Ankle Disease: Arthritis

Arthritis of the ankle is an inflammatory condition that arises from the deterioration or damage of articular cartilage. The causes of this are both metabolic disorders, as well as trauma, high stress, the presence of gout, psoriasis, osteoarthritis, and so on. It is the painful ankle joint that makes it difficult to contact a sick doctor .

Arthritis: symptoms of the disease

For treatment, correct diagnosis is very important, since this disease has similar signs with arthrosis or arthropathy, which, by the way, can manifest simultaneously with arthritis.

There are several main symptoms:

• Painful sensations in the joint region. 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 swelling can be checked by pressing your finger on the skin in the affected area.) If there is swelling, then at the point of depression there will be a depression).
• There is a general weakness.
• Often there is an increase in temperature.

In the absence of characteristic symptoms, the presence of arthritis can be suspected if two main symptoms are identified:

• If you try using your hands to bend and unbend the ankle as much as possible, arthritis will show up with pain.
• Boots and boots in the ankle suddenly become cramped. As a rule, it is a sign of puffiness.

How is chronic arthritis manifested?

Chronic inflammation usually has a lingering course, and some of the symptoms may be absent, such as swelling or congestion. But at the same time there is always a clear pain in walking and limited movement of the foot. Especially these signs intensify after a night's sleep or a long sitting.

How does reactive arthritis occur?

Reactive arthritis of the ankle is associated with an infection that plays the role of a trigger mechanism for the development of this disease. That is, this ailment is the result of the body's reaction to infection, for example, the genitourinary system or the gastrointestinal tract.

With strong immunity, the inflammatory process passes without leaving a trace behind itself, and in the case of a weakened organism, a chronic condition develops.

Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by the involvement of fascias and tendons in the process, which causes particular soreness in walking.

How to treat arthritis of the ankle

If arthritis is not treated, then over time (within 2 years) deformity of the ankle can 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 are also deformed.

When the ankle is struck, arthritis forces to complete unloading and maximum immobilization of the foot. For this, the patient is prescribed a bed rest.

Drug treatment includes drugs for the removal of inflammation ("Aspirin", "Diflunizal", "Diclofenac", etc.), painkillers, as well as restorative and antipyretic drugs. Chronic disease also implies compliance with a special diet.

It is very effective to use massage, physiotherapy and physical therapy. The patients are shown sanatorium treatment, which allows to consolidate the achieved result.

In order to continue to be healthy your ankle joint, arthritis in no case do not treat yourself - it can be not only useless, but also dangerous. If you suspect a pathology, always consult a doctor!