Massage for arthrosis of the ankle joint

Massage for osteoarthritis of the ankle joint
Purposes of massage
How do they do it?
Other treatments
Massage for ankle arthritis
The role of massage in treatment
Massage of the lower leg after a fracture

Massage is an effective tool for restoring joints after injuries, improving their function and reducing symptoms of chronic diseases. It is used in combination with other treatment methods. Massage is used at almost all stages of therapy. The only exception is the acute period of injury. But it can be used within a day after damage. Massage is also actively used during the rehabilitation period. Including after prolonged immobilization of a limb or surgery.

Arthrosis of the ankle joint

Arthrosis of the ankle joint
If arthrosis of the knee or hip joint can be primary, then degenerative processes in the cartilage of the ankle joint are always a consequence of another disease. Most often the cause is severe trauma. The articular cartilage is damaged, which leads to slipping of the articular surfaces. As a result, cartilage degeneration worsens.

Among other joints, the ankle bears the highest load. Therefore, with progressive arthrosis, pain always occurs when walking. During instrumental diagnostics, a decrease in cartilage and a narrowing of the joint space are determined. The load on the adjacent area of the bone increases, which provokes rapid wear of the joint.

Symptoms of the initial period of the disease: periodic pain that occurs during intense exercise. As the disease progresses, the pain intensifies. At the same time, a person’s ability to bear loads decreases. The patient spares his sore leg and therefore limps when walking.

Treatment of arthrosis with ointment - reviews

From the practical experience of patients with arthrosis, the following conclusions can be drawn.

Vladimir, 42 years old, Ufa:

“I have deforming arthrosis of the right knee. I tried many ointments and tablets, which brought only temporary relief. Ultimately, the doctor recommended rubbing Capsicam ointment into the knee. The product helps a lot, and the price is very affordable.”

Oleg, 34 years old, Moscow:

“Two years ago I began to notice that my fingers were crunching strangely. Soon pain and inflammation appeared, I had to go to the doctor. I was diagnosed with arthrosis. Now I am being treated with Viprosal ointment. The pain began to subside, the bumps decreased a little, but the crunch remained. So far it helps. We'll see later."

Igor, 24 years old, Moscow:

“I’m a professional football player, so the load on my leg joints is enormous. Sometimes the pain and tension in the ankle and knee joints is so severe that I can’t even sleep. Recently, a routine examination by an orthopedist showed the initial stage of arthrosis of the left ankle joint. Now I’m taking a course of injections and rubbing Nise ointment at home. I can already feel the results, I hope I will be able to overcome arthrosis completely.”

Purposes of massage

Conservative treatment of ankle arthrosis has limited options. It does not particularly affect the course of the disease. Massage is one of the elements of conservative therapy, and far from the most basic.

Purposes of application:

reduction of swelling;
reduction of pain.

Massage helps reduce the symptoms of the initial stages of arthrosis. But you should not expect that even regular and constant massage sessions will be able to cure arthrosis, provide long-term improvement in the patient’s condition, or even slow down the progression of the disease. Massage has no effect on the clinical course of ankle arthrosis.

In addition to massage, other conservative measures are used:

prescription of drugs: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, chondroprotectors;
orthopedic shoes that redistribute the load on the joints when walking;
physiotherapy - works through the same mechanisms as massage;
physical therapy aimed at strengthening the muscles of the limb, unloading the joint and improving blood circulation in it.

Features of the use of ointments for various types of arthrosis

Absolutely all ointments intended for the treatment of arthrosis can be used in the treatment of most groups of joints. There are no clear distinctions - a specific ointment for arthrosis of the fingers or a separate ointment for arthrosis of the hip joint. Any of them can be used, but taking into account the characteristics of the course of the disease, the presence of contraindications in the patient, and the body’s response to treatment.

What ointments are used for arthrosis of the knee joint

Osteoarthritis predominantly develops in large joints, especially the knees. Considering the fact that pain and stiffness in joint movements significantly reduces the quality of life, it is necessary to use ointments of complex action.

The most popular ointments for knee arthrosis contain NSAIDs. These non-hormonal substances relieve pain in the shortest possible time and make it possible to move fully. They can be used at the time of exacerbation of arthrosis, however, the duration of treatment is limited to 1-2 weeks.

NSAID-based ointments have many contraindications, including liver pathologies, a tendency to allergic manifestations, and skin diseases. For this reason, before applying the drug externally, you must carefully study the instructions.

Outside of an exacerbation, doctors recommend applying ointments with chondroprotectors, animal fats, and herbal ingredients to the affected knee. Treatment will help strengthen the cartilage and prevent arthrosis from completely destroying the joint.

Ointments for ankle arthrosis

Degenerative changes in the ankle and toes are as common as arthrosis of the knee. Treatment is carried out according to a similar algorithm, the list of ointments is the same. However, ointments for arthrosis of the foot and ankle do not always have the necessary effect. The load on these joints is so great that arthrosis progresses quickly and only one treatment option remains - joint replacement.

Most ointments for ankle injuries are used as an aid before or after surgery. As a rule, ointments with diclofenac or piroxicam are indicated for use, which can cope with the inflammatory reaction in the joint.

Ointments for arthrosis of the hip joint

Osteoarthritis of the hip joint is difficult to treat locally. The ointments that are prescribed to the patient must have good penetrating properties in order to be able to reach the target - the hip joint.

As a rule, ointments with NSAIDs are prescribed, which remove swelling and tenderness of tissues. However, if possible, this group of drugs is recommended to be taken orally - the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect will be much stronger.

The use of ointments with a warming effect is also indicated. To enhance microcirculation and improve joint nutrition, ointments based on red pepper and bee venom are suitable.

Ointment for hand arthrosis

With the help of ointments, it is quite possible to alleviate the well-being of a patient who is faced with arthrosis of the fingers or shoulder joint. Arthrosis with this localization is characterized by a slow course, which makes it possible to control it well with the help of medications.

The “gold standard” in treatment is considered to be ointments with a restorative and warming effect. Along with the traditional use of ointments with diclofenac, the joint prescription of several groups of ointments and physiotherapy is practiced. For example, they practice the use of ultrasound treatment and chondroprotective ointments for arthrosis of the shoulder joint and small finger joints. Together, it is possible to achieve long-term remission.

Massage

shaking
ordinary kneading with two hands alternately;
kneading with fingertips;
shaking;
double neck.

The procedure is completed with stroking.

During the massage, special attention is paid to the area of fixation of the Achilles tendon. A man lies on his stomach. The massage begins along its entire length, from the heel to the junction with the calf muscle. First, stroking is done, then rubbing. Further sequence of massage movements:

straight and zigzag forceps - during the procedure, the first finger rests on the outer surface of the lower leg, and the other four fingers are closed into a bundle and located along the medial surface of the lower limb;
direct and circular rubbing - if performed with weights, the patient is in a lying position, and a pillow is placed under the leg;
direct rubbing with the pads and knuckles of the first finger.

After starting each subsequent session, the massage therapist performs squeezing and shaking on the calf muscle.

In a similar body position, the ankle is rubbed from the front and sides. Both straight and circular movements are used.

The tibialis muscles run along the lateral side of the shin. They are massaged by performing movements in the following sequence:

stroking;
squeezing with the edge of the hand;
kneading with four fingers closed into a bun;
stroking;
kneading with the edge of the hand;
stroking again.

After this, the ankle itself is massaged, as well as the foot. The patient lies on his back or sits on a chair. The leg should be straight. The foot is extended forward. A pillow is placed under the Achilles. In this case, the heel should not touch the surface. The ankle should be relaxed.

Begin massaging the front surface of the ankle. Make movements in the following sequence:

Massage

concentric stroking;
straight tongs - movements are made towards the foot, along the ankle;
The massage therapist does direct and circular rubbing with his fingers using both hands at the same time;
repeats the same technique, but with one hand and with weights;
direct rubbing with the palmar surface of the hand and the knuckles of the first finger;
stroking.

Without changing the patient's position, the massage therapist acts on the back surface of the ankle. The massage is performed according to the same scheme. Then passive movements in the joint are performed, but only those of them, and with an amplitude that does not cause pain. After completing the ankle massage, the foot is affected by rubbing.

synovial fluid prostheses

synovial fluid prostheses - are inserted into the joint and reduce friction of the articular surfaces;
cell therapy – intra-articular injections of platelet-rich plasma and stem cells are used to enhance regenerative processes in cartilage tissue.
Often it is necessary to resort to surgical interventions:
sanitation arthroscopy - the doctor removes adhesions in the joint, components of destroyed cartilage, chondromic bodies (the operation allows you to increase the range of movements);
arthrodesis - surgical immobilization of the ankle (cartilage is removed, resulting in articular surfaces fused) allows you to get rid of most manifestations of arthrosis, but the joint remains permanently immobile, which limits the functionality of the limb;
endoprosthetics – complete replacement of the ankle joint with an artificial endoprosthesis (this operation is very traumatic and expensive, but it gives the best functional results).

After surgical treatment, massage is used as one of the procedures that ensures the patient’s rehabilitation. It reduces pain, swelling, improves joint functionality.

Review of effective ointments for arthrosis

Many ointments for arthrosis are popular. Therefore, it is sometimes difficult to make a choice in favor of one ointment or another. In addition, all ointments have their own properties and are designed to eliminate a specific symptom. Therefore, let’s look at what good ointments are for arthrosis, how to use them, and whether there are any contraindications.

Ointments based on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory substances

Every patient diagnosed with arthrosis knows the abbreviation NSAIDs. This is the name of a whole group of substances (non-hormonal in nature!) with a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect. Most ointments for arthrosis contain precisely these substances, which determines their effectiveness. Let's briefly look at popular ointments.

Diclofenac

Ointment with the same substance diclofenac. This ointment, which treats arthrosis, is applied to the affected joint up to 4 times a day. After the first use, pain and swelling begin to disappear.

The course of treatment, which rarely exceeds 3 weeks, relieves inflammation in the joint for a long time, exhibits a mild antirheumatic effect, and restores mobility to the joint. The ointment can cause local allergic reactions and is contraindicated during pregnancy and skin diseases.

Ketorol

Ketorol in the form of an ointment can be used to treat osteoarthritis, all types of arthrosis, and synovitis. The ointment contains the substance ketorolac, which has strong analgesic properties. Due to the inhibition of prostaglandin production, the patient's swelling goes away, pain decreases, and a general improvement in well-being is observed.

The increased effectiveness of the ointment is ensured by the presence of dimethyl sulfoxide, which acts as a conductor of the main substance. Therefore, this ointment is used for arthrosis to treat large joints to which access is limited, for example, the hip and shoulder joints.

The ointment is applied several times a day to clean skin, the duration of therapy is determined only by the doctor. The ointment is not used if the patient has a history of angioedema, bronchospasm and other allergic reactions associated with NSAIDs.

Ortofen

Ointment based on diclofenac sodium. After application to the joint area, the product quickly copes with the symptoms of arthrosis, in particular pain, stiffness, and a local increase in body temperature. During treatment, there is an activation of metabolism in the cartilage and a moderate antihistamine effect.

The course of treatment lasts 14 days. A pea-sized amount of ointment is rubbed into the skin three times a day. Longer use of the ointment provokes the development of adverse reactions - allergies, necrosis of the epidermis, skin pathologies.

Nise

Multicomponent ointment with anti-inflammatory and mild warming effect. The composition includes nimesulide, menthol, as well as capsaicin and methyl salicylate. This drug can be classified as part of a new generation of NSAID drugs for arthrosis.

After application to the skin, local irritation of receptors occurs, increased blood flow and suppression of pain.

Ointment in an amount of 2 g is rubbed three times a day. The duration is set individually. The drug is not prescribed to persons with asthma and intolerance to salicylic acid.

Ointments for joint arthrosis with a warming effect

Ointments that warm the skin perfectly stimulate microcirculation, eliminate the distracting effect, and reduce pain. By activating blood flow and dilating blood vessels, the nutrition of the cartilage is restored, and the destruction and deformation of the joint is slowed down.

These ointments contain capsaicin, an extract of red pepper. They work well in combination with other drugs, enhancing their therapeutic effect.

Espaul

After application, the ointment causes a strong burning sensation on the skin, which has a distracting effect. The warming effect is provided by capsaicin, which is effective not only for arthrosis, but also for radiculitis and tendon damage.

A small amount of ointment is applied to the skin and rubbed in. It is important to be careful not to get the ointment on the mucous membranes, which can cause a burn.

Espol is recommended to be applied three times a day for a decade. The ointment is prohibited for use in cases of asthma, renal failure, and glaucoma. Side effects include angioedema and contact eczema.

Nicoflex

The product is made on the basis of capsicum extract and salicylic acid. The indication for use is severe pain due to arthrosis.

Applying ointment for arthrosis of the legs or arms provides a strong warming effect, which allows the muscles to relax and the blood vessels to dilate.

The ointment is not prescribed to persons who have an active inflammatory process, open wounds on the skin, or bronchial asthma.

For the first three days, Nicoflex is rubbed into the joint once a day, then the ointment is applied morning and evening for 7-10 days.

Bab Benguet

The ointment contains menthol and methyl salicylate. The drug dilates capillaries, inhibits mediators of the inflammatory reaction, and has a local analgesic effect.

The ointment is applied to clean skin without visible damage. After application, the joint is insulated with a woolen bandage. The procedure is repeated 2-3 times a day.

The best ointments for arthrosis based on bee venom

Ointments containing bee venom can have an irritating effect on a joint affected by arthrosis. In this way, it is possible to remove pain, improve the elasticity of muscle fibers, and strengthen cartilage.

Despite the effectiveness of bee venom, before you buy an ointment with this component for arthrosis, you must rule out allergies to bee products. Cases of acute allergic reaction to bee venom, including anaphylactic shock, are often recorded.

Apizartron

The composition is dominated by bee venom and the analgesic allyl isothiocyanate. The ointment is indicated for joint pain during exacerbation of arthrosis.

Apizartron is applied to dry skin in a circular motion until the joint becomes warm. It is recommended to use disposable gloves during the application process.

The ointment is contraindicated for allergy sufferers, as well as patients with kidney and liver pathologies, intolerance to bee products. Prescribed with caution to children aged 6 to 12 years.

Viprosal

Complex ointment with viper venom, as well as salicylic acid and camphor. After application to the skin, it causes a strong feeling of burning and warmth and effectively eliminates pain.

The ointment should be used in accordance with the permissible dose. Twice a day, 1-2 teaspoons of ointment are rubbed into the skin until the pain stops.

The ointment is contraindicated for tuberculosis, asthma, whooping cough, and renal failure.

Massage for ankle arthritis

Another indication for massage may be arthritis. But it should be taken into account that this term hides a huge number of different diseases. It only means that the joint is inflamed. There can be many reasons for this inflammation, and not in all situations massage can be used as one of the treatment methods.

Arthritis of the ankle

If only one ankle joint is inflamed, and other joints of the body are not affected, there are not many reasons that can lead to this. The most likely of them:

injury;
gout and other microcrystalline arthritis;
infectious inflammation of the joint.

Rare causes of inflammation include intermittent hydrarthrosis (fluid accumulation in the joint), Lyme disease, and foreign bodies in the joint. Arthritis can be acute or chronic. Inflammation of a joint that lasts more than 6 weeks is considered chronic.

The role of massage in treatment

Massage is performed to eliminate swelling and reduce pain. It allows you to reduce the concentration of inflammatory mediators in tissues.

If you suspect arthritis, massage is not necessary right away. In some types of inflammatory processes it can be harmful. For example, you should not massage tissue during acute infectious inflammation. In addition, cancer can be hidden under the guise of arthritis. If a malignant tumor develops, massage is also not done, as it promotes metastasis of the tumor.

The place of ointments in the treatment of arthrosis

Ointments are never prescribed as monotherapy - it is impossible to completely cure arthrosis with their help. The main task of ointments is to reduce the external manifestations of arthrosis, which bring suffering to the patient, and to some extent stop the progression of the destructive process in the joints.

Most ointments contain systemic substances, for example, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory substances, and are therefore used in short courses. After using them, the patient immediately notices positive dynamics:

the inflammatory process subsides;
Muscle tone decreases, spasm is eliminated;
pain is relieved for a long time;
blood supply to the joint is stabilized;
the risk of infection is reduced;
cartilage regeneration is accelerated.

On a note! Despite the fact that ointments are applied to the skin in the area of the affected joint, their active components penetrate into the bloodstream and have a slight systemic effect on the body.

Ultrasound of the joint

Ultrasound of the joint
Therefore, massage can be done only after diagnosis. At a minimum, an X-ray or ultrasound of the joint, a clinical and biochemical blood test, and a general urine test are required. Synovial fluid is collected for microscopic examination. If indicated, an MRI may be performed.

In the treatment of acute arthritis, the role of massage is minimal. It is important to carry out etiotropic therapy to eliminate the very cause of joint inflammation. This may be compensation for metabolic disorders that led to the deposition of salt crystals in the joint, or antibacterial therapy to destroy the infectious agent.

Often the cause of inflammation is injury. Minor joint injuries require restoration in a state of functional rest. Severe injuries often require surgical treatment. Massage can be used during the recovery phase in all cases. For minor injuries, it is used from the second day. If the injury turns out to be severe, massage begins after removing the plaster cast or during the recovery period after surgery.

Massage of the lower leg after a fracture

In the structure of bone fractures, ankle fractures occupy a huge share: up to 20% of all visits to a traumatologist regarding violation of bone integrity. They are often intra-articular or open. Improper treatment can result in disability.

Leg massage after a tibia fracture is, of course, not performed immediately. After an injury, a person feels severe pain. Bones often become displaced, requiring manual or hardware reduction. This is followed by long-term plaster immobilization.

Until recently, doctors sought to achieve a more comfortable recovery for the patient by reducing the size of the plaster cast and reducing the time of immobilization. Attempts were made to limit the patient to functional rest without immobilizing the leg. But they all failed: it was found that the lack of adequate long-term immobilization significantly worsens the outcome of fractures, regardless of whether surgical treatment or closed bone reduction was performed.

In the acute period after a fracture, massage is used to relieve swelling of the ankle. It facilitates closed reduction of bones. It is often prevented by the accumulation of fluid in the soft tissues. Although swelling is not a contraindication for reduction, if it is present, the traumatologist’s attempts to put the bones in the correct position are often unsuccessful.

Regardless of the treatment method, all patients require rehabilitation after a fracture. Because prolonged immobilization causes muscle atrophy, loss of ligament elasticity and osteoporosis due to impaired bone mineralization. To normalize regenerative processes and improve microcirculation, reduce pain and swelling, the following is used:

What ointments are used for arthrosis

Ointment is a pharmaceutical product with a viscous consistency. It contains active substances with a pronounced therapeutic effect that are able to penetrate through the epidermis deep into the soft tissues.

Medicinal ointments used in the treatment of arthrosis may contain natural ingredients - bee venom, plant extracts, shark oil. These ointments include Ungapiven, Apizartron. They effectively stop inflammation in the joint and promote cartilage regeneration. A significant disadvantage of such ointments is the high risk of developing an allergic reaction.

The more common components of ointments for arthrosis are chemical components - diclofenac, nimesulide, ketoprofen. Ointments based on them relieve pain well, improve lymph flow, and slow down the inflammatory process.

Depending on the active substance and the therapeutic effect, all ointments are divided into several groups:

NSAID-based ointments contain non-hormonal substances that have an anti-inflammatory effect. Indicated during the acute period of the disease. These include Diclak gel, Nise, Ketonal, Indomethacin.
Capsaicin-based ointments. After application, they produce a warming effect, which causes a burning sensation in the joint. This group includes: Espol, Kapsin, Finalgon.
Ointments with acetylsalicylic acid. They have local analgesic, anti-edematous and anti-inflammatory effects. These are Bom-Benge, Nizhvisal, Viprosal.
Ointments with chondroprotective action. The active components penetrate the cartilage and restore it from the inside. This is Chondroitin, Arthro-Active.
Ointments with natural ingredients. In the composition of remedies for arthrosis you can find vegetable and animal fats, vitamin and mineral supplements, and plant extracts. Ointments such as Traumeel S, Viprosal, and Vishnevsky ointment are effective.