Arthrosis of the ankle joint is a rather serious disease that always requires a qualified approach to treatment. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to overcome this pathology. However, modern medicine offers effective ways to reduce the level of existing inflammation and slow the progression of the disease.
What is a disease?
The ankle joint connects the bottom of the foot to the ball of the foot. Basically, it moves along the front axis, thereby providing flexion and extension of the foot. Lateral movement is characterized by minimum amplitude.
Arthrosis of the ankle joint, the symptoms and treatment of which are directly related, is a process of sequential destruction of articular tissue. Pathology involves a violation of the normal structure of the tissue, the death of part of the cartilage cells, the formation of cracks on its surface, and bone compaction. If you do not take the medicine prescribed for arthrosis of the joint, it is deformed, and its normal operation becomes very impossible.
The older a person is, the higher the possibility of experiencing degenerative-destructive changes in him. In this case, the musculoskeletal system is no exception. About 10% of the world's population over the age of 40 is reported to suffer from arthrosis. In developed countries, the number of patients aged 65 and over varies from 60 to about 80%.
Classification
The first stage of the disease is characterized by direct narrowing of the joint space, the cartilage itself swells and softens. Arthrosis of the 2nd degree is distinguished by the fact that microcracks are formed in the area of the greatest pressure of the articular head, and a clear protrusion in the place of the least pressure. In the third and fourth stages, cartilage breakdown occurs, followed by the formation of cysts, growths called bone callus (osteophytes). As a result, the articular head itself is flat, which does not allow the foot to perform normal movements.
Main reason
Very rarely, this disease is primary, that is, it occurs spontaneously. Often it is secondary and explained by the influence of several factors. The causes of osteoarthritis of the ankle joint can be as follows:
- Damage to the musculoskeletal system of the foot and the joints themselves (flat feet, hereditary connective tissue dysplasia).
- Arthrosis after trauma (dislocation, sprain, bruise).
- Inflammation of immune nature.
- Infectious injuries.
- Various types of neurological disorders (osteochondrosis, neuritis).
- Metabolic pathology (obesity, rickets, gout).
The cause of arthrosis of the ankle joint often lies in the constant use of high-heeled shoes. The unnatural location of the foot causes an increase in the load several times on the ankle itself. Athletes, dancers and those whose body weight 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 stand fully on their feet, as well as the appearance of characteristic irritation during movement. Over time, the pain becomes stronger and persists even at rest. The limitation of leg movement along various axes is gradually aggravated. The joints themselves increase in size, the legs are slightly curved. In advanced stages of the pathology, pain can also be felt in the knee and hip joints.
Conservative therapy
Most drugs that reduce pain belong to a group of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
These drugs allow you to get rid of pain, but they also have some disadvantages. The problem is that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have a very negative effect on the gastric mucosa. For example, with prolonged use in patients, gastritis often worsens and even ulcers appear. That is why the receipt of such funds is set in a short course to minimize negative consequences.
Local treatment of the affected area involves reducing inflammation in the joint. Therefore, 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 a gel that has an anesthetic component in its composition. However, this cost is fully justified. Ointments and gels provide an excellent therapeutic effect, especially when combined with other drugs.
Some patients are given chondroprotectors. They help cartilage recover and significantly increase tissue synthesis.
Surgical treatment
Unfortunately, it is far from always possible to overcome ankle arthrosis only through drug therapy. Sometimes medicine doesn't work. In such a situation, the doctor decides on surgical intervention. The safest way to stop the degenerative process is arthroscopy.
This procedure is carried out using a special tool, which is inserted into the affected area through a micro incision. This operation allows you to remove all bone growth.
exercise therapy
Exercise therapy is prescribed for various types of arthrosis. Such exercises are especially effective in post-traumatic disease variants. Therapeutic exercises for arthrosis are primarily aimed at restoring lost muscle tone, as well as expanding the range of motion in the ankle itself.
Initially, such exercises are chosen that require minimal load. They are performed in a supine position (for example, circular movements on the legs). Then the lesson becomes more difficult. The exercise is performed in a sitting position (legs roll without lifting the heels off the floor). Note that in each case, a set of exercises is selected individually by the doctor.
Prevention
First of all, experts strongly recommend avoiding injuries and mechanical damage to the joints. To do this, you should choose shoes with a stable heel, and when playing sports, use special protective equipment.
It is very important to control body weight, because excess body weight is often the main reason for the development of arthrosis of the ankle joint. Symptoms and treatment of this pathology should not be ignored. When the main symptoms appear, you should seek qualified help, do not try to solve the problem yourself.
Also, experts recommend following a diet with a high protein food content. You should give up for some time overly salty and fatty foods, as well as alcohol.
Conclusion
In this article, we tell as much detail as possible what is arthrosis of the ankle joint. Symptoms and treatment, causes and prevention are just some of the topics for which detailed answers are provided here. Note that the effectiveness of therapy for a disease depends not only on the specific stage of its development and the presence of concomitant health problems, but also on efficient compliance with all the doctor's recommendations.