Arthrosis of the ankle joint. Symptoms and treatment, remedies, exercises

The ankle joint is often injured as it withstands heavy loads. Based on the symptoms, the doctor can diagnose ankle arthrosis and prescribe treatment. The disease does not depend on age or gender, the tissues become thinner and die, which can lead to disability.

Arthrosis affects 12% of the population, and the disease affects women of retirement age more often.

As mentioned, the ankle can withstand a huge load. It keeps the body upright and allows the person to move. Its violation changes the usual way of life.

Arthrosis of the ankle joint (symptoms and treatment may vary) is a chronic disease in which irreversible processes occur in the cartilage.

The disease develops gradually. A healthy person has a smooth joint surface. In case of overload, it promotes easy sliding during physical activity.

In the case of arthrosis, tissue nutrition and metabolism deteriorate. The outer surface of the joint changes, it becomes rough, the cartilages come together, and inflammation occurs. When a person lifts heavy objects, the load falls on the bone, which leads to degenerative disorders.

If treatment is not started, serious pathologies develop. In the later stages, the cartilage and tissues are affected, the synovial membrane becomes irritated and the joint loses its stability. In such cases, the supporting function is damaged, and movements become difficult.

Types

There are several types of arthrosis, depending on different criteria:

• causes of occurrence (primary, secondary);
• stages of arthrosis;
• localization of the pathology;
• forms of localization (generalized and local);
• the course of the disease (acute and chronic).

Grading criteria	Types of arthrosis
place of manifestation	knee, wrist, ankle, elbow, shoulder and neck arthrosis.
cause of its occurrence	primary – develops by itself, without prerequisites; secondary - joint damage occurs due to the development of infectious diseases, mechanical injuries, injuries, hypothermia and other factors.
localization	local damage - the symptoms cover a small area of the joint or some of its tissues; generalized - several joints are affected or one that completely covers all tissues.
the course of the disease	acute form - increased intensity and severity of symptoms, severe pain, morphological changes occur more dynamically; chronic form - the course of the disease is slow, during exacerbations it manifests itself in unique symptoms.

Ankle arthrosis is divided into primary (degenerative processes start in healthy cartilage due to excessive physical activity) and secondary (destruction is diagnosed, dystrophic changes appear in the cartilage tissue).

Degrees and Degrees

Arthrosis of the ankle joint (symptoms and treatment directly depend on the age of the patient) can occur in several ways. For some, many years pass from the appearance of the first symptoms to the critical stage, while for others the disease develops rapidly.

When the therapy started depends on age and accompanying diseases. As ankle arthrosis progresses, the symptoms become more pronounced.

The disease has 4 stages.

1. The first stage is often overlooked. Main symptoms: stiffness in the morning, characteristic crunch when walking. The pathogenic changes are not visible in the picture, the destructive process has already begun.
2. Morning stiffness lasts longer. It takes 20-30 minutes to develop the foot. Some patients experience lameness. X-ray shows stage 2 pathology with bone growths and bone displacement.
3. In stage 3, symptoms become more pronounced. Painful sensations appear in a calm state, the patient cannot do without painkillers. Lameness becomes noticeable and crutches are sometimes required. The joint swells and changes, the muscles become thinner and their volume decreases. The joint space narrows, as seen on X-rays, and osteophytes form.
4. The last stage develops in the absence of treatment. The cartilages are destroyed, the surfaces of the joints grow together. The patient cannot walk.

Arthrosis has several degrees:

1. First degree– The X-ray shows no change or articulation. Mild morning stiffness is experienced. It is at this stage that treatment should begin.
2. Secondarythe activity becomes difficult, a squeaking sound is heard while walking, and swelling is observed. X-rays show a decrease in the interarticular space. The person limps and the morning stiffness lasts longer.

3. In the third degreeclearly expressed crusarthrosis, deformation of the joints. Muscles will atrophy even more, movements will be limited. Constant rest is necessary. Even in this state, the pain does not go away.
4. At the last stageThere is practically no joint space, activity is almost impossible. X-rays make it possible to diagnose a large number of osteophytes. Only surgical intervention is prescribed.

Ankle arthrosis occurs gradually, so treatment should be started at the first symptoms to avoid aggravation of the condition and the development of complications.

Symptoms

Arthrosis of the ankle joint is characterized by a number of symptoms (these affect the treatment method):

• The pain is initially moderate and occurs only during physical activity. Over time, the pain becomes stronger and bothers you at rest;
• with injuries and dislocations, swelling and inflammatory manifestations appear, and the temperature in the area of the injury increases;
• "dry" clicking accompanied by pain;
• dislocation, as the cartilage tissue thins and breaks down, the joint loses its stability. Bones move and fall out of the joint capsule;
• joint stiffness;

• one gets tired quickly while walking;
• in the last stages, the joint is deformed.

If at least one symptom appears, consult a doctor immediately.

Reasons for appearance

Arthrosis of the ankle joint (symptoms and treatment are often caused by age-related changes) affects the older generation. Recently, pathology has been observed among young people.

The provoking factors are:

• injuries, dislocations and bruises;
• age-related disorders in joints and ligaments;
• inflammatory processes;
• overweight;

• violation of metabolic processes;
• congenital foot deformity and flat feet that occurred during life;
• hereditary predisposition;
• excessive physical activity;
• wearing uncomfortable shoes;
• diseases of the endocrine system;
• osteochondrosis.

Less synovial fluid is produced, so the cartilage is less nourished. The joint space narrows, which can lead to bone fusion. Crusarthrosis occurs, which cannot be reversed. Nevertheless, treatment should be prescribed immediately to prevent the progression of the disease.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis of arthrosis consists of the study of existing symptoms and data obtained from research. Since there are no tests that clearly determine the pathology, doctors recognize that laboratory methods are not effective enough.

During the remission, the indicators are normal, during the relapse, the blood test shows an increased level of ESR and C-reactive protein. This means that the pathology has already begun.

Instrumental methods are used to confirm the diagnosis:

1. Simpleradiographythe most reliable method. Muscles do not perceive X-rays equally: soft ones transmit it, while hard ones absorb it. The study explores the disease itself and its consequences.

   The image allows analysis of the condition of the bone surfaces in the joint, the relative shape, size and location of the structures, the condition of the tissue and the size of the joint space. Thanks to these data, the degree of pathology can be determined.

   

   If the ankle is involved, the diagnosis is made in lateral, posterior, and posterior projections by moving the foot inward. If there are appropriate symptoms (narrowing of the joint space, osteophytes and other signs), arthrosis is diagnosed.

2. Nuclear magnetic resonancedetermines the disturbance of the operation of hydrogen molecules under the influence of a strong magnetic field. It allows the discovery of water-containing areas of the body.

   The dark shade in the picture represents bones, as their water content is much lower, muscles, nerves and discs appear lighter. Diagnostics also reveal minor disorders of the bone tissue and joints. The procedure is indicated before joint replacement. The only negative is the high cost of diagnostics.

3. Magnetic resonance imagingvery precisely examines the ligamentous structure of the joint, muscle tissue and cartilage. Thanks to the study, the specialist can assess the condition of the joints of the lower leg, which makes it possible to identify the pathology at the beginning of its development. The procedure is painless and takes about 30 minutes.

   During the procedure, radio waves and strong magnetic radiation affect the person. It should be remembered that the magnetic field is dangerous for the physiological state. MRI is prohibited in case of neuropsychic disorders, pregnancy and the presence of metal objects in the body.

4. Ultrasoundenables accurate diagnosis. The device creates waves that reflect off the tissues and are recorded on the screen. The doctor examines the picture and makes a diagnosis. For the clarity of the image, a gel is used, which removes air and ensures easy movement on the surface.

   The advantages of this procedure are health safety, affordable price and high accuracy.


5. Bone scintigraphy- a test that allows the determination of pathological abnormalities of the bones using isotopes. A special substance containing labeled atoms is injected into the patient's body. Pathological areas are divided into cold and warm.

   In the first, there are no isotopes, their blood flow is weaker and they cannot be detected during scanning. This includes places where malignant tumors have appeared. In hot areas, isotopes are collected more actively and can be clearly detected during scanning. These areas indicate the occurrence of inflammatory processes.

   This test makes it possible to distinguish between arthrosis and similar diseases with similar clinical symptoms, based on the results, the doctor prepares a prognosis and prescribes treatment.

   The main contraindications to the test are pregnancy, breastfeeding and taking drugs containing barium.

6. Joint puncturea procedure in which the doctor inserts a needle into the joint cavity to collect synovial fluid for analysis.

   The study of this biomaterial will continue in the future, and based on the results, the specialist will determine the characteristic features of the disease and what stage of development it is in. In the case of ankle arthrosis, the puncture is made in the front part between the outer ankle and the extensor digitorum longus tendon.

When to see a doctor

If the treatment of arthrosis is not started in time, inability to work and sometimes disability occurs. Some patients are in no hurry to seek help because they do not know which doctor they should make an appointment with. At the first symptoms, you should visit a rheumatologist, who will diagnose dystrophic and inflammatory changes in the joint.

You should contact him if:

• after excessive load, at the end of the working day, discomfort and pain appear in the joints;
• it is difficult to find a comfortable position for the legs at night;
• the joints swell, the skin turns red;
• there is sharp pain, it is difficult to move;
• crackling and clicking sounds appear;
• the joints are deformed.

With the help of modern diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, surgical intervention can be avoided and the functioning of the joint can be preserved.

Prevention

Arthrosis of the ankle joint (symptoms and treatment can be checked by a doctor) can be prevented.

In order to prevent arthrosis, experts recommend certain rules:

• wear comfortable shoes that fit properly and without heels;
• take care of proper nutrition, drink enough clean water;
• choose the right vitamin and mineral complex;
• exercise;

• walk more often in the fresh air;
• avoid excessive stress on the legs;
• avoid hypothermia;
• should be regularly monitored by doctors;
• give up bad habits;
• do a series of exercises to warm up the ankle joint.

The adjustment of the diet is especially important. Nutritionists agreed on a menu that prevents the disease from worsening and saturates the body with the necessary substances.

1. Eat often and in small portions.
2. Drink at least 2 liters of clean water.
3. Avoid sweet and salty foods.
4. Do not eat food 4 hours before going to bed.
5. The food is steamed, fried and boiled.

Fasting and a strict diet are strictly prohibited in case of arthrosis in order to prevent the leaching of calcium necessary for the restoration of bones and cartilage.

Treatment methods

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, treatment should be started immediately. It is impossible to completely get rid of arthrosis, the most important thing is to slow down the destructive processes and increase the duration of remission. Various techniques are used for this purpose.

Medicines

Various drugs are used to treat arthrosis:

1. Anti-inflammatoryand pain relievers eliminate the source of inflammation and relieve pain. They use tablets and ointments. The sooner anti-inflammatory drugs are taken, the greater the chance of saving the joint.
2. Glucocorticoidsit is used when the above medicines do not bring the desired result. It is produced as an injection solution and injected into the joint.
3. Chondroprotectorsnecessary to slow down the process of cartilage destruction.

The treatment regimen and the dosage of the drugs are determined by the doctor based on the severity of the symptoms, accompanying diseases and other factors. Self-medication is strictly prohibited, so as not to aggravate the situation.

Traditional methods

Regarding the traditional methods of treating arthrosis, doctors recognize their beneficial properties and positive effects. Traditional medicine is also used to prevent diseases.

The main recipes for the treatment of arthrosis of the ankle are:

1. Wash the burdock leaves thoroughly and apply the soft side to the skin. The plant is fixed with a bandage or adhesive film and left overnight.
2. Sea salt (buckwheat, sand) is heated in a pan, poured into a linen cloth and applied to the painful area. Keep it until the salt cools down. This is an effective way to relieve pain.
3. Pour triple cologne on the organ, leave it in a dark place for 2 weeks, rub the painful area twice a day.
4. Grind the eggshell into powder, 0. 5 tsp. before meals.

The use of traditional treatment methods must be discussed with the attending physician. This is not the only measure, but a supplement to the main therapy.

Other methods

If conservative therapy does not bring a positive effect, they resort to radical measures - surgery.

In general, the indications for surgery are:

• 3-4 degree repeated and primary arthrosis;
• complications;
• severe and long-lasting pain that radiates to the knee;
• obvious lameness;
• paralysis of the leg muscles;
• deterioration of the flexion-extension properties of the joint and the ability to support the leg.

The following surgical interventions are used in arthrosis of the foot:

1. Arthrodesis– surgery to immobilize the joint. Its task is to restore the lost ability to support the limbs. The main disadvantage is the likelihood of bone fusion, which leads to immobility, so it is used very rarely.
2. Arthroscopya minimally invasive procedure in which the doctor cuts the joint and inserts an arthroscope. The surgeon performs a visual examination and assesses the condition of the intra-articular structures and, if necessary, removes parts of the damaged joint or blood clots from the synovial fluid. The risk of relapse is too high with this surgery.
3. Endoprosthesisit is carried out in particularly severe cases. It allows the replacement of part or all of the damaged joint. Prostheses with modernized mechanics are used and can be used for up to 20 years.

The main contraindications to the operation are age under 12 years, joint fistulas, diabetes mellitus, cardiac dysfunction and infectious diseases.

Possible complications

If treatment is delayed or missed, the following complications may occur:

• disability;
• deformation that cannot be restored;

• inactivity and immobility of the joint;
• decrease in quality and standard of living.

In addition to these complications, the chronic course of the disease is accompanied by pain, discomfort and the inability to lead an active lifestyle.

In order to make gymnastics, drug treatment and folk treatment more effective, it is recommended to use special orthopedic devices that reduce the load on the joint. This includes the orthosis and fixation bandage.

The orthosis fully follows the contours of the ankle, increases the range of motion, relieves swelling and pain. The fixing bandage has the same effect as the orthosis. It is made of soft elastic material that allows the joint to be fixed properly. The bandage is used only in periods of remission, when the exacerbation passes.

Arthrosis of the ankle joint is a serious disease that, without full treatment, leads to serious consequences and complete immobility of the joint. Diagnosis in the initial stage, careful attention to symptoms and appropriate therapy make it possible to avoid surgical intervention.