Arthritis of the ankle is an inflammatory condition that occurs due to worn or damaged articular cartilage. The reasons for this are both metabolic disorders and injuries, high workload, the presence of gout, psoriasis, osteoarthritis, etc. A patient who is constrained in movement and painful ankle joint causes to see a doctor .
Arthritis: symptoms of the disease
Correct diagnosis is very important for treatment, since this disease has similar symptoms with arthrosis or arthropathy, which, incidentally, can occur simultaneously with arthritis.
There are several main symptoms:
- Pain in the joint. His contracture (restriction of movement).
- The skin in the affected area, as a rule, turns red and becomes hot.
- The joint is slightly swollen. (The presence of puffiness can be checked by pressing a finger on the skin in the affected area. If there is puffiness, a depression will remain at the place of pressing).
- General weakness appears.
- Often there is an increase in temperature.
In the absence of characteristic symptoms, the presence of arthritis can be suspected if two main signs are identified:
- If you try to bend and straighten the ankle joint with your hands as much as possible, arthritis will manifest itself in pain.
- Shoes and boots in the ankle suddenly become cramped. As a rule, this is a sign of swelling.
How does chronic arthritis manifest
Chronic inflammation usually has a sluggish course, and some of the symptoms may not be present, such as swelling or hyperemia. But at the same time, pain when walking and limited foot movement are always pronounced. These symptoms are especially intensified after a night's sleep or long sitting.
How does reactive arthritis occur?
Reactive arthritis of the ankle joint is associated with an infection that plays the role of a trigger for the development of this disease. That is, this ailment is the result of the body's response to an infection, for example, of the genitourinary system or gastrointestinal tract.
With strong immunity, the inflammatory process goes away without leaving a trace, and in the case of a weakened body, a chronic condition develops.
Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by the involvement of fascia and tendons in the process, which causes particular pain when walking.
How to treat ankle arthritis
If arthritis is not treated, then over time (within 2 years), ankle deformation may develop, caused by the destruction of articular cartilage. The foot will take an unnatural position, walking will be extremely difficult, and sometimes impossible. The calf muscles also undergo deformity.
When the ankle joint is affected, arthritis forces to complete unloading and maximum immobilization of the foot. For this, the patient is prescribed bed rest.
Medication includes drugs to eliminate inflammation (Aspirin, Diflunizal, Diklofenak, etc.), painkillers, as well as general strengthening and antipyretic medicines. Chronic disease also involves following a special diet.
The use of massage, physiotherapeutic procedures and physiotherapy exercises is very effective. Patients are shown sanatorium treatment, which allows to consolidate the achieved result.
To continue to be healthy your ankle joint, do not treat arthritis on your own - it can be not only useless, but also dangerous. If you suspect a pathology, be sure to consult a doctor!