Common Ankle Injuries
The ankles are flexible enough to permit a wide range of motion, yet strong enough to bear the weight of the entire body. Nevertheless, ankles can still be injured. Today, as more people engage in sports and physical activities, ankle injuries have become increasingly common.
Ankle Sprains
An ankle sprain occurs when ligaments in the ankle joint are stretched or torn. Ligaments are strong like cloth, tough, but when pulled to their limit, they can tear. Depending upon the amount of ligament tearing, a sprain can be either mild, moderate, or severe. The accumulation of fluids after a ligament injury gives rise to the characteristic symptoms of the sprained ankle: pain, swelling, and bruising.
Ankle Fractures
A fracture is a broken bone. Ankle fractures can result from a twist or forceful blow to the lower leg. In a non-displaced fracture one or more bones are broken. In a displaced fracture bones, in addition to being broken, are also thrown out of alignment. Displaced fractures threaten the stability of the joint and require repositioning of the bone called reduction. Ankle fractures are usually painful and may be accompanied by swelling and bruising.
Achilles Tendon Problem
The Achilles tendon is the prominent tendon at the back of the heel that is essential to walking, running, and standing. Overuse can sometimes cause painful swelling (Achilles tendonitis), or with a sudden, forceful strain the tendon can snap (Achilles rupture).
Tendons and Ligaments
The outside and inside views of the ankle anatomy show the many fibrous tendons and ligaments. Tendons connect the muscles in the lower leg to the bones of the ankle. Depending upon which muscle contracts, the foot moves up, down, or from side to side. Ligaments connect bone to bone and help stabilize the ankle joint.
Ankle Sprains
Most ankle sprains occur when the foot is suddenly turned inward, tearing the outside ligaments. Sprains of the ligaments on the inside of the ankle are less common, because it is less likely for the foot to be forced outward, and because outside ligaments are stronger.
Mild Sprain
A mild sprain occurs when there is minimal force with only slight stretching or tearing of the ligaments. Pain and swelling are minimal; walking is generally possible. Treatment: Often, ankle elevation and ice pack to reduce pain swelling are all that is necessary.
Moderate Sprain
A moderate sprain occurs when ligaments are partially torn. Pain, swelling, and bruising are greater; walking may be difficult. Treatment: Immobilization of the ankle in a splint, elastic bandage, or may cast may be a necessary to ensure proper healing or torn ligaments. Ice may help reduce swelling; pain relievers may be prescribed by your doctor. As with all sprains, elevation of the foot above the heart level is the best way to reduce pain and swelling.
Severe Sprain
In a severe sprain ligaments can be completely torn; pain and swelling are immediate and obvious. Bruising can appear on both sides of the ankle and bones may be chipped or broken. Treatment: The severely sprained ankle needs to be immobilized by a splint or cast for up to six weeks to ensure proper healing of the injured ligaments or bones. In certain instances surgery may be indicated. You doctor can tell you how long your ankle will be immobilized, when it will be possible to walk again, and whether crutches will be needed.
|
