April 1, 2009

I Have Arthritis In My Ankle… What Can I Do?

Ankle arthritis is one of the most common problems seen in a rheumatology office. While it is a relatively small joint complex, it is subjected to a great deal of stress because of the weight-bearing required with standing and walking.

Throw in the need to make forward and backward movements as well as side to side movements, it becomes clear that the stress placed on the bones, ligaments and tendons is tremendous. And that doesn't even account for the twisting and [pivoting motions that are often required during a typical day.

Because of this responsibility and location, ankles are probably injured more than any other joint complex.

Many different kinds of arthritis can affect the ankle. The most common are osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a wear and tear type of arthritis. The cartilage that cushions the joint begins to wear away prematurely as a result of trauma and localized inflammation. This type of osteoarthritis that occurs following injury is referred to as post-traumatic osteoarthritis. A common scenario is someone who sprains their ankle as an adolescent or young adult and then develops ankle arthritis years later.

Rheumatoid arthritis comprises about 15 per cent of ankle arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease that affects virtually all joints. The chronic inflammation leads to progressive deterioration of cartilage, bone, and ligaments.

Other types of arthritis that can attack the ankle include psoriatic arthritis, Reiter's disease, gout, pseudogout, sarcoidosis, juvenile arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.

Treatment of ankle arthritis first consists of making the correct diagnosis. That takes a careful history and physical examination. Laboratory testing and imaging studies such as x-ray, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging are useful.

Treatment for mild discomfort is straightforward. Limit activities that cause pain. That means high impact sports like running, soccer, and basketball. If excess weight is an issue, then weight loss is mandatory. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines can also provide symptomatic relief.

Various ankle braces can be a lifesaver. These come in different varieties and shapes. They can fasten using laces or Velcro. Braces may be soft or may contain a hard synthetic shell. It is best to consult with your rheumatologist or orthopedist before purchasing a brace.

Orthotics are shoe inserts that tilt the ankle and relieve pain by altering the direction of stress forces. These should be custom-made for optimal results.

Rocker bottom shoes reduce pain with walking because they limit the amount of motion the joint has to go through. People who have had ankle fusion surgery 9where the joijt is fused together) often find rocker bottom shoes helpful.

When ankle pain is severe due to inflammation and/or fluid accumulation, then aspirating the joint with a needle and injecting a long-acting glucocorticoid ("steroid") may be very useful. Following a procedure like this, it is a good idea for the patient to have their ankle braced for at least three days to rest the joint.

Physical therapy is also an excellent adjunctive therapeutic approach. The therapist can help the patient with different modalities that can reduce edema (soft tissue swelling0 as well as inflammation and also teach a patient exercises to strengthen and stabilize the ankle so that future ankle sprains and strains are less likely.

Patients who have severe ankle arthritis due to osteoarthritis may benefit from viscosupplementation. This is a procedure where a lubricant is injected into the joint. Viscosupplements have been used successfully in many joints including the knee, hip, and shoulder, as well as the ankle.

Surgery is an option for patients who have failed more conservative measures. Arthroscopy, which is a procedure where a small telescope is inserted into the ankle joint through a tiny incision. Small instruments are used to remove loose pieces of cartilage. This procedure can also be incorporated with simultaneous cartilage transplant where healthy cartilage is inserted in place of damaged cartilage at the time of the procedure. Cartilage transplant procedures are very time intensive and require limited weight bearing for several weeks to months afterward.

Joint realignment is a procedure where a wedge of bone is removed from one side of the ankle so that stress forces are transferred to the healthy part of the ankle. While this is a temporary fix, it is useful for some patients.

Ankle fusion is a surgical procedure where the tibia (leg bone) is screwed to the talus (upper ankle bone). This restores alignment and reduces pain. Unfortunately, the patient loses about half of the plantar and dorsiflexion (toe down and toe up) movement in the ankle. The ability to walk without pain is restored to the ankle; however, there is more stress placed on other weight-bearing joints such as the knee, which can lead to the development of osteoarthritis in these joints.

Ankle replacement is an increasingly popular option. In the past, ankle replacements weren't that effective but technological advances have improved their success. Good candidates for ankle replacement are those who are older than 55 years of age, in good medial condition, have their weight in the normal range, and who don't engage in high impact activities either at work or during their leisure time.

Nathan Wei
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/i-have-arthritis-in-my-ankle-what-can-i-do-290590.html

Filed under Blog by admin

Spread the Word!

Permalink Print

Related Posts

Insomnia Is Not A Disease

Insomnia is described by doctors as a difficulty in sleeping and maintaining a good sleep. Take note that insomnia is neither a disease nor a diagnosis, it’s a symptom. Average person will experience insomnia once in their lifetime with up to 50% of people in the world suffer from it at one time or another for more than a few nights. Lots of people don’t want to take medications to help them to sleep and look towards a more natural cold sore cure for insomnia. Stress and stimulation as the two major cause on insomnia can be alleviated or reduce to promote sleep. There are several natural sleep aids that could help if one has an insomnia which is a chronic inability to sleep over a long period of time. Herbal remedies are on the rise and one in particular, Valerian how long been used as a natural sleep aid to treat such sleeping problem like insomnia.

Natural And Pure Skin Care Product Best For Asian Skin

Unfortunately, all natural and pure skin care products simply do not get the attention and fame like many of the top brands sold in fancy salons and spas throughout the world. Many of the so-called top skin care products are considered to be the best because they are specially formulated with top-secret patented ingredients developed in labs and produced on factory floors. While these high-tech skin care and advanced moisturizers and creams may very well contain a host of so-called beneficial "super nutrients" - the simple and sad truth is that your body may not even use them because they are inorganic. Inorganic substances are not easily recognized by your body. If a beauty or skin care product is made from unrecognizable ingredients, they may go unused and become stored away in the fat cells of your body. At worst, the laboratory creations may actually be thought to be toxic by your body and cause an allergic reaction or unwanted side effect, such as: * Increased numbers of free radicals * Dehydration * Rash, welt, or other visible skin irritation. Free radicals are perfectly natural molecules produced by your body during a process known as oxidation. The presence of toxins or UV radiation in the body will trigger the oxidation process and increase the number of free radicals in your system and increase the likelihood of a number of medical complications, such as: * Constipation-which can be fatal if becomes chronic and condition known as septicemia develops * Digestive problems-free radicals will damage/destroy beneficial intestinal flora and slow the digestive process * Increased chances for coronary heart disease and greater probability for heart attack or stroke * Reduced vision * Damage to collagen which helps support skin-if damage to collagen becomes too severe, the supportive network it helps suspend will collapse along with the skin above; the skin will then sink below the surrounding surface and create a fine line or wrinkle. Asian skin care remedies need to be made from all organic ingredients or there is an increased risk for free radical damage and the creation of fine lines and wrinkles. And, because the pores of Asian skin are larger than those of Caucasian skin, there is an increased need to remove excess oil and control the bacteria responsible for acne outbreaks. However, many of the oily skin care products and kai perfume available in the stores and pharmacies are made from alcohol-because it is an astringent and helps remove excess oil and also due to the fact that it is an antiseptic and kills bacteria. Because alcohol and other chemical ingredients may increase the number of free radicals in your system, try to find organic nutrients like those found in the essential oils when looking for pure and effective solutions. Eucalyptus oil acts like an astringent while also controlling the bacteria responsible for the common skin care blemish. Plus, all natural skin care solutions made with Eucalyptus oil can also help control the signs of aging because it is enriched with antioxidants-beneficial nutrients that help neutralize free radicals and halt the development of fine lines and wrinkles. If you are looking for an effective and pure skin care product and solution for Asian skin problems, then try skin care products made from all natural ingredients enriched with antioxidants today!

Natural Treatment for Constipation

It is recommended to consult your physician first for a proper diagnosis and discuss some constipation remedies before you begin treating constipation. It can actually cause you to begin suffering from constipation if you’re going to treat constipation when it is just your body’s natural cycle. Unhealthy diet and lack of exercise is the most common cause of constipation. Changing your eating habit as well as eating fiber foods and beginning to have a regular exercise regimen can actually eliminate constipation symptoms. Also your physician may wish to run test to find out if cheap health insurance is a medical cause for your constipation. Please be noted that constipation is often the symptoms of a more serious illness or diseases. Maintaining the balance of water in the body is one of the main functions of the colon and this is being done by charlotte cosmetic dentist, storing water and reclaiming water as the need arises. Since colon is part of the digestive system of the human body, it affects the other organs of the body when it is congested with other materials that cause the liver to function in a less efficient manner. Supporters of colon cleansing believe that a regular colon cleanse will improve the overall Texas health insurance of the different organs in the body as well as gaining a lesser risk in developing risky diseases and colon related ailments.

Menopause Hot Flash Overview

When it comes to a menopause hot flash, a woman will experience a brief sensation of heat that often leads to uncomfortable and embarrassing pools of sweat. A hot flash may also show on the face of the sufferer, turning their facial features red and flushed. While the cause is relatively unknown, there are certain triggers that increase the chances of feeling a menopause hot flash including diet, smoking, alcohol, and hot surroundings. Caffeine and spicy foods are very common triggers. As the body prepares to combat the effects of a menopause hot flash, a woman displays flushed, red skin, as the skin attempts to cool down the body. The neck and face is where the outward menopause hot flashes signs are seen. Inside, you may be feeling intense heat and discomfort. Perspiration also follows, which is another way the body tries to provide coolness during a hot flash attack. Additional signs include chills after the hot flash, as well as an increase in heart rate. At night, menopause hot flashes bring excessive sweating regardless of how many layers of clothing you may or may not be wearing. This condition, known as night sweats, can make it rather difficult to achieve a good sleep. Not every woman undergoes the same menopause hot flash experiences. Some episodes are more intense than others. Certain women tend to suffer from more attacks than some, while others unfortunately have to deal with hot flashes for the rest of their lives. More commonly, however, hot flashes tend to decrease after menopause and taper off altogether.

Internet Marketing – An Ideal Method In Promoting Your Business In The Modern Age

Kentucky Internet marketing is a method of using the Internet to market your products or managed services. This is usually done by using a unique Kentucky website design that is a visual spokesman for your online business. Your website tells about your company and the product or service you offer. It does this through images and text statements. It could use flash movies or a slide show. It also could use audio and even a small amount of music to set the scene. In truth, your business website works as a sales tool for your company 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The secret to making this work is getting visitors to come to your site and view it. But first, the site needs to be well developed and maintained. It needs to be easy to find information on and easy to traverse. The site needs to be attractive to the visitor and answer their questions. Also in order to drive more traffic to your website, which is important to gain prospects and potential clients, it is ideal to make the text on the ann arbor home page content rich with keywords and good text. This is what the search engines look for when an Internet surfer institutes a search. A beautiful website without traffic will do nothing for an online business. Thus, traffic is what makes the marketing by a web presence work.

The Best Place To Purchase Your Sports Tickets

Basketball has become an insatiable passion for Americans. People love playing and watching this game whether in a backyard, a blacktop urban playground, or an indoor stadium. In fact basketball is one of the biggest spectator sports and its obsession is unstoppable because of its high score, fast pace and employing of some of the worlds best athletes. Don't miss out on this exceptional show of athleticism because being at a game or even in a regular season game is the experience of a lifetime. The excitement in the stadium, the shouting is absolutely intoxicating. Purchase redwings tickets from MBtickets. MBtickets has all the best sports tickets for every regular season game, NBA playoff tickets, NBA Finals tickets, MLB tickets and NFL tickets. No matter how hard it is to get your hands on Los Angeles Lakers tickets, MBtickets will prove to you that they are the best place to get them. Still not convinced that they are the best broker for dodgers tickets,angels tickets,chargers tickets,packers tickets,cowboys tickets,texans tickets,vikings tickets,raiders tickets,red skin tickets,dolphins tickets,49ers tickets,chiefs tickets,cardinals tickets, thunder tickets and kings tickets? MBtickets also provide information for any sport event, updated selection of event schedules, and news. In the mean time, don't miss out on the most exciting entertainment being played in cities across the country. Athletes keep getting better and as a result, so do the games. Indulge yourself and let MBtickets supply you with the best broadway tickets and magic tickets to every game you want to see. Buying clippers tickets from MBtickets is simple, easy and secure. Just select a team from the list and choose the game you wish to attend. You will be shown the entire game schedule, and easily be able to filter between home and away games. Once you have chosen the game you want to attend pick the heat tickets you want within the budget you can afford and let MBtickets take care of the rest. Enjoy the game!
Login