Arthropathy of the ankle joint is a fairly serious disease that always requires a special approach to treatment. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to deal with this pathology. However, modern medicine offers effective means to reduce the level of existing inflammation and slow the progression of the disease.
What is disease?
The ankle joint connects the lower leg to the ankle. Basically, it moves along the frontal axis, thus providing flexion and extension of the foot. Lateral movements are characterized by a minimum width.
Arthropathy of the ankle joint, the symptoms and treatment of which are directly related, is a process of successive destruction of the joint tissue. The pathology implies a violation of the usual tissue structure, the death of part of the cartilage cells, the formation of cracks on its surface and the compression of the bones. If you do not take the prescribed medicine for arthrosis of the joints, it becomes deformed and its normal function becomes really impossible.
The older the person, the greater the likelihood of degenerative-destructive changes occurring 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 arthritis. In developed countries, the number of patients aged 65 and over ranges from 60 to about 80%.
Classification
The first stage of the disease is characterized by immediate narrowing of the joint space, the cartilage itself swells and softens. Arthritis of the 2nd degree is distinguished by the fact that microcracks are formed in the areas with the greatest pressure of the joint heads and obvious protrusions in places with the least pressure. In the third and fourth stage, a cartilage rupture occurs, followed by the formation of cysts, the growth of the so-called bone calluses (osteophytes). As a result, the joint heads themselves are flattened, which does not allow the leg to perform normal movements.
Main reasons
Very rarely, the disease is primary, that is, it appears spontaneously. Most of the time it is secondary and explained by the effect 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 joint itself (flatfoot, hereditary connective tissue dysplasia).
- Post-traumatic arthropathy (dislocation, sprain, bruise).
- Inflammation of the immune nature.
- Infectious injury.
- Various types of neurological disorders (osteochondrosis, neuritis).
- Metabolic pathologies (obesity, rickets, gout).
The causes of arthrosis of the ankle joint often lie in the constant use of high-heeled shoes. The abnormal position of the foot causes the load to increase several times on the ankle itself. The risk group also includes athletes, dancers and those whose weight significantly exceeds the standard indicators.
How does ankle osteoarthritis manifest itself? Symptoms and treatment
First of all, patients note painful discomfort when trying to fully stand on their feet, as well as the appearance of a characteristic twitching during movements. Over time, the pain becomes stronger and persists even at rest. The limitation of the leg's mobility along various axes gradually worsens. The joint itself increases in size, the leg is slightly curved. In the 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 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 point is that non-steroidal 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 taking such funds is prescribed in short courses in order to minimize negative consequences.
Local treatment of the affected area involves reducing inflammation in the joint. Thus, it is possible to reduce the progression of the disease, i. e. to keep the inflammatory process under constant control. Such treatment is prescribed if the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs was ineffective.
Local treatment involves the use of gels that have anesthetic ingredients in their composition. However, this cost is fully justified. Ointments and gels give an excellent therapeutic effect, especially when combined with other drugs.
Some patients are prescribed chondroprotectors. They help cartilage to recover and significantly improve tissue composition.
Surgical treatment
Unfortunately, it is not always possible to overcome ankle arthropathy through drug therapy alone. Sometimes medicines are ineffective. In this type of situation, the doctor decides on surgery. The safest way to stop the degenerative process is arthroscopy.
This procedure is carried out with the help of a special instrument, which is inserted into the affected area through microtomes. This function allows you to remove all bone growths.
exercise therapy
Exercise therapy is prescribed for many types of joints. Especially such exercises are effective in post-traumatic variant of the disease. Therapeutic exercises for arthropathy are mainly aimed at restoring lost muscle tone, as well as expanding the range of motion in 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 leg). Then the lessons become more difficult. The exercises are 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 a doctor.
Prevention
First of all, experts strongly recommend avoiding injuries and mechanical damage to the joint. To do this, you should choose shoes with stable heels and when playing sports, use special protective equipment.
It is very important to control body weight, because excess weight is often the main reason why ankle joint arthropathy develops. The symptoms and treatment of this pathology should not be ignored. When primary symptoms appear, you should seek professional help, do not try to solve the problem yourself.
Also, experts recommend following a diet high in protein foods. You should give up for some time excessively salty and fatty foods, as well as alcohol.
conclusion
In this article, we have told in as much detail as possible what constitutes arthropathy of the ankle joint. Symptoms and treatment, causes and prevention are just some of the topics that are answered in detail here. Please note that the effectiveness of treatment for a disease depends not only on the specific stage of its development and the presence of accompanying health problems, but also on adequate adherence to all the doctor's recommendations.