ankle where

Polymer ankle bandage – from 2,500 to 3,500 RUB, depending on the level of complexity

What is that?

Osteophyte is a word that most patients do not understand. In reality, there is nothing complicated about it. Osteophytes are pathological outgrowths of bone tissue in places where it is not normally present. In itself, such a condition is not a disease, but a concomitant of many diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Rather, it is a compensatory reaction of the periosteum to an adverse effect on the joint or to the consequences of a fracture.

Periosteum can vary in shape and size. Due to their small size, they do not cause discomfort to the patient for a long time, but eventually they will become visible. Often they are in the form of spikes or hooks.

The process of osteophyte formation is as follows:

• The synovial fluid is withdrawn from the bony structures of the ankle or it is no longer sufficient for normal function;
• Friction increases and surfaces begin to break up;
• Compensatory ossification gradually occurs in areas of particularly active friction, differing in shape and size from what is required;
• The bony process is fully formed.

Osteophytes are not a disease, but the result of trauma or another pathology.

Why do osteophytes form?

Many factors play a role in the formation of osteophytes in the ankle. They occur as a result of:

• Frequent domestic, professional injuries and microtrauma of the ankle;
• fractures and injuries of the ligaments of the ankle;
• Inflammatory processes caused by harmful effects on the joint;
• Systemic and other (degenerative-dystrophic) diseases.

Doctors cite excessive exercise as one of the main causes of osteophytes. In this way the body tries to 'compensate' for the negative effects on it.

X-ray picture

X-rays must be taken from at least three views: front, side, and oblique. The level of the fracture is clearly visible on the x-rays. The mechanism of the injury can be reconstructed on the basis of the X-ray images and an appropriate treatment can be planned and carried out.

The swelling is usually significant and increases rapidly, especially in severe injuries. If the swelling lasts for several hours, then the final tactic is postponed for several days. During this time, the limb is elevated so that the swelling can subside. This can be accelerated by active footwork (also reduces the risk of deep vein thrombosis).

Fractures, unlike ligament injuries, are diagnosed on X-rays. However, an experienced doctor can also detect indirect signs of soft tissue injury on an x-ray. These signs include widening of the intercondylar space, asymmetry of the joint space, and displacement of the talus.

As with other intra-articular injuries, ankle fractures must be accurately reduced (translated) and secured in the correct position for healing. An unrepaired talar displacement or residual step on the articular surface increases stress on the ankle and predisposes to osteoarthritis.

Fractures in the ankle area are often unstable and may require surgery.

Displaced ankle fractures

The repair of the damaged structures after an intra-articular displaced fracture is the most important task of the trauma surgeon. These fractures require surgical intervention. Only an internal fixator (plate or screw) can securely fix the bone fragments in the correct position.

A plaster cast is not required after surgery and metal fixation of the ankle fracture. The patient can perform active movements of the ankle. The patient is then taught to walk on crutches. Immediately after the operation, it is not yet possible to put full weight on the foot. The patient walks on crutches and only moderately loads the limb. The plates and screws remain in the patient's body until the fractures heal and the bone is fully remodeled.

Open fractures in the ankle area are a problem. These patients, particularly diabetics, are at high risk of wound necrosis and infection.

All open fractures of the ankle require surgery. When internal fixation poses a risk due to large wounds and soft tissue areas, the ankle can be temporarily immobilized with an external immobilization device. Once the soft tissues have healed, surgery is usually performed to join the bone fragments together in an anatomically correct position with plates and screws.

Improper application and adjustment of a plaster cast in the case of ankle fractures can often lead to skin problems including skin necrosis. Putting on a cast must be supervised by medical personnel to avoid such complications.

If the surgical technique is not correct, complications such as a lack of fusion of the fracture, stiffness of the joint and osteoarthritis of the ankle can occur.

Osteoarthritis of the ankle usually occurs when the fractures have not healed properly and the bone fragments were not repositioned during surgery for whatever reason.

Physical therapy after an ankle fracture

After the plaster cast is removed, rehabilitation therapists at Yusupov Hospital provide rehabilitation services for patients with a broken ankle. First of all, they conduct electromagnetic therapy to restore blood and lymph circulation, eliminate swelling, and also perform physical exercises. The ankle fracture is then prescribed as a complex of exercise therapy. Since the patient initially cannot do without support, an elbow brace should be purchased. The balanced support prevents hyperextension of the arm and makes it easier for the patient to move. After 2 weeks, the patient gradually gives up the crutch. The remaining crutch can be relieved with therapeutic exercises. Gymnastics with an ankle fracture is the way to full recovery. The joint must be effectively loaded after a long period of static storage. In the rehabilitation clinic, the patient performs physiotherapy exercises under the guidance of experienced physiotherapists. When recommending physical therapy after a broken ankle, the rehabilitation therapists at the Yusupov Hospital are guided by the following principles: First, mobility of the ankle joint must be restored in order to then be able to fully load it while walking.

• Toes are extended sideways and entire foot rotated away from hips as far as possible;
• Alternately raising the legs to a right angle in the hip joints (do not bend the lower limbs, but pull the socks towards you);
• Raise the straight injured limb at the right angle of the hip joint while flexing and straightening the foot and toes with weight.

In addition to LFC exercises, rehabilitation therapists at Yusupov Hospital also offer massage to patients with ankle fractures. The injured leg should be bandaged with an elastic bandage from the toe to the knee joint, or Class I compression stockings should be worn. Compression garments should be removed overnight and during physical therapy for ankle fractures. During this recovery period, physiotherapy treatments such as magnetotherapy, electrophoresis and ozokerite are used in the rehabilitation clinic to treat patients after an ankle fracture.

Physical therapy during the training phase of rehabilitation

In the third phase of rehabilitation, LFC exercises for an ankle fracture include different types of walking: toe walking, heel walking, walking on the inside or outside of the foot, walking sideways and backwards. Rolling a simple roller with the injured foot is a good way to restore lower limb function. Swimming pool exercises are also effective.

Patients are advised to independently perform the following exercises:

Climbing stairs, holding onto the railing when going down

rolling a small ball or bottle with your foot

Try gripping a pencil or pen with your toes

It is worth remembering the classic game from childhood: running on a treadmill, stretching the outside and inside of the foot by standing on it, jumping on a small ledge, raising your knees and holding them in the air.

In the rehabilitation clinic, patients train on stationary bikes and treadmills, adjusting the load on the injured limb. The range of LFC exercises after an ankle fracture includes a metered walk, followed by hopping, jumping, and running. This can be done with an elastic bandage around the ankle or by wearing an ankle splint. Exercises for an ankle fracture can include dance steps and obstacle courses. For older people, physical therapists recommend just walking.

When treating a fractured ankle, it is not advisable to:

• being subjected to heavy physical exertion;
• fast jogging;
• walking on uneven ground;
• to take long walks on foot;
• wearing high-heeled and uncomfortable shoes;
• participate in active dance classes.

Rehabilitation therapists at Yusupov Hospital plan the exercise program individually, depending on the type of ankle fracture. For single and double ankle fractures without foot dislocation, they recommend:

• a powerful active dorsiflexion of the foot (20-30 flexions 10-15 times a day);
• 10-15 minutes of daily rocking motions on a balance machine;
• exercises on a stationary bike;
• Squats with and without lifting your heels off the floor (3-5 squats 2 times a day)
• Walk on tiptoe and heel for one minute 2-3 times a day.

symptoms

The clinical picture of edema always includes symptoms such as hypersensitivity, foreboding, discomfort and restriction of movement of the affected area. Depending on the various factors that caused this complication, the swelling can be very pronounced, ie diffuse, or almost invisible (localized).

It is not uncommon for the swelling of the ankle to be accompanied by other symptoms:

• It is noticeable that the swelling of the lower limbs decreases during sleep and increases again in the evening, along with reddening of the skin and shortness of breath. With this symptom, a cardiologist at the Yusupov Hospital should be consulted. Swelling in the legs is one of the main symptoms of heart failure because the heart's pumping function is reduced and it has a hard time pumping blood from the lower extremities to the upper body;
• Signs of varicose veins appear. Pain appears, the calf muscles can cramp at night, and when walking, the legs quickly tire. In this situation, a visit to a qualified phlebologist at the Yusupov Hospital is necessary;
• Legs may also swell with kidney and liver disease (usually cirrhosis).

It is best to first contact a general practitioner at Yusupov Hospital, who will refer you to specialized doctors if necessary.

Diagnosis

The examinations in the Yusupov Hospital include laboratory diagnostics with the most modern equipment. This is a complex of examinations of the body's biomaterials, which allows to refute or confirm the diagnosis and determine the cause of the disease.

After examination by a specialist doctor, the patient is referred for a general urine test, a biochemical test and a general blood test. Hormone levels are determined to rule out a thyroid problem.

The specialist puts together the entire range of diagnostic measures individually. If necessary, the patient can be referred for the following examinations

• X-rays;
• electrocardiogram (ECG);
• ultrasound examination (USG);
• coagulation measurement;
• Ultrasound duplex scan of blood vessels (USDS).

Based on the examination protocols and test results, the doctor selects the optimal treatment to eliminate the cause of the leg swelling.

swelling of the ankle

Ankle swelling is a common pathologic condition of the ankle. They occur without the influence of a specific traumatic factor. Most commonly, ankle swelling is caused by excess body weight and a sedentary lifestyle. Ankle swelling can also occur during pregnancy due to heavy exertion. The most important thing when these symptoms appear is not to overexert yourself and drink a lot.

Ankle swelling can also occur with various diseases such as heart, kidney or liver disease. Urinary tract infections are another common cause. Swelling of the ankles is also an indication of the occurrence of varicose veins. In this case, over time, the appearance of the skin changes, and in the most severe cases, ulcers form and the risk of infection increases.

Which doctors should you see for an ankle exam:

Is there anything that worries you? Would you like to know more about your ankle or do you need an examination? You can make an appointment with your doctor – Clinic Eurolaboratory is always there for you! The best doctors will examine you, advise you, provide the necessary care and diagnose the problem. You can also doctor at home. clinic Eurolaboratory is open for you around the clock.

How to contact the clinic:
The phone number of our clinic in Kiev is: (+38 044) 206-20-00 (multichannel). The clinic secretariat will find a suitable day and time for you to visit the doctor. Our coordinates and directions can be found here. For more information about all of the clinic's services, visit their own website.

If you have already had tests Take the results with you to your doctor and let them advise you. If you have not yet done any examinations, we will carry out the necessary work in our clinic or with our colleagues in other clinics.

It is important that you take a close look at your general health. There are many diseases that do not initially make themselves felt in our body, but which unfortunately are treated too late. This simply means that you have to be examined several times a year to be examined by a doctor several times a yearnot only to prevent a bad illness, but also to keep the body and the organism as a whole healthy.

If you want to see a doctor, you can find and read answers to your questions on the Internet Self Care Tips. If you are interested in opinions about clinics and doctors, try to find the information you need on a forum. You can also go to the medical portal Eurolaboratoryto keep up to date with the latest ankle news and information sent automatically to your inbox.

What is the ankle, where is it located and what is it for?

The ankle is the part of the bone that lies between the lower leg and the foot. In other words, it's the bony prominence near the heel. Anatomically, there are two knuckles in the ankle - the lateral malleolus and the inner malleolus.

The ankle joint is not to be confused with a joint or muscle as it determines the shape of the lower limb and allows it to support the weight of the body.

When moving, the entire weight of the body rests on the legs, and the ankle serves as a link in a system that helps the human move, twist in different directions, and correct the movement of the foot.

Functions of the ankle

1. It supports the weight of the human body;
2. Even distribution of the entire body weight on the foot;
3. upright function;
4. The active function allows jumping, running and more.
5. rotation function. Allows the person to rotate around their own axis; when turning, the legs remain in the same position, that is, they do not move;
6. damping function. Allows people to cushion the impact force while walking or running.

Because the ankle is a fairly stressed part of the human anatomy, ankle injuries of all kinds are very common, especially if you're an active person who plays sports or just moves around a lot. Let's look at the types of ankle injuries.

ankle or ankle

Look at your foot and lower your gaze to the bottom of your foot.

The place where the foot meets the instep is called the ankle.

The word 'ankle' itself never appears in anatomical textbooks as it is the slang term for the ankle joint. However, the 'ankle' is never referred to by that word on a diagram of the structure of the leg. It is identified in the images with two names:

Injuries to the ankle

The ankle is one of the most frequently traumatized orthopedic organs.

Orthopedic organs are those responsible for human movement in space.

fracture of the ankle

The most dangerous injury which, if not treated properly, can lead to disability. The most common fracture is the lateral malleolus.

1. A – Fracture of the wide part of the ankle with simultaneous tearing of the internal ligaments.
2. B – Fracture of the broad part of the ankle parallel to the tibia with damage to the medial ligaments.
3. C – Fracture of the narrow part of the ankle with rupture of the external and internal ligaments.

A broken ankle is treated with a cast on the leg. In severe cases, the individual bones are braced with metal spokes or plates.

Ankle sprain

This injury is less severe than a fracture, but is still very painful. The ankle ligaments are put under a lot of strain. Sometimes the ligaments can even be torn and need stitches. In all cases, a splint is placed around the ankle and the patient is given full rest.

Sprain of the ankle

This is the mildest form of ankle sprain and can be treated with a tight bandage and gentler range of motion.

This video explains how the weather affects ankle injuries. And you already know where the ankle is.

What should you do if you sprained your ankle and it's swollen?

With bruises, sprains, and sometimes fractures, severe pain and swelling may not appear immediately, but hours or even days after the injury. For this reason, patients often do not attribute acute pain to a minor injury that occurred only a few days ago. If the ankle is swollen on the outside and shows abrasions or bruises, the pain is almost always due to an injury. Various injuries to the bones and joints require the help of a doctor and an X-ray. Self-help to relieve symptoms before going to a health center is acceptable.

What to do if the foot is swollen after a bruised ankle?

Do not feel, press or try to 'fix' the injured joint yourself. Only a doctor who has read the X-rays can perform all measures, from compression bandages to plaster casts.

Which doctor should I see if I have ankle pain?

You should see an orthopedist/traumatologist for treatment. The specialist will examine the limb, take a medical history and prescribe the necessary diagnostic measures. This can include:

High-quality scans can detect trauma-related tissue damage, changes in vein size, joint deformities, and other pathological changes in an ankle sprain and subsequent swelling.

Laboratory tests are essential for the detection:

Depending on the diagnosis, a treatment plan is drawn up. The basic treatment methods for most joint diseases are similar. All services and prices are listed on the website.
As a rule, the following measures are prescribed:

Anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relievers, and cartilage protectors are almost always used for painful ankles. Physiotherapy helps reduce swelling and pain, eliminate inflammation, and speed up tissue repair.

To prevent the leg pain from returning, as soon as the condition improves, you should.

1. To do sports;
2. maintain a healthy diet;
3. choose comfortable footwear;
4. Try to avoid hypothermia.

• Osteophyte of the heel bone.
• Ankle ligament strain, ICD.
• ankle-shin.
• Take off the ankles.
• How do you treat a sprained ankle?.
• The bone where the ankle is located.
• ankle and ankle.
• Cracked ankle.