Osteoarthritis of the foot: symptoms, causes and treatment, photo
Diagnosing arthrosis of the foot, experts imply a degenerative-dystrophic change in the cartilage of the foot, inflammation of the surrounding tissues, violation of blood circulation, leading to a change in metabolism.
This disease is characterized by unexpected pain, distortion of the shape of the fingers, painful calluses, rapid fatigue and the appearance of a special gait, in which the patient tries to transfer the main load to the external area of the foot. The result of this disease can be disability.
The prevalence of the disease among older patients is quite high, arthrosis of the foot is considered one of the most common joint diseases.
In the risk zone are women who have crossed the forty-year line. After 55 years, more than 85% of people suffer from manifestations of this ailment, although cases of developing foot arthrosis in young people, which prefers active sports, are not uncommon.
This part of the body is located at the very bottom and touches the ground. The foot performs spring and balancing functions, it is the main support for movement and standing.
This part of the limb can be divided into three zones: fingers, plus, tarsus. Its skeleton consists of 26 bones covered with a dense connective tissue or cartilages. Thanks to the last components of the foot are smooth and differ in the ability to move smoothly.
Tendons bind bones, ligaments can form around the joint a special capsule filled with a special liquid substance. The foot is able to perform smooth and complex movements due to the activity of the muscles located in it, controlled by the tibial nerve. Tibial arteries provide a stable blood supply, and with the help of superficial veins the venous outflow is carried out.
The first for arthrosis of the ankle joint begins to suffer cartilage that protects the bones, they cease to be elastic, are destroyed and are no longer able to absorb shock when walking. This leads to the fact that the surface of the bones undergo significant stress, the ligaments and tendons begin to damage. In this area, microcirculation of blood is disturbed, which leads to bone-cartilaginous growths and changes in articular surfaces, limiting the amplitude of movements.
Periarticular tissues also undergo fibro-sclerotic transformation. The toes begin to deform and lock in an unnatural position. The first to change is the thumb( see valgus deformity of the big toe), the new position of which leads to the displacement of the rest.
The following prerequisites can lead to arthrosis of the foot:
Osteoarthritis of the foot can arise for no reason, in this case they speak about the primary form of the disease. All stop joints are affected. Under the influence of certain factors, a secondary form of arthrosis usually develops, which can capture 1-2 joints.
And also, we recommend to familiarize yourself with other forms of this disease:
Manifestations of the disease depend on the stage at which it is located. And so, for arthrosis of the foot are characterized by such clinical symptoms:
Treatment for arthrosis of the foot is conservative or operational. It is impossible to completely cure this disease, since the cartilage deformed can not be restored to its original form.
All funds are directed to keep the foot in its current state, prevent deterioration, relieve pain and return mobility.
Medication for foot arthrosis includes non-steroidal drugs that relieve pain and inflammation. In case of a serious course of the disease, it is possible to use steroid agents that improve the nutrition of the cartilaginous tissue. The supporting function is performed by chondroprotectors.
If conservative methods of treatment of foot arthrosis have proved ineffective, resort to surgical intervention. In this case it is possible to carry out resection of bone calluses, endoprosthetics and arthroplasty.
This disease is characterized by unexpected pain, distortion of the shape of the fingers, painful calluses, rapid fatigue and the appearance of a special gait, in which the patient tries to transfer the main load to the external area of the foot. The result of this disease can be disability.
The prevalence of the disease among older patients is quite high, arthrosis of the foot is considered one of the most common joint diseases.
In the risk zone are women who have crossed the forty-year line. After 55 years, more than 85% of people suffer from manifestations of this ailment, although cases of developing foot arthrosis in young people, which prefers active sports, are not uncommon.
General structure of the foot
This part of the body is located at the very bottom and touches the ground. The foot performs spring and balancing functions, it is the main support for movement and standing.
This part of the limb can be divided into three zones: fingers, plus, tarsus. Its skeleton consists of 26 bones covered with a dense connective tissue or cartilages. Thanks to the last components of the foot are smooth and differ in the ability to move smoothly.
Tendons bind bones, ligaments can form around the joint a special capsule filled with a special liquid substance. The foot is able to perform smooth and complex movements due to the activity of the muscles located in it, controlled by the tibial nerve. Tibial arteries provide a stable blood supply, and with the help of superficial veins the venous outflow is carried out.
The first for arthrosis of the ankle joint begins to suffer cartilage that protects the bones, they cease to be elastic, are destroyed and are no longer able to absorb shock when walking. This leads to the fact that the surface of the bones undergo significant stress, the ligaments and tendons begin to damage. In this area, microcirculation of blood is disturbed, which leads to bone-cartilaginous growths and changes in articular surfaces, limiting the amplitude of movements.
Periarticular tissues also undergo fibro-sclerotic transformation. The toes begin to deform and lock in an unnatural position. The first to change is the thumb( see valgus deformity of the big toe), the new position of which leads to the displacement of the rest.
The causes of arthrosis of the foot
The following prerequisites can lead to arthrosis of the foot:
- 1) Stop with anatomical features or abnormalities of the structure, represented by flat feet, incorrectly formed joints, deformity of the shin, curvature of the fingers or their hammer-shaped form.
- 2) Injuries of the lower part of the leg, expressed by sprains, bruises, sports injuries, fractures of bones.
- 4) The presence of endocrine pathology.
- 5) Frequent cooling of the foot.
- 6) Presence of certain degenerative changes in other joints.
- the constant wearing of shoes on the heel, too tight or with a narrow headland.
- non-compliance with the rules of healthy living, healthy eating and adynamia.
- high growth or excess weight, at which the support point is increased load.
- is a hereditary predisposition when close relatives are affected by arthrosis or arthritis.
- long stay on legs, wearing weights.
- sudden termination of sports activities, when muscle tissue begins to quickly decline, and the joints continue to be very mobile.
Osteoarthritis of the foot can arise for no reason, in this case they speak about the primary form of the disease. All stop joints are affected. Under the influence of certain factors, a secondary form of arthrosis usually develops, which can capture 1-2 joints.
And also, we recommend to familiarize yourself with other forms of this disease:
- arthrosis of the knee joint
- arthrosis of the shoulder joint
- arthrosis of the hip joint
Symptoms of arthrosis of the foot
Manifestations of the disease depend on the stage at which it is located. And so, for arthrosis of the foot are characterized by such clinical symptoms:
- 1) At the initial stage of arthrosis, there is a periodic pain in the anterior area of the foot, which usually pains after a load, there is increased fatigue.
- 2) The second stage manifests itself as the appearance of a "bone" - a thickening of the metatarsal head, a stronger pain syndrome, defined by the limited mobility of the foot. In the absence of proper treatment after the load, the pain intensifies and becomes permanent.
- 3) The third stage of foot arthrosis leads to severe joint deformity, permanent pain syndrome, and immobility. The patient develops a limping gait, his work capacity is greatly reduced. A painful corn is formed on the sole under the thumb.
- after sleep, there may be difficulty in movement, during the day the joint mobility is somewhat reduced, muscle tension in the foot is felt.
- because of uneven articular surfaces, movement can respond with a characteristic coarse crunch.
- in the early stages of the pain syndrome appears after severe stress, but at rest subsides. Painful sensations can intensify on the eve of wet weather or after contact of feet with water.
- changes the manner of walking and the position of the body when moving, this is caused by the desire of the patient to reduce the impact on the affected foot.
- appearance of edema, redness, swelling in the area of the affected joint.
- may experience elevated temperature.
Treatment of foot arthrosis
Treatment for arthrosis of the foot is conservative or operational. It is impossible to completely cure this disease, since the cartilage deformed can not be restored to its original form.
All funds are directed to keep the foot in its current state, prevent deterioration, relieve pain and return mobility.
Classical treatment methods include exercise therapy, manual therapy, physiotherapy and massage. These are forms of physical rehabilitation aimed at restoring the mobility of the foot.
Medication for foot arthrosis includes non-steroidal drugs that relieve pain and inflammation. In case of a serious course of the disease, it is possible to use steroid agents that improve the nutrition of the cartilaginous tissue. The supporting function is performed by chondroprotectors.
If conservative methods of treatment of foot arthrosis have proved ineffective, resort to surgical intervention. In this case it is possible to carry out resection of bone calluses, endoprosthetics and arthroplasty.