Arthritis of the ankle is an inflammatory condition that occurs due to wear or damage to the articular cartilage. The reasons for this are both metabolic disorders and injuries, high stress, the presence of gout, psoriasis, osteoarthritis, etc. Patients are forced to see a doctor by a stiff, painful ankle joint.
Arthritis: symptoms of the disease
Proper diagnosis is very important for treatment, as this disease has similar symptoms with arthrosis or arthropathy, which, by the way, can occur simultaneously with arthritis.
There are several main symptoms:
- Pain in the joint area. His contracture (limitation of movement).
- The skin in the affected area tends to be red and 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 puffiness is present, then a depression will remain at the site of pressure.)
- The generalweakness.
- Fever is often observed.
In the absence of characteristic symptoms, the presence of arthritis can be suspected when two main signs are identified:
- If you try to bend and straighten the ankle joint as much as possible with your hands, arthritis will manifest as pain.
- Boots and boots in the ankle area suddenly become tight. This is usually a sign of puffiness.
How chronic arthritis manifests
Chronic inflammation is usually mild and some symptoms may be absent, such as swelling or flushing. But at the same time, pain when walking and limited movement of the foot are always clearly expressed. These symptoms are especially aggravated after a night's sleep or long sitting.
How reactive arthritis occurs
Reactive arthritis of the ankle 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 reaction to an infection, for example, the genitourinary system or the gastrointestinal tract.
With a strong immune system, the inflammatory process passes without leaving a trace, and in the case of a weakened body, a chronic condition develops.
Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by involvement of the fascia and tendons, which is particularly painful when walking.
How to treat ankle arthritis
If arthritis is nottreat, then over time (within 2 years) an ankle deformity may develop, caused by the destruction of articular cartilage. In this case, the foot will take an unnatural position, walking will be extremely difficult, and sometimes impossible. The muscles of the lower leg are also deformed.
When the ankle joint is affected, arthritis forces full unloading and maximum immobilization of the foot. For this, the patient is prescribed bed rest.
Drug treatment includes drugs to eliminate inflammation (Aspirin, Diflunisal, Diclofenac, etc.), painkillers, as well as restorative and antipyretic drugs. Chronic disease also means following a special diet.
The use of massage, physiotherapy and physiotherapy exercises is very effective. Patients are shown sanatorium treatment, which allows to consolidate the achieved result.
To keep your ankle he althy in the future, 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!
