Osteoarthritis of the ankle

The degenerative-inflammatory process that arises in articular cartilage leads to the destruction of articular tissues and is called arthrosis of the ankle joint. As a result of this process, the cartilage becomes very thin and fragile. During this, deformation of the joint occurs, due to the growth of bone tissue. This disease is serious enough and requires immediate diagnosis and treatment.

Arthrosis of the ankle

Arthrosis of the ankle is primary and secondary. At a primary arthrosis on a healthy cartilage of an ankle joint begins degenerate process. For example, it can be formed under the influence of significant loads on the joint. Degeneration occurring in the altered articular cartilage is called secondary arthrosis. It arises from the physical properties of articular cartilage and the comparison of articular surfaces. In the tissues of the joints there are small cracks, ruptures in which calcium salts are deposited.

The manifestations of this disease in its initial stage are not too noticeable. Very often the prescription of the disease the patient can not determine. Periodic pains in the leg are noticed during exercise, or after them, there is a crunch in the ankle joint. Painful sensations gradually increase and after each load begin to manifest, becoming more prolonged. In a different stage of the disease, in addition to pain at the onset of movement, short-term stiffness and rapid fatigue of regional muscles are noted. Subsequently, there is an insignificant limitation of mobility. Due to the growth of the synovial membrane, the leg joint is gradually deformed. Also in some patients there is a local increase in temperature, swelling. The pain is especially severe( on the complaints of patients) when climbing and descending, for example, on the stairs.

Causes of arthrosis in this area

The causes of arthrosis of the ankle are directly related to premature aging, destruction of joint tissues. The main cause of such an ankle joint disease is a heavy physical load with stereotyped movements( the load on the joint is greater than it is able to withstand).Very often, arthrosis occurs in athletes, in people with severe obesity. Osteoarthritis in the ankle develops when the resistance of the articular surfaces is disturbed.

In addition, the following factors can be the cause of joint arthrosis. These are fractures, dislocations, joint injuries;Violation of statics;dysplasia;Diseases that contribute to inflammation of the joint. The disease can be inherited. Also, the factors of development of arthrosis of the "ankle" are: osteodystrophy, bone ischemia, endocrine disorders, metabolic disorders, nervous diseases.

Treatment of arthrosis of the ankle

This disease, the symptoms of which in all patients are manifested with varying intensity and in different ways, requires an approach to the treatment of the individual. Various drugs can perfectly suit one patient, and for another, they can be disastrous.

Includes the treatment of arthrosis in itself as an effect on the body as a whole, and the local effect on the joint tissues. The main tasks in the treatment of the disease are methods that prevent the aggravation of the degenerative process in the cartilage. Also, the treatment is aimed at reducing pain and improving the function of the joint.

The use of glycosaminoglycans is quite effective. These are preparations from an extract of cartilage of animals. They in their composition have biologically active substances and contribute to the restoration of the damaged cartilage.

But the most effective the following methods of treatment. This is electromagnetic therapy. The effect of electromagnetic waves on the sore spot has an anti-inflammatory, analgesic effect, It helps stop the degenerative processes inside the joint.

Excellent in the treatment of arthrosis biostimulants. Balneotherapy and physiotherapy are used to improve and stimulate blood circulation. An important factor is the unloading of the affected joint. Also for patients with ankle arthrosis, treatment in specialized sanatoriums is indicated. Successfully used in the treatment and folk remedies, which are quite a lot.

In no case should you run this disease - seek medical help for the timely diagnosis and treatment of arthrosis.