Early Symptoms Of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a common degenerative orthopedic condition caused due to gradual wear and tear of the joint cartilage. As a result, the protective tissues that sustain the joint load get damaged, causing the bones to rub against each other. This causes pain and inflammation in the joint. Osteoarthritis most commonly affects the spine, hand, knee and hip joint.

Here are some of the symptoms that may indicate the onset of Osteoarthritis:

• Pain And Tenderness: Initially, the patient may start feeling pain that tends to worsen as the day progresses. Performing certain activities may also aggravate the symptoms such as hand pain after typing, knee pain after climbing stairs or ankle pain after walking. The affected joint may also be tender to touch, along with slight swelling, specifically after prolonged physical stress.
• Joint Stiffness And Swelling: After waking up in the morning or staying inactive for a considerable period of time, the Arthritic joint may become stiff. However, the stiffness may gradually subside after the patient warms up the joint by performing light exercises or carrying out the daily activities. Osteoarthritis may also lead to the development of bone spurs around the affected joint. This may cause swelling and make the joint look bony or crooked.
• Unusual Sensations: Cartilage acts as shock absorbers and allows the joint to move smoothly. The wearing out of cartilage due to Osteoarthritis leads to rubbing of bones which produces unusual sensations in the joint. The patient may feel or hear a grating sensation when using the affected joint.
• Decreased Range Of Motion: The patient may find it difficult to move the joint as flexibly as before. For instance, bending the knee, making a fist or flexing the foot may cause pain and discomfort. Sudden catching, buckling or giving away is also quite common in the early stages of Osteoarthritis.
• Pain During Specific Times: During the early stages of Osteoarthritis, the symptoms may be limited to certain times of the day. The patient may experience pain and stiffness after physical activity, waking up in the morning or sitting on the desk throughout the day. However, as the condition progresses, the joint may ache even when not in use.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is advisable that you visit an orthopedic surgeon for timely diagnosis and treatment. He may prescribe certain medications, knee braces or exercises that may slow down or halt the progression of the condition.

Ankle Impingement Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Ankle Impingement Syndrome, also known as Anterior Ankle Impingement, Athlete’s Ankle or Footballer’s Ankle, is a painful condition affecting the front part of the ankle. It is caused due to the compression of the soft tissues or a bone spur in the anterior area of the joint. The condition can occur to anyone but is more common among athletes and ballet dancers.

Causes

•    Arthritis: Ankle Arthritis increases blood flow and inflammation, leading to the development of bone spurs in the front of the ankle joint and cause Ankle Impingement Syndrome.
•    Repetitive Stress Activity: The stress caused in the ankle during kicking or running may cause the formation of bone spurs, leading to the syndrome.
•    Ankle Sprain: The damage caused due to an ankle sprain can lead to instability in the joint, causing the talus to slide upward freely even during mild activities. This may lead to pinching of the soft tissues in the ankle.

Symptoms

•    Pain in the front of the ankle
•    Stiffness
•    Inflammation
•    Inability to walk
•    Pain increasing during physical activity
•    Tenderness
•    Clicking sensation

Diagnosis

The orthopedic doctor may diagnose Ankle Impingement Syndrome with the help of physical examination and inquiring about the medical history of the patient. He may bend the ankle at different angles to observe the intensity of pain. The patient may be suggested to undergo certain imaging tests such as X-ray, MRI scan or CT scan in order to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

•    Avoid Heeled Shoes: The orthopedic doctor may suggest the patient to wear flat or very low heeled shoes.
•    Limiting Movement: The patient may be suggested to use a special walking boot or short-leg cast in order to limit the movement of the ankle. This can help in resting the foot and speeding up the recovery process.
•    Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that cause stress in the ankle joint such as walking uphill, running etc. can help in easing the symptoms.
•    Medication: The patient may be prescribed anti-inflammatory medications which can help in minimizing pain and swelling in the ankle.
•    Surgery: In severe cases, the doctor may also suggest the patient to undergo a surgery in order to eliminate the symptoms.

It is advisable to visit an orthopedic doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment of Ankle Impingement Syndrome.

Tips For Preventing Foot And Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle are the most commonly injured joints in the human body as they bear the entire body weight. The ankle joint supports most daily activities such as walking, running, jumping etc., and it is a target for many injuries. Foot and ankle injuries can occur to anyone but are more common in people actively involved in sports activities, running or dancing.  

Here are some tips that can assist in preventing many foot and ankle injuries:

• Warm Up: It is advisable to do proper warm up exercises before taking part in any strenuous activities such as running, playing a sport, dancing etc. Low intensity foot and ankle exercises like jogging and stretching for at least 2-3 minutes, prior to any strenuous activity, can prepare the body for the intense activity and avoid foot and ankle injuries. It is also imperative to cool down after any such activity.

• Right Shoes: Wearing the right shoes can give proper support and protection from slips, falls and twists. Shoes play a crucial part in the positioning of foot and ankle. They should be of the right size and proper fitting to prevent blisters and wounds. It is also important to take care that the shoes are appropriate for the corresponding activity. For instance, activities such as football, dance, tennis, golf etc. have distinct requirements for particular type of shoes.

• Weight Management: Maintaining the appropriate weight can help in reducing pressure from the foot and the ankle. Excessive body mass can stress the ankle and put extra pressure during slips or falls and result in an injury.

• Protection During Sports Activities: It is important to wear protective gear during sports activities in order to prevent injuries. Rough sport activities can lead to falls, sprains or even fractures in the ankle or the foot.

• Regular Exercises: Certain stretching exercises can help in building muscle strength and reduce the chances of injuries. The amount of exercises should be increased gradually to prevent sudden stress to the muscles. Regular exercise helps in conditioning the muscles for sports activities and makes them less susceptible to injuries.

• Avoid Walking Barefoot: Wearing shoes provide support to the feet along with protection from slipping or cut due to any sharp objects on the ground. Walking barefoot can also create tension in the muscles of the feet and be a cause of foot and ankle pain.