surface. During the operation, the bones are rigidly fixed by their internal connections.
Traditional method
Country recipes help in the comprehensive treatment of ankle joint disease:
- Chalk and kefir. Mix the two ingredients into a paste. Apply this mixture to painful joints at night to reduce swelling.
- Butter and five petal roots. Mix these ingredients in a ratio of 10: 1, and rub them overnight on the painful joints to reduce the pain.
Prevent ankle joint disease
In order to reduce the risk of ankle joint disease, it is necessary to take preventive measures, including:
- Weight control;
- Proper nutrition;
- Wear comfortable shoes, not high heels;
- Avoid joint damage;
- Timely treatment of endocrine and vascular diseases;
- Perform ankle gymnastics regularly.
Photos of ankle joint disease
