Ankle arthrosis develops at any age.Dystrophic changes lead to gradual immobilization of the joint.Treatment in the first stages leads to a positive result;process neglect can be corrected with surgery.
The ankle is one of the movable joints of the lower limb, which plays an important role in the walking process.It is physiologically designed in such a way that a malfunction in one of the joints will lead to a pathological effect on the adjacent components.
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 joint arthrosis
One of the complex joints in humans, in the form of a block, connects the fibula and tibia of the leg to the talus of the foot.The anatomical structure allows the joint to move in several planes, performing not only forward, backward and lateral abduction, but also to easily perform circular movements.
Degenerative-dystrophic disease that affects the ankle joint often occurs not only in old age.Provocative factors can contribute to the development of the disease, intersecting with the underlying causes.Arthrosis of the ankle joint 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 implies the restructuring of all components:
- the joint space between the heads of the bones becomes narrow;
- synovial fluid changes its chemical composition and thickens;
- the inner lining of the joint capsule becomes inflamed;
- the subarchydal bone layer becomes dense and grows;
- with a prolonged course of the disease, osteophytes (bone growths) 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 by early diagnosis, while preserving the overall functionality of the mobile joint.
In later stages, with significant deformities and ineffectiveness of conservative treatment, surgery to replace the affected joint is recommended.
Causes of pathology
Arthrosis of the ankle joint occurs when the following factors occur:
- With age, pathological changes begin in the body that trigger the process of destruction in the movable joint of the bones.People over the age of fifty may be at risk, especially if the person leads an unhealthy lifestyle or has co-morbidities.
- The appearance of excess weight increases the load, which creates excessive pressure on the joint.The leg in the area of the foot begins to deform, and at the same time the cartilaginous tissue, which acts as 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 (fractures, dislocations, sprains, bruises) of varying degrees.Mechanical impact with the appearance of microtrauma changes the course of the self-renewal process in the joint.
- Lowering of the arches of the feet, which appears at birth or is acquired during life.Improper load distribution during movement and impaired spring function are compensated by the nearby joint, which is the ankle joint.
- Congenital deformities in the absence of the necessary treatment lead to harmful consequences for the body, including degenerative changes in joint tissue.
- Osteoarthritis of the ankle joint can be a direct consequence of wearing the wrong footwear, which ensures an incorrect foot position when walking.High heels, insufficient filling of models, complete absence of heels, uncomfortable length, mismatched shoe sizes "kill" your feet.
- Decreased muscle tone due to a sedentary lifestyle.
- There is a genetic predisposition.If a relative has been diagnosed with a pathology, a person exposes himself to a great risk by not following the rules of prevention.
- Autoimmune diseases cause osteoarthritis.The basis of this group of diseases is the self-destruction of the body by its own cells.
- Metabolic disorders affect the joints, creating a lack of "building" material in the form of microelements.
- Pathologies that occur when the endocrine glands do not work: diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism and others.
- Hormonal disorders in the period of body restructuring in older women.
Signs of illness
Ankle arthrosis has a hidden beginning.Symptoms are not clearly manifested, therefore the patient may not pay attention to unpleasant sensations in the pelvic area during active movements.The first phase was discovered by accident;the person does not seek medical help during this period.
In the initial phase, pain in the area of the ankle joint appears during fast running, long walks and jumping.After rest, the pain disappears and does not bother the patient at rest.The stage of dystrophic changes in the cartilage lasts for years;in the next stage, arthrosis of the ankle joint affects the bone layer.
In the second stage of arthrosis, there is a clicking sound when moving the foot, and the pain becomes more intense during exercise.In the morning, after waking up, there is a slight stiffness in the joint, which disappears after the patient walks a little.
As the process worsens, the joint begins to deform.The patient develops barely noticeable lameness on the affected leg, so the body tries to adapt physiologically to the regular pain during movement.Limited range of motion of the ankle joint gradually appears.
When there is a significant narrowing of the joint space, the pain syndrome becomes regular.The change in the shape of the joint is visually noticeable;because of this, it is possible to shorten the affected lower limb.
The advanced third stage of the ankle joint is characterized by severe creptus and contracture of the joint.Pain in the ankle joint bothers you not only during the day, but also at night, during sleep.A person cannot walk without rehabilitation equipment (sticks, crutches, walkers), performance is impaired, and this phase most often leads to disability.
At any stage of arthrosis, an inflammatory process can occur that develops on the inner surface of the joint capsule.
The symptoms are:
- throbbing pain in the area of the painful ankle joint;
- swelling of soft tissues in the area of the inflamed bone joint;
- skin redness;
- local increase in temperature.
How to treat arthrosis of the ankle joint
The orthopedist diagnoses and prescribes treatment.Treatment procedures, except for joint injections and some physiotherapy procedures, are carried out on an outpatient basis.Therapeutic procedures are prescribed in combination and carried out in parallel with each other in order to enhance the effect.
It is impossible to restore the damaged tissue and correct the deformation;the main role of treatment is to stop the disease process and maintain the condition of the composition at the same level, preventing deterioration.Strict adherence to the doctor's recommendations will ensure the desired effect.
Drug treatment
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used in the form of tablets or ointments for external use.NSAIDs simultaneously have both anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.The dose and regimen is prescribed by a specialist doctor, taking into account individual indicators.Self-administration of drugs from this pharmacological group is not recommended;NSAIDs have many side effects, especially on the gastrointestinal tract.
- Chondroprotectors replace the joint with all the missing chemical elements, which stop the destruction process and restore joint cells.In order to achieve a lasting therapeutic effect, it is necessary to take chondroprotectors for a long time.
- Glucocorticoids are used for developed inflammation.Hormonal drugs act on acute pain, allergic reactions and inflammation.They can be injected intramuscularly or directly into the affected joint to block it.
Motor mode
Ankle arthrosis forces you to change your entire lifestyle.Physical activity should be measured.It is forbidden to overload the joint with long walks, intense physical exercises or carrying weights.Active movements should be alternated with rest;Prolonged static loading is prohibited.
To prevent deterioration of the ankle joint, it is useful to wear the correct orthopedic or anatomical footwear.To achieve the impact absorption effect, orthopedic insoles are used daily.
Preventive orthopedic bandages protect the joint from excessive load and provide the effects of local compression and micromassage.If there have been previous injuries or arthrosis is in a severe stage, the priority will be orthoses with metal inserts that reliably fix the joint.
Diet therapy
The principles of proper nutrition should form the basis of the diet of a person with joint diseases.
The following should be excluded from the menu:
- fatty meat and fish soups;
- smoked products and sausage products;
- canned food and semi-finished products;
- sugar and sweets;
- sweet carbonated drinks and coffee;
- alcoholic beverages;
- mayonnaise and high-fat sour cream.
You must eat in small portions to monitor your weight and prevent excess weight.These measures will ensure the prevention of additional stress on the joints and the supply of the necessary substances for the nutrition of joint cells in sufficient quantities.
Therapeutic exercise
Physical exercises for therapeutic purposes should be present during joint destructuring.The complex of exercise therapy is compiled by a specialist - a physiotherapy instructor.With proper technique and therapeutically dosed loading in the area of the affected ankle joint, blood circulation improves, muscle tone increases, and the range of motion increases.
In order for the classes to bring only benefits, you must remember when you cannot do physical therapy:
- acute period followed by inflammation;
- the appearance of pain when performing exercises in the ankle;
- movements, number of repetitions and range of movements must be strictly agreed with the doctor.
To get good results you have to be patient.Regular exercise will smoothly get your ankles in good shape.
Physiotherapy procedures
- Electrophoresis is prescribed for introducing drugs into the patient's body using electric current.
- Exposure to pulsed magnetic current is carried out in cycles of twenty procedures, then a break of two months is made.During the entire period of not using the magnet, the cumulative effect of the completed course will remain.
- Infrared radiation is prescribed for the painful leg, which will provide a lasting anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.
Folk remedies
The use of alternative medicine recipes from available natural ingredients can be used for patients with arthrosis.
- 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 will help relieve pain and inflammation.
- Raw potatoes are grated and used as poultices, placed on the ankle joint.The product will relieve swelling and reduce pain in the joint.
- Dry raw materials of hops and St. John's wort are mixed with one dessert spoon each, and fifty milliliters of vaseline is added to the resulting mass.Apply the resulting ointment to the painful area in the morning and evening.
Surgical intervention in arthrosis of the ankle joint
The last stages of the disease, in which the joint is completely blocked, cannot be treated with conservative means.This fact is due to the fact that the developed deformation is irreversible.In this case, ankle arthrosis can only be treated with surgery.
The therapy is based on replacing the worn joint with an artificial prosthesis, which will enable the person to move independently and perform vital activities.The replaced joint will last more than ten years, depending on the quality of the material from which it is made.
Preventive measures
Disease prevention is always easier than later treatment.An active lifestyle without bad habits is the key to healthy joints.Maintaining an optimal weight at any age is useful not only for a beautiful appearance, but also for freeing the body from unwanted stress on all organs and systems.
A lot of attention must be paid to shoes:
- models must be of correct anatomical shape;
- made of natural materials;
- the use of orthopedic insoles will ensure proper distribution of the load on the lower extremity;
- size and fullness must match the foot;
- shoes should be appropriate for the season to prevent hypothermia, which adversely affects the joints.
At the first signs of discomfort in the ankle joint or pain when moving, you should consult a doctor for an early diagnosis.If the pathology is noticed in time, it can be easily treated, which will allow you to avoid serious development and maintain a beautiful gait until old age.