One of the factors of the body’s physical well-being is foot health. Deforming arthrosis of the foot is a disease that does not lead to disability, but significantly affects the quality of human life. Already at the initial stages, the pathological process is accompanied by severe pain, which, as it progresses, gains strength. As a result, a person begins to experience difficulties with movement. He has to give up the usual rhythm of life. To prevent the rapid development of this ailment, you should know its main causes and treatment methods.
The mechanism of the development of the disease
Deforming arthrosis of the foot is a disease characterized by degenerative-dystrophic damage to the joints of the toes. Most often, it occurs in the fair sex at the age of 30-40 years. Men are less susceptible to this ailment. The main target for arthrosis are athletes who engage in high jumps or gymnastics. How does the disease develop?
Initially, cartilage of the joints joins the pathological process. Cracks, erosion and sores form on them. Amid these changes, cartilage loses its elasticity and cushioning. Gradually, their destruction begins. Previously used mechanical loads are now more difficult to tolerate. Ligaments and tendons are damaged. As a result of functional overloads of the joints, normal blood microcirculation is lost. Gradually, bone-cartilaginous growths begin to form in the damaged areas. Otherwise they are called osteophytes.
Against the background of deformities, the articular surfaces lose the so-called congruence. Therefore, in these areas, the range of motion is sharply limited, and neighboring muscles begin to atrophy. Periarticular tissues also experience sclerotic changes. Then multiple cysts form, and the joint capsule itself thickens.
The causes of arthrosis
Deforming arthrosis of the toes of the feet develops against the background of natural aging of the body. However, this disease in recent years is increasingly manifested in young people. What triggers its development? Exacerbate physical activity and overweight aggravate the situation. As a result of the increased load on the joint, cartilage cannot resist increasing pressure. Given the described factors, several reasons predisposing to the onset of the disease can be distinguished:
- unbalanced nutrition;
- alcohol consumption;
- endocrine diseases ;
- joint dysplasia;
- obesity;
- physical inactivity;
- injuries and mechanical damage to the foot;
- metabolic disorders.
The above items are predisposing factors for the development of deforming arthrosis, but not mandatory causes. In sum, they can increase the likelihood of joint diseases.
The clinical picture of the disease
Deforming arthrosis of the foot is most often bilateral in nature. What symptoms indicate the beginning of the pathological process?
- Joint deformation.
- Discomfort when walking.
- Soreness and decreased mobility in the joint of the thumb.
- Swelling and redness of the skin.
- Change the position of the first finger.
If we consider the symptoms of the disease that occur regardless of the area of damage, the pain syndrome comes to the fore. Discomfort appears after playing sports or prolonged load on the joint. Toward evening, it usually subsides.
Deforming arthrosis of the joints of the middle foot is usually accompanied by a "jamming" syndrome. In this case, patients complain of sharp and sudden pain, which is caused by jamming of the cartilage. After the rest, the discomfort disappears.
Medical Examination and Diagnostics
If symptoms occur that indicate deforming arthrosis of the foot, consult a doctor. Diagnosis of this disease does not cause difficulties. As a rule, it consists of a medical history, analysis of patient complaints, general examination and instrumental examination methods. Despite the constant modernization of medical equipment, radiography remains the most informative diagnostic option. Even the stage of development of the pathological process can be determined using a photograph of the foot.
- Osteoarthritis of the 1st degree is characterized by the absence of visible changes in the tissues of the cartilage. The only violation is a decrease in the amount of synovial fluid. As a result, the joint may not withstand the exerted load, which is accompanied by a painful syndrome. Also, the initial stage of the development of the disease is accompanied by stiffness of the muscles and rapid fatigue.
- Deforming foot arthrosis of the 2nd degree is characterized by increased pain after physical exertion and an increase in limited movement. On the x-ray, a narrowing of the joint gap is clearly visible. In addition, osteophytes are well visualized.
- With arthrosis of the 3rd degree, the joint gap is practically absent, bone-cartilaginous growths reach impressive sizes. Severe pains do not stop even during rest. Discomfort tends to intensify under stress. At this stage of development of the pathological process, it is impossible to cure it. All efforts of physicians should be aimed at reducing the pain syndrome.
Differential diagnosis is necessary to exclude pathologies such as gout, calcaneal spur and flat feet.
Principles of Disease Therapy
After examining the patient and confirming the diagnosis of “deforming arthrosis of the joints of the foot”, a new question arises: how to treat the disease? Numerous studies in this area have identified the following treatment program:
- Basic therapy.
- Relief of pain.
- Improving articular function.
The main purpose of basic therapy is to prevent the further development of cartilage degeneration. It implies the use of not only drugs, but also various techniques for unloading affected joints and normalizing weight. We list the main groups of medicines that make up basic therapy:
- chondroprotectors (“Rumalon”, “Mukartrin”, “Arteparon”);
- metabolites ("Pyridoxalphosphate", "ATP");
- proteolytic enzymes ("Gordoks", "Trasilol");
- antioxidants ("Orgotein").
Treatment of deforming arthrosis of the foot is impossible to imagine without anti-inflammatory and painkillers. Among the most effective medicines, Ibuprofen, Voltaren, Diclofenac, and Finalgon should be noted. During a period of subsidence of inflammatory processes, doctors recommend physical therapy.
Help traditional medicine
What other methods exist to combat the disease called “deforming arthrosis of the foot”? Treatment with folk remedies, many patients perceive as an alternative solution to the problem. However, doctors warn that homegrown physician prescriptions should not be used as therapy. Lotions and compresses based on plants (tincture of the marsh saber- eared, eucalyptus) help to reduce the manifestation of pain for several days, but not cure the disease itself.
Arthrosis Prevention
To prevent this joint disease, doctors recommend choosing the right shoes. First of all, it should be of high quality and appropriate size. Women are better off with tight high-heeled shoes. You should not buy shoes of a smaller size and try to “distribute” them. Thus, you can only harm the joints of the legs.
You can prevent deforming arthrosis of the foot if you follow the nutrition. A balanced diet and moderate exercise can avoid obesity, salt deposition. It is equally useful to walk barefoot on the grass, do special gymnastics.
Conclusion
Try not to start the disease. At the second and third stages of its development, the quality of life is significantly deteriorating. It becomes difficult for the patient to move around, play sports and even just relax. Severe deformities usually appear at a venerable age when many methods of therapy are no longer used. Think about comfortable old age today - take care of your joints!