What if the ankle swells and hurts? How to treat? Symptoms, causes and methods of treatment of such a pathological condition will be presented below.
basic information
About why what diseases of the ankle joint exist, we will tell in the presented article. However, before this we give the term in question a definition.
The ankle joint is the joint of the bones of the foot and lower leg. This is a mobile connection of the fibula, tibia, and also the human talus.
This joint is very complex in structure. It has a block shape and is formed by the articular surfaces of the distal epiphyses of the tibia, which “plug” cover the talus block.
In the joint under consideration, the following movements are possible:
- along the sagittal axis (that is, a slight adduction and abduction of the foot);
- along the front axis (i.e. extension and flexion).
What diseases are characteristic?
Why does the ankle swell and hurt? How to treat this pathology, only experienced professionals know. According to them, there are a large number of causes for this condition.
Firstly, this joint is subject to various injuries. We will describe their character below. Secondly, pain and swelling in the ankle joint can occur due to the development of various diseases. Consider their features right now.
Arthritis
Such an inflammatory process can occur acutely and chronically. An arthritis of the ankle joint is characterized by intense pain, as well as impaired mobility (that is, a feeling of stiffness). In addition, such inflammation is accompanied by severe swelling in the joint area, redness and an increase in the temperature of the affected area (it becomes hot).
Osteoarthrosis
The pathology under consideration is a degenerative joint disease that develops as a result of damage to the cartilage tissue of the articular surfaces. Osteoarthrosis of the ankle joint is very often observed in conjunction with pathologies of other large joints (for example, knee and hip). Thus, this becomes a rather serious problem, which is associated with restrictions in the work of a person.
Gout
If metabolic malfunctions occur in the human body, as well as malfunctions in the production of uric acid, then the ankle joint can become inflamed significantly. This reaction occurs due to excessive accumulation of salts in the joints and blood. By the way, they cause pain and swelling in the joint.
Plantar fasciitis
This disease is an inflammation of the fascia, that is, a thick strip of connective tissue that is located in the lower part of the leg. Plantar fasciitis very often occurs in those who are confirmed by regular physical exertion, in which there is strong pressure on the heel. This disease is characteristic of patients with abnormal foot structure and overweight. Incidentally, improperly selected shoes can also cause the development of plantar fasciitis.
Injuries
For what reasons does the ankle joint swell and hurt (how to treat this ailment, we will describe later)? Very often, unpleasant sensations in the lower extremities arise due to their injury.
Typically, injuries such as bruising, fracture, dislocation, and sprain occur as a result of force and falling from a height or impact.
According to experts, with ankle sprain, the patient develops swelling very quickly. This occurs due to hemorrhage from the outer or inner side of the joint. Also, sharp pains appear in the lower extremities, especially when tucking the foot inward.
In the process of probing under the ankles, a person can feel quite severe soreness. If the sprain occurred simultaneously with a fracture of the metatarsal bone, then unbearable pain occurs during palpation of its base.
Why does the ankle swell and hurt? How to treat an injured area should be decided only by an experienced doctor. According to experts, subluxations and dislocations of this joint are often combined with ankle fractures. In this case, a dislocation can form at the junction of the calcaneus and talus. In this case, the patient’s ankle joint significantly thickens and deforms, especially in the heel region (the heel tucks inward).
Doctor's choice and diagnosis
The choice of a method for the treatment of pathologies of the ankle joint is based on the condition of the patient and his illness. As a rule, with unpleasant sensations in the lower extremities, patients turn to therapists. In turn, the latter send patients to narrower specialists. It can be an arthrologist, surgeon, rheumatologist or orthopedist.
After interviewing and examining the patient, the doctor must send him for a medical examination. To make the correct diagnosis, experts recommend an ultrasound scan, an X-ray and a series of tests. Only after a thorough examination, the doctor prescribes appropriate treatment for the patient.
Ankle swelling and pain: how to treat disease?
There are many drugs that help eliminate pain in the joints. As a rule, they include NSAIDs. Such drugs not only relieve pain, but also help relieve inflammation.
What to do if the patient is concerned about an ankle tumor? How to treat and relieve pain at home? To do this, it is recommended to drink a tablet of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug or make an intramuscular injection. Also, some doctors prescribe various anti-inflammatory creams and ointments. Most of them also eliminate pain, relieve inflammation and swelling.
In addition to NSAIDs, as well as local ointments for the complex treatment of diseases of the ankle joint, the patient is recommended to take multivitamin complexes that contain calcium and vitamin D3. Such dietary supplements help strengthen bones and significantly accelerate the healing process of the patient.
Injury treatment
Why does the ankle joint swell and hurt? How to treat this joint if it has been injured?
Any damage to the joints should be treated very carefully. With untimely help, a person may develop an inflammatory process, as well as internal hemorrhage and so on.
Experts say that prolonged swelling of the ankle joint provokes soft tissue lymphostasis quite easily. This is a very serious disease that requires a long and expensive treatment. Therefore, if you get injured, as well as the occurrence of edema and pain in the joints of the bones, you should immediately contact the emergency room.
An ankle tumor should only be treated by a doctor. If in the near future you cannot visit the hospital, then experts recommend that you adhere to the following rules:
- immobilize the injured foot;
- use a cream that relieves pain;
- carry out a light massage of the joint (along with ointment);
- apply cold to the damaged area.
If the leg injury is small, then doctors prescribe painkillers, as well as decongestant ointments. If there was a fracture or a serious dislocation, then the patient may be cast or recommend wearing an elastic bandage.
Injuries to the ankle joint are also treated through physiotherapeutic procedures and exercise therapy. In this case, it is very important to follow a diet with the inclusion of calcium-containing products in your diet.
Now you know why the ankle swells and hurts. How to treat this pathology, we also described above. It should be specially noted that any unpleasant sensations in the lower extremities must necessarily attract your attention, otherwise it threatens with serious complications.