One speaks of ankle joint arthrosis when the ankle joint is worn. A distinction is made between an upper and a lower ankle joint. More often the upper ankle joint between the tibia, fibula and ankle bone is affected.
In contrast to arthrosis in the knee or hip, which often occurs as a result of chronic long-term overloading or simply due to age, ankle arthrosis is usually secondary. Secondary means that an accident, trauma, injury or previous illness initiates or promotes the development of ankle arthrosis. Triggers for ankle joint arthrosis can be fractures in the ankle, frequent twisting due to instability or recurring inflammation, e.g. in rheumatic diseases.
Ankle joint arthrosis therefore often occurs in younger adults. Even though the development of ankle joint arthrosis varies from that of knee and hip joint degeneration, the signs of the disease are the same. Wear and tear of the joint capsule occurs up to so-called cartilage baldness, where the joint bones rub against each other without protection.
This is painful. The joint surfaces change due to bony attachments, the joint space narrows and the cartilage bone substance scleroses. The joint function is restricted, the ankle joint hurts and is less resilient and mobile.
Therapy
The therapy is usually initially conservative and consists of physiotherapy, drug therapy, relief measures or injections. Physiotherapy is intended to maintain and improve joint function through targeted mobilization. The joint-stabilizing musculature is strengthened to relieve the passive structures (capsule-ligament apparatus, cartilage, bones).
The trophics, i.e. the supply situation of the joint, is improved through movement and mobilization so that the cartilage is preserved as far as possible. Possible incorrect posture and protective mechanisms can also be controlled and adapted or eliminated to prevent additional overloading of the joint. Drug therapy is pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory.
Due to the degenerative process, inflammatory conditions (activated arthrosis) often occur in the joint, which further promote wear and tear. The administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSA) relieves pain and inhibits inflammation. Relieving measures serve to protect the patient, especially during an inflammation, and support healing.
In cases of incorrect loading, e.g. due to differences in leg length or fracture-related malpositions, insoles can help to relieve the load and thus protect the cartilage. Buffering insoles can also improve everyday mobility in cases of ankle arthrosis, since they cause less pain when walking and keep the patient mobile. Injections with anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving medication directly into the joint can be given in cases of severe pain and are intended to improve symptoms for a longer period of time.
Surgery is performed for pain that is resistant to treatment or for severe arthrotic changes. An arthroscopic joint lavage can be performed. This procedure is minimally invasive and serves to restore the joint surfaces.
Cartilage fragments and bony attachments can be removed, thus improving the sliding of the joint surfaces. Furthermore, a joint replacement can be carried out surgically, or a stiffening (arthrodesis) can be performed. First of all, it should be mentioned that directly after an injury of the ankle joint, e.g. fracture, a preventive therapy including intensive gymnastics should be carried out, if necessary with a preceding operation.
The arthrosis itself is irreversible and a progressive process, the occurrence of which should be prevented from the outset. Injections with anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving medication directly into the joint can be given in case of severe pain, and should achieve an improvement of symptoms for a longer period of time. Surgery is performed in cases of pain resistant to therapy or severe arthrotic changes.
An arthroscopic joint lavage can be performed. This procedure is minimally invasive and serves to restore the joint surfaces. Cartilage fragments and bony attachments can be removed, thus improving the sliding of the joint surfaces. Furthermore, a joint replacement can be carried out surgically, or a stiffening (arthrodesis) can be performed. First of all, it should be mentioned that directly after an injury of the ankle joint, e.g. fracture, a preventive therapy including intensive gymnastics should be carried out, if necessary with a preceding operation.The arthrosis itself is irreversible and a progressive process, the occurrence of which should be prevented from the outset.
