Ankle Osteoarthritis - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Degree, and Treatment

The older a person gets, the higher the risk of developing degenerative and destructive changes, especially in the work of the musculoskeletal system. Osteoarthritis of the ankle is a disease that affects the cartilage and joint tissue at varying degrees of severity, and if left untreated, will lead to disability. With the initial development of the pathology, the symptoms of the disease are poorly expressed and its presence can be determined only with the help of X-rays.

What is ankle osteoarthritis

The disease, in which the articular cartilage and surrounding tissues are gradually destroyed, is called ankle osteoarthritis. The basis of pathology is a degenerative-dystrophic process, and inflammation is secondary. Ankle osteoarthritis has a chronic wavy course, with alternating exacerbations and remission. The disease gradually progresses. The female and male populations suffer from osteoarthritis equally. With age, the likelihood of developing pathology increases significantly.

Symptoms

Ankle diseases worsen periodically. During the remission of osteoarthritis, the symptoms may not appear at all. The pathology develops without being donated. A person feels moderate pain in the ankle with considerable physical strain, increased stiffness and leg fatigue. As the pathology progresses, the grief becomes more pronounced, arises at rest, and intensifies at night.

When the joint deformity becomes apparent, the range of motion in the ankle decreases and as you walk, a characteristic chewing and clicking sounds are heard. Sometimes there is a curvature of the lower leg, the feet take on a valgus (X-shaped) or varus (O-shaped) shape. For ankle osteoarthritis, the initial pains are characteristic, manifest at the beginning of the movement after a resting state, and disappear during walking.

Causes of occurrence

Ankle osteoarthritis is divided into two groups: primary and secondary. The first arises for unknown reasons. The second develops due to unfavorable factors: inflammation, trauma, etc. In both cases, the pathology is based on metabolic disorders in cartilage tissue. The main reasons for the development of secondary osteoarthritis:

• bone deformity (fracture) or ligament damage due to an ankle injury;
• joint capsule extension;
• tightening of the nerve endings of the lumbar spine;
• excess weight;
• wearing uncomfortable shoes;
• prolonged load on the joints (intense sports, constant stay);
• diseases associated with metabolic disorders (gout, diabetes mellitus, lack of estrogen during menopause and others);
• intervertebral hernia, lumbar spine osteochondrosis, and other conditions associated with lower leg disruption, muscular apparatus, or nerve blockage.

The degree of the disease

With ankle osteoarthritis, three degrees are distinguished, which are specified by the diagnostics of the equipment:

• Grade I - pathological changes are not observed, there is a narrowing of the ankle gap, compression of the talus;
• Grade II - puffiness becomes a consequence of disease progression, painful sensations appear in the weather, mobility of the legs is reduced, joint deformity is observed;
• Grade III - there is a loss of joint cushioning properties, ossification of cartilage tissue, deformity of the foot leads to disability.

Possible consequences

A patient with ankle osteoarthritis may be assigned a disability, as complete destruction of the joint leads to a limitation of motor activity. For this, the patient must undergo a medical examination. Categories of patients who may be assigned a disability:

• patients with progressive osteoarthritis who have been ill for more than 3 years with exacerbations of the disease at least 3 times a year;
• patients who have undergone joint surgery and have a life limitation;
• patients with severe impairment of static-dynamic function.

Diagnosing

The diagnosis of "2nd degree osteoarthritis of the ankle" (or any other stage) is made on the basis of a study, visual examination and laboratory results. X-rays play a crucial role. In the more advanced stages, deforming osteoarthritis and cystic formations in the bone area are detected. In severe cases, the patient is referred for an CT scan of the ankle for a more accurate assessment of bone structures. MRI can be done to examine the soft tissues.

Treatment of ankle osteoarthritis

Therapy of the affected joint in post-traumatic osteoarthritis is performed according to the general scheme. Comprehensive treatment includes:

• removal of pain symptoms;
• elimination of the inflammatory process;
• restoring joint mobility;
• improving trophic processes;
• restoration of normal blood circulation in the limbs:
• replacement of a joint with artificial prostheses (if necessary).

medicaments

Drug therapy is chosen taking into account the signs of the disease and the stage of the disease. During periods of exacerbation, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used in the form of tablets or injections. Along with them, it is recommended to take local anesthetic medication in the form of gels or oils. With pronounced pain sensations, corticosteroid medications are prescribed for intra-articular blockages. Their introduction is performed no more than 4 times / year. To normalize the metabolism in cartilage tissue, drugs of the chondroprotective group are prescribed.

ointment

Day medications will not be able to cure osteoarthritis or arthrosis of the ankle, but will help speed recovery and prevent recurrence of the disease. Among the effective drugs are:

1. A multi-component homeopathic ointment intended for the treatment of inflammatory and dystrophic conditions of the musculoskeletal system. Apply 1-3 times / day with a thin layer on the affected area. The duration of the course is 2-4 weeks. Rarely local skin reactions occur: urticaria, burning, itching, development of dermatitis.
2. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with analgesic effect. Apply in a small dose to the affected joints 3 times a day. The doctor prescribes the course of treatment individually. On average, such ointments are used until the pain disappears, but not more than 14 days in a row.

Physiotherapy

The following physiotherapeutic methods will help stop ankle osteoarthritis:

1. Medium wave ultraviolet radiation. Under the influence of ultraviolet waves in the affected area, there is an accumulation of substances that reduce the sensitivity of nerve endings, which makes it possible to quickly relieve pain syndrome.
2. Infrared laser therapy. Laser reduces the sensitivity of nerve roots, improves the process of blood circulation. The procedure relieves the patient from the stress that has been endured due to the constant pain in the ankle.

diets

For inflammatory diseases of the knee joints, bone tissue and articular ligaments of the ankle, a special diet is indicated. It is necessary to include jellies, junk meats and edible gelatin in the diet, as these products are natural chondroprotectors that restore cartilage tissue. Complex carbohydrates (vegetables, fruits, whole grain breads), milk proteins (cottage cheese, cheese), vitamins and mineral complexes should be on the menu. For better assimilation of food, food should be steamed or boiled.

Physical exercises

After the X-ray study, the doctor may prescribe performing therapeutic exercises. Special exercises for the ankle will help relieve pain, relieve muscle tension and restore blood circulation. Examples of exercise therapy exercises:

• sitting in a chair, socks and heels come alternately from the floor;
• the toes stand on the floor, the heel rises and makes circular movements;
• the legs are together, the leg extends to the side of the body.

Massage

The procedure for ankle osteoarthritis is distinguished by a variety of multi-stage techniques. The purpose of the massage is to improve the lymphatic and blood circulation in the leg muscles of the joint cavity, to eliminate the weak movement of the ankle. To relax the muscles, first massage the ankle using kneading and stroking techniques. Then the toes are massaged, then the feet and heels are kneaded. Complete the procedure by working deep into the ankle joints.

Surgery

If conservative therapy of osteoarthritis has not brought positive results, the attending physician prescribes surgical treatment. Among the operational methods are considered the best:

1. Ankle endoprosthetics. An ultra-modern ceramic or metal prosthesis is partially or completely replaced at the site of cartilage destruction.
2. Ankle arthrodesis. It is prescribed for severe destruction of articular surfaces. During surgery, the bones are rigidly fixed by their internal connection.

Traditional methods

Village recipes come to the aid of complex ankle therapy for osteoarthritis:

1. Chalk and kefir. Mix the two ingredients into a paste. Apply this mixture to the sore joint overnight to relieve swelling.
2. Butter and zinc root. In a 10: 1 ratio, mix the ingredients and rub into the injured joint overnight to relieve the pain.

Prevention of ankle osteoarthritis

To reduce the risk of developing ankle osteoarthritis, it is necessary to adhere to preventive measures, which include:

• body weight control;
• proper nutrition;
• wearing comfortable shoes without high heels;
• avoiding joint injuries;
• timely treatment of endocrine and vascular diseases;
• regular gymnastics performance for the ankle.

Photo of ankle osteoarthritis