Diagnosis

Diagnosis of suspected inflammation of the ankle joint involves several steps. The most important step is the detailed doctor-patient consultation (anamnesis). Above all, the exact localization and description of the pain perceived by the patient and its course over time can provide the treating physician with an initial indication of its cause.

This doctor-patient consultation is usually followed by an orienting, physical examination of the ankle joints in side comparison. Typical indications of an inflammation of the tendon sheaths of the ankle joint are pressure pains during palpation and tapping of the tendons. In the case of rheumatological, autoimmune or infectious causes, further examinations, such as blood tests, can help to clarify the cause. If the findings are unclear, radiological images or magnetic resonance imaging may be useful. The exclusion of chronic diseases that can lead to the development of an inflammation in the area of the ankle joint is particularly important in this context.

Therapy

In the case of an ankle injury, even simple first aid measures can help to effectively alleviate the symptoms. In this context, affected patients should note that the impaired foot should not be loaded until the pain has completely subsided. Nevertheless, the muscles should be activated from time to time, e.g. by simple tensing and careful movements, so that they do not regress.

Furthermore, the pain and the inflammatory processes can be alleviated by carefully cooling the affected foot. However, it is particularly important that the coolant (e.g. a cooling pad) is never placed directly on the skin surface. Otherwise the skin can be seriously damaged.

A doctor should always be consulted to clarify the exact causes of the complaints and to rule out the possibility of a fracture. In the case of an ankle joint inflammation, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medication is primarily used. Here, preparations from the class of non-steroidal anti-rheumatic drugs, NSAIDs for short, are particularly suitable.

Ibuprofen and Diclofenac belong to the typical NSAIDs used for ankle joint inflammation. Taken as tablets, these preparations can quickly bring about a significant improvement in the symptoms. Diclofenac is also available as an ointment and can be applied externally to the affected areas of the body.

Treatment with NSAIDs should always be supervised by a physician, as long-term use can promote the occurrence of gastritis and gastric ulcers. If necessary, a stomach protection preparation should be taken as a supplement. Treatment with antibiotics is only indicated if it is a bacterial inflammation of the ankle joint.

This is relatively rare. In the case of rheumatic or autoimmune diseases of the ankle, cortisone is often used, which inhibits the excessive and defective immune reactions. Ankle joint inflammation is usually treated conservatively, i.e. without surgery, only by taking medication and by sparing the affected extremity.

Those affected can support the healing process with proven home remedies. In the case of an ankle joint inflammation, the diseased joint should be cooled. So-called quark compresses, which can be made at home with simple means, can help here.

To make a quark wrap, cool quark is applied to a thin cloth. The cloth is then folded and fixed in the desired place with a gauze bandage. The application should be repeated several times a day.