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It is estimated that over 20 million Germans suffer from joint pain. According to a study conducted by the Ruhr Universität Bochum, this figure increases to two out of five people in people aged 40 to 49 years. However, only every third person goes visits their doctor when suffering from joint pain, although modern therapy methods could often provide quick relief.

Causes

Causes of joint pain

The most frequent causes of joint pain are injuries and degenerative illnesses. In the case of joint injuries sustained during professional and hobby sport or occupational acute physical stress, tendons, cartilage, ligaments and bones can become damaged. Damage from wear (arthritis) is generally caused by uneven or too great a strain on the joint surface. Sport injuries to the knee (cruciate ligament tear, meniscus tear), the shoulder (rotator cuff tear, labrum tear) and other joints that have been insufficiently treated can also trigger premature arthritis.

It is important that arthritis be diagnosed at an early stage to increase the chances of recovery. The reason for this is that if arthritis is first diagnosed at an advanced stage, artificial joint replacement is often the only remedy. This is often linked to significant restrictions, especially for younger, active persons.

Inflammatory processes can also act as a trigger. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, which affects mostly the joints in the hand and foot, parts of the joint tissue are regarded as foreign by the body, for example. This generally triggers an extremely painful defence mechanism. Early diagnosis is essential to avoid consequential damage.

Our treatment options

Diagnosis

Joint pain is not only caused by injury or degenerative illness (arthritis). Numerous autoimmune diseases, bacterial infections or metabolic problems can affect the joints and lead to cartilage atrophy and inflammatory joint changes. A precise diagnosis is thus of crucial significance for the correct treatment.

To determine the cause of acute or chronic joint pain, it is necessary to perform an in-depth clinical examination and additional imaging diagnostic procedures by means of ultrasound (sonography), X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT).

Based on this information, we are able to create an individual therapy concept for our patients. This focuses initially on the broad range of conservative therapy options, as the majority of joint complaints can generally be treated safely and effectively with these.

Treatment – conservative

The basis for conservative treatment is initially specific minimally invasive pain therapy. Medication can relieve the pain and inhibit inflammation during the treatment. Depending on the cause of the joint pain, physiotherapy, strengthening and stretching of the muscles and sports that are easy on the joints such as swimming and cycling can relieve the complaints by building up the muscles and relieving the joints.

Conservative treatments also include heat and cold treatments, water and bath therapy, electrotherapy and ultrasound as well as hyaluronic acid injections and injections of blood plasma (PRP). Orthopaedic aids can also be applied depending on the problem, for example bandages, wedge pillows, booster seats, buffer heels or customised shoe inlays.

Treatment – operative

f the conservative treatment methods do not lead to the desired relief, or if there is already serious damage to the joints due to injury or wear, operative therapy options can be used as a remedy.

Most joint problems can be relieved or cured with an operation. The selection of treatment methods is based on the type and localisation of the causative disorder. As a result of the constant technical progress in medicine, we essentially use state-of-the-art, so-called minimally invasive techniques that do not damage tissue.

Arthroscopy, a gentler version of the surgical procedure on the joint, provides relief from joint pain. This method can be used on the knee to successfully treat a torn meniscus, cartilage damage or a tear in the cruciate ligament. Impingement syndrome (swimmer’s shoulder), a labrum tear (instability) or a tear in the rotary cuff on the shoulder can be extremely well-treated with keyhole surgery. We also perform arthroscopic operations very successfully on the ankle and hip joints. The surgical instruments are inserted through a small incision – reducing the healing time.

If there is acute cartilage damage, cartilage cell transplantation can eliminate the pain. This involves removing healthy cartilage cells from the joint, growing them in the laboratory and finally implanting them in the joint in a minimally invasive manner.

If the joint pain, which has been caused by wear, is too far advanced, often the only option for pain relief is a partial (hemi prosthesis, sled prosthesis) or complete end prosthesis (knee prosthesis, hip prosthesis, shoulder prosthesis). In this procedure, the damaged joint section is removed and replaced with an implant individually adapted to the needs of the patient. This operation is generally conducted in a minimally invasive manner and thus as gently as possible.

Prof. Dr. Lill OrthoCenter München

Your joint specialist Prof. Dr. Lill

YOUR CONTACT FOR JOINT PAIN

Professor Dr med. Lill would be happy to conduct a comprehensive examination of your joint to stop any progressive joint degeneration as quickly as possible. Make an appointment online with us at the OrthoCenter Munich.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

Treatment of ankle pain in Munich

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Ankle

Diagnosis of ankle pain in Munich

At the beginning, the focus is on a detailed discussion with the patient about the medical history and causes. This is followed by a detailed clinical examination with a movement check to determine the exact extent of the functional impairment. In many cases we use what are known as imaging procedures; these are helpful to consolidate the diagnosis. Ultrasound (sonography), x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRT) or computed tomography (CT) are available. We then create a therapy concept that is individually tailored to the patient and initially focuses on the broad spectrum of conservative treatment options. This will usually treat you effectively and safely for most ankle complaints.

Your advantages at OrthoCenter Munich

  • Orthopedic treatment focus on spinetherapy
  • Wide range of conservative and operative procedures
  • Gentle procedures in focus: Dr. Riedel specializes in gentle pain therapy. He was head physician in various pain clinics for over 20 years
  • Joints and surgical expert: Prof. Dr. Lill specializes in the treatment of joints. He has years of experience in the field of minimally invasiveand arthroscopic ops.
  • Cooperation with clinics and research institutes worldwide
  • Renowned private practice: the OrthoCenter is internationally known and repeatedly welcomes patients from abroad who come to Munich for treatment

OUR ORTHOPEDIC SERVICES FOR PAIN IN THE ANKLE

Torn ankle ligaments

Symptoms & Diagnosis:

Immediate and sharp pain is always felt when one tears or injures their ankle ligaments. As a rule, swelling will simultaneously occur as a result of increased blood flow to the injured tissue and damage caused to blood vessels. The injured ankle can no longer support weight. There are several treatment options to consider with the guidance of your orthopaedic specialist.

The first step is to take advantage of special x-ray technology, which will pinpoint exactly where the damage has occurred. The x-ray image will also give insight as to whether or not damage has occurred to either bone or cartilage. At the same time, this will help rule out a rupture of the ankle’s syndesmosis ligament. If a rupture is found, immediate surgery is required. A simple ligament tear does not necessarily require surgery.

Treatment:

To begin treatment, all weight must be taken off the affected leg. Specially designed orthopaedic devices will keep the ankle immobilised. Depending solely on pain, you may or may not be able to begin putting weight on the affected ankle over a period of twelve weeks. If your ligament tear is accompanied by bone damage, surgery may be necessary. Here, the bone injury will be mended with screws, the torn ligament will be sewn together and loose bits of bone and cartilage will be removed. A torn ligament usually heals by itself, so surgical treatment is rarely necessary. Damage to the syndesmosis ligament is a critical injury and should be treated by a specialist as soon as possible.

Impingement syndrome ankle

Causes & Symptoms:

In recurrent injuries in the area of the tibia and the anterior ankle arise so-called osteophytes. It involves bone protrusions in the form of spikes or bumps. Even a flat thickening of the bone structure may arise. Over time, this will inevitably lead to a herniation of the ankle or the soft tissue, which is manifested by pain.

Continuous micro-injuries are the leading cause of impingement of the ankle (OSG). A herniation of the ankle is initially connected only to load-dependent pain. By the time serious cartilage damage can occur. And a treatment of the disease is essential.

Treatment:

The herniation of the ankle is certainly worthy of treatment, especially because it can lead to cartilage damage to an ankle arthritis blasted by osteophytes. As part of an arthroscopic surgery, bone protrusions and bulges are removed from the tibia and removed from the ankle. Already are complications occurred, they must be treated separately.

Ankle cartilage damage

Causes:

Ankle cartilage damage can have negative effects, specifically the early onset of excessive wear. Ankle arthritis is a possible effect of this condition. Cartilage damage usually occurs as part because of an injury. The common causes of cartilage damage are usually over-burdening of the ankle or improper loading. These lead to additional stress and wear on the cartilage, causing symptoms that include pain. Getting rid of these causes and negative factors is the primary form of treatment in dealing with cartilage damage.

Treatment:

The treatment of ankle cartilage damage can only be considered a success when the cause of the damage has been identified and dealt with. Treatment is designed based on the progression of the damage. As cartilage can slowly rebuild itself, the first step to take is the prevention of further cartilage damage and loss. Physiotherapy is generally a preferred form of treatment. If the cartilage has been severely damaged, repairs can be made by way of surgery. Bone marrow stimulation and cell transplantation and replacement are the usual surgical methods.

Ankle arthritis

Symptoms:

Different causes can be behind a case of ankle arthritis. Generally patients will have experienced some sort of injury. Ligament injuries or loose pieces of cartilage and bone dislodged during an accident can lead to arthritis over time. Misalignment of the ankle in relation to the leg and foot can also cause arthritis to develop. Affected patients’ usual symptoms include pain that gets worse as time passes. Patients may also develop a limp to compensate for the pain. Treatment of each case of arthritis, as well as removal of the causative factors, are necessary.

Treatment:

The chances of complete recovery are always better the earlier your case of arthritis is treated. A timely and accurate diagnosis is therefore crucial. During the early stages, arthritis can be treated with orthopaedic devices such as shoes, physical therapy or physiotherapy, in order to ease the symptoms and to prevent progression of the condition. Advanced cases of ankle arthritis may require surgery. Each case of ankle arthritis is different and therefore will have different treatment options. Ankle arthritis is a very common condition that can have many causes. Only an accurate diagnosis and rapid treatment of the contributing factors will afford a rapid recovery.

Prof. Dr. Lill OrthoCenter München

Your ankle specialist Prof. Dr. Lill

YOUR CONTACT FOR ANKLE PAIN

If you have questions about your ankle problems and you would like them to be answered by an expert make an appointment with Professor Dr. med. Lill!

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

UNSERE MITGLIEDSCHAFTEN

Unsere Fachärzte für Orthopädie sind Mitglieder in den folgenden Gesellschaften und Organisationen. Ziel dieser Gesellschaften ist eine optimale Vernetzung der Fachärzte und der Wissenstransfer – so halten wir unser Know-How stets auf dem neuesten Stand.

Gesellschaften & Organisationen

UNSERE MITGLIED-
SCHAFTEN

Unsere Fachärzte für Orthopädie sind Mitglieder in den folgenden Gesellschaften und Organisationen. Ziel dieser Gesellschaften ist eine optimale Vernetzung der Fachärzte und der Wissenstransfer – so halten wir unser Know-How stets auf dem neuesten Stand.

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