Synovitis of the ankle joint is the process of inflammation of the synovial membrane of the joint, which is characterized by the formation of effusion (biological fluid) inside the ankle. Such a pathology is not common. In most cases, only one joint is affected. If medical care is provided out of time, then the mobility of the lower limb worsens. The nature of the effusion depends on the type of pathology.
Development reasons
Synovitis of the ankle joint may appear under the influence of the following factors:
- Cut open or closed injury, dislocation, sprain or bruise.
- A specific autoimmune reaction of the body to an irritant.
- Arthritis, arthrosis.
- Irritation of the synovial membrane by the action of cartilage tissue that has undergone changes.
- Suppuration hematomas.
- Chronic infectious foci.
- Violations of the nervous system or the innervation of the joint.
- Endocrine pathologies.
- Blood entering the joint (with hemophilia).
- Sepsis.
- Static deformation of the joint.
- Congenital mal structure of the joint.
- Weak immunity.
- Muscle weakness (acquired or congenital).
As you can see, synovitis of the ankle joint can occur with the slightest disturbance in the normal functioning of the body.
Varieties of pathology
The disease can be classified as follows:
1. By the nature of the pathological process:
- Aseptic. In this case, the presence of pathogenic bacteria is not detected in the liquid.
- Infectious. There are pathogenic microorganisms in the effusion that cause a specific inflammatory process.
- Reactive synovitis of the ankle joint. It is a type of response to an allergic irritant.
2. By the nature of the course of the disease:
- Spicy. In this case, synovitis of the ankle joint is characterized by pronounced symptoms. Most often, it develops due to trauma or infection.
- Chronic. Here the pathology appears due to the prolonged exposure to negative factors.
3. By the nature of the effusion, the disease is as follows:
- hemorrhagic. It is characterized by the presence of blood in the synovial fluid.
- Serous. The effusion is clear, although there is an increased number of cells in it.
- Purulent. The liquid is characterized by a greenish tint, an unpleasant odor and is cloudy.
- Serous fibrous. In this case, the effusion has a high viscosity due to fibrous fibers.
Symptoms of pathology
Synovitis of the ankle joint - you have already considered the causes of its development - manifests itself in different ways, depending on the type and form of the disease. The most common symptoms are:
- Discomfort during palpation of the joint, unpleasant sensation of fluid movement.
- Redness of the skin in the affected area, as well as an increase in local temperature on it.
- Smoothing the articulation contours due to the appearance of swelling and swelling.
- Pain in the affected joint, which may intensify during movement.
If the synovitis of the ankle joint (photo you see in the article) is of an infectious nature, then there may already be signs of general intoxication: chills, fever, loss of appetite, sweating and weakness.
It should be noted that an acute form of pathology can manifest itself very clearly. As for the chronic course, it is characterized by periods of exacerbation and rest, which replace each other.
Features of the diagnosis of the disease
Treatment of synovitis of the ankle joint should only begin after an accurate diagnosis has been made. To do this, you should definitely consult a doctor who will prescribe such studies:
- A blood test in which an increase in white blood cell count may be indicated. This will make it possible to prove the presence of an inflammatory process.
- Histological examination of effusion, which will determine its nature.
- Roentgenography. It is not very informative, but will provide an opportunity to consider changes in the structure of the joint. That is, it will be easier for you to determine the cause of the disease.
- CT or MRI articulation. These studies will help to consider the joint as detailed as possible.
Thanks to the correct diagnosis, the doctor will be able to prescribe adequate treatment.
What complications can arise?
If you are injured or have an infection in your body, then you may develop synovitis of the ankle joint. Treatment (reviews about medications and folk recipes are very good) will make it possible to quickly eliminate the pathology and avoid the consequences. However, the lack of therapy can provoke the appearance of complications:
- Over time, the mobility of the lower limb worsens.
- If the inflammatory process begins to affect the surrounding tissues and muscles, then panarthritis and periarthritis may develop.
- If pathogenic bacteria are present in the effusion, then the absence of treatment will allow the development of such a pathology as purulent arthritis.
- The infectious nature of the disease provokes a general infection of the blood - sepsis, which can become fatal to humans.
Lack of full and comprehensive therapy will lead to irreversible disability. Especially if changes occur in the joint.
Traditional therapy
So, if synovitis of the ankle joint is diagnosed , the treatment involves the implementation of such manipulations:
- Articulation puncture, with which not only exudate is collected for subsequent analysis, but also antibacterial substances are introduced.
- Immobilization of the ankle with a tight bandage or longy. This will provide an opportunity to provide the foot with complete peace. Excessive movements will not only bring pain, but also provoke the expansion of the inflammatory process.
- The use of anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drugs: "Nimesulide", "Diclofenac". They will not only reduce the manifestations of the pathological process, but also reduce the amount of exudate secreted.
- The use of glucocorticosteroids if too much effusion accumulates in the joint and the pain is very strong. In this case, Dexamethasone is suitable.
- The treatment of the chronic form of pathology is carried out with the help of the "Contrical" enzyme inhibitors.
- The use of antibiotics in infectious form: "Azithromycin".
- Physiotherapeutic manipulations: UHF, electrophoresis.
- Physiotherapy exercises in the rehabilitation period.
Passing a full course of therapy will make it possible to completely cure the pathology.
Features of surgical treatment
If drug therapy does not give the expected result, and the disease worsens, the doctor may prescribe surgery. Naturally, it should be done with minimal trauma. In addition, surgery is a last resort.
During the intervention, the joint is opened, and its cavity is thoroughly cleaned of blood clots, pus, foreign bodies (if fragmentation injury was received). In addition, the inflamed synovial membrane, as well as damaged cartilage, is removed from the joint.
After the operation, the patient should undergo a course of rehabilitation procedures, which will restore the full functionality of the joint. The first days you will have to put on a special retainer - an orthosis. Next, the patient is shown physiotherapy, massage and therapeutic exercises.
Features of alternative treatment
If you have synovitis of the ankle joint, treatment with folk remedies will achieve a good effect. Reviews of home treatment indicate good results. Naturally, before using alternative medicine, you need to consult a doctor. The following recipes may be useful for you:
- Bay oil. It helps to restore the joint, and also has an antiseptic effect. To prepare it, you will need 50 g of pre-chopped raw materials, which are poured with half a liter of vegetable oil (it should be unrefined). Further, the remedy should be infused for a week, after which they can rub the affected area up to 4 r / d.
- Comfrey ointment. It not only contributes to the speedy healing of wounds, but also has the ability to relieve inflammation, analgesic effect. Ointment improves blood circulation to the tissues surrounding the joint. To prepare the product, take 150 g of raw materials and combine it with 200 g of body fat. Mix all the ingredients and place in a glass jar, in which the ointment will be infused for 10 days. Apply the product to the affected area three times a day.
- Take in equal proportions such herbs: valerian, St. John's wort, calendula, licorice, thyme and marshmallow. Next, pour 20 g of raw material into 0.5 l of water and simmer over low heat for 7 minutes. Strain the broth and drink it several sips between meals.
Pathology Prevention
So that the ankle joint does not cause trouble, and the synovial membrane does not become inflamed, try to observe the following preventive measures:
- Avoid injury to the joint and subcooling.
- Wear only comfortable shoes.
- Do not overload the lower limbs.
That's all the features of the development and treatment of this disease. Be healthy!