Osteoarthritis of the ankle joint is a non-inflammatory disease characterized by degenerative changes in cartilage tissue, destruction of cartilage with involvement of bones, ligaments, muscle tissue, and joint membrane in the process..

Osteoarthritis of the ankle joint is associated with degenerative changes in cartilage tissue Ankle lesions account for 20% of osteoarthritis. The main risk group is women over 45, men get sick less often.

The mechanism of the disease is based on a biological change in tissues under the influence of various factors, which leads to the inability of the cartilage to adequately withstand mechanical stress, followed by deformation..

Factors of the disease Main causes:.

severe physical activity (intense sports, long walking);

uncomfortable shoes;

excess weight;

frequent viral infections;

hypothermia;

joint injuries, periarticular ligaments;

surgical operations;

metabolic disorders (gout, diabetes);

congenital developmental anomalies;

the presence of a primary focus of inflammation (from arthritis to osteoarthritis);

genetic predisposition (collagen gene defect);

estrogen hormone deficiency in menopausal women.

Classification of the diseaseOsteoarthritis of the ankle is primary and secondary.

Primary arthrosis can occur in the following forms:.

The form.

Description.

Localized.

The degenerative process covers nearby joints: knee, hip.

generalized.

The process extends to remote connections.

The secondary form occurs as a concomitant disease in other pathologies (trauma, bursitis, rheumatoid arthritis).

Classification of stages according to radiological signs:.

absence of manifestations;

dubious signs;

changes are minimal (single osteophytes, narrowing of the lumen of the joint space);

pathological narrowing of the gap, multiple osteophytes;

pronounced changes (the lumen is not traced, osteophytes are rough).

Stages of disease development1. Osteoarthritis of the ankle joint of the 1st degree - characterized by minor changes in cartilage, no visible changes. Cartilage cells stop updating, die. Involvement of adjacent tissues. Pain occurs with little physical activity.

Osteoarthritis of the ankle joint of the 2nd degree - deformation, increase in size. Irreversible bone growth occurs. Pain disturbs at rest, at night.

Deforming osteoarthritis (DOA) - the final stage. Damage to the cartilage, ligaments, articular bag is irreversible, pathological changes are visible to the naked eye - the ankle is outwardly deformed.

SymptomsFrom the onset of the disease, increased fatigue, a general deterioration in the condition. Pain that occurs after minor physical exertion disappears after rest. The source of discomfort is the affected bone, the synovial membrane (the inner layer of the joint bag), the tissues around the joint (muscle strain).

The disease is characterized by a gradual increase in pain sensations. Further, the symptoms worsen - aching pain occurs at night, in the morning - when standing on a sore leg, stiffness appears, which lasts up to thirty minutes and passes without intervention.

Later, the joint is slightly deformed, swells, you can feel and hear a crunch, a creak due to the discrepancy between the shapes of the contact surfaces of the joints.

Stiffness of movements is aggravated - a fragment of cartilage falls into the cavity of the ankle joint (blockade by the articular mouse). A characteristic symptom - the patient drags the lower limb when walking. There are dangerous concomitant vascular diseases (varicose veins, thrombophlebitis).

In the acute phase of the pathology, edema increases, the skin around the affected area acquires a reddish tint, is painful to the touch, and the temperature rises locally.. The growth of bone tissue leads to a modification of the ankle, severe pain, limited mobility, the patient cannot stand on his foot.

DiagnosisThe criteria for the diagnosis of osteoarthritis are the presence of the above complaints, a survey about living and working conditions, and examination data by a specialist.

To confirm the diagnosis, an x-ray of the ankle is prescribed. To confirm the disease, a general blood test is prescribed, laboratory examination of the synovial fluid (an increase in its viscosity, an increase in the number of leukocytes).

Instrumentally confirmed by x-ray (narrowing of the joint space, the presence of osteophytes, sclerotic bone changes, cystic formations). Additionally, magnetic resonance imaging is prescribed.

Differential diagnosis Differentiate this disease with traumatic injuries of the bones, periosteum, tarsus of the foot (microcracks, fractures), ankle sprain. In the presence of a modification of the joint - with dislocation, rheumatoid arthritis, arthrosis.

For diagnosis, the time of onset of the disease is important - a long development during the year or a sudden appearance of complaints within a few hours.

TreatmentTreatment of the affected ankle is aimed at reducing pain, eliminating degenerative tissue changes.

Non-drug therapy Eating foods such as decoctions, jelly, sweet peppers, garlic, spinach, parsley, dairy products helps to restore cartilage tissue. In order to reduce the mechanical load, the following are recommended: weight correction, reduction of physical activity, use of a cane when walking.

The method of treatment is determined by the doctor individually. During periods of improvement, massage is indicated: due to the outflow of venous blood, swelling is removed. Muscle stretching exercises help improve elasticity to support a sore joint.

Non-drug treatment includes: ultraviolet and ultrasonic irradiation, laser therapy, diadynamic currents, paraffin, mud applications.

Sanatorium-resort treatment - hydrogen sulfide, radon sources, treatment with brine, mud.

Medical and surgical treatment Used medicines:.

painkillers: analgin;

non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: paracetamol, diclofenac, nimesulide; used for severe, prolonged pain and to reduce inflammation;

chondroprotectors (correctors of bone and cartilage metabolism): glucosamine, chondroitin; taking tablets orally, injections into the joint cavity, intramuscularly;

natural tissue repair stimulants: alflutop;

vitamins, minerals.

At the last stage of the disease, when the deformation of the ankle has occurred, the preferred method of treatment is a surgical operation to prosthetic joints.

Prevention Preventive measures are aimed at preventing the occurrence of a disease or relapse..

Correction of excess weight, wearing comfortable shoes, reducing physical activity, alternating rest and work are considered effective methods..

Patients whose work is associated with lifting weights or standing on their feet for a long time (loaders, waiters, hairdressers) are recommended to change their profession.

Strengthening the immune system, avoiding hypothermia, as well as timely contacting a doctor when the first symptoms of the disease appear can shorten the duration of treatment and prevent the severe course of osteoarthritis.

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