Ankle Sprain
A sprain is defined as the stretching or tearing of ligaments and the ankle is somewhere where this can frequently occur. As a person’s whole body weight is resting on the ankle, any slight turn can result in damage to ligaments and this is when a sprain arises. The anterior talo-fibula ligament is the area which is most commonly damaged as this ligament connects the talus and fibula together.
There are different severities of ankle sprains as tendons and bones can also be damaged should the injury be serious. What’s more, the ankle joint can become dislocated should ligaments such as the anterior talo-fibular, calcaneo-fibular and posterior talo-fibular become ruptured.
Symptoms
Unless the sprain is extremely small, most ankle sprains are quite painful. There are three different degrees of ankle sprain and each carries their own separate symptoms:
First Degree
Sprains of this degree are minor and there may be only slight stretching or tearing of the lateral ankle ligaments.
- The joint isn’t as stable as normal, although the difference is minimal.
- Mild pain.
- Some difficulty in routine walking or running.
- Mild swelling on the outside of the ankle bone.
Second Degree
For this degree there is usually a partial tear of the ligaments.
- The joint is noticeably instable.
- Walking is painful.
- Swelling is evident around the joint, which may also be stiff.
Third Degree
This is the most severe of sprains and the ligament will be significantly damaged, possibly completely ruptured.
- The joint is extremely unstable and walking prompts severe pain.
- Severe swelling.
Causes
An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments around the joint stretch beyond their capabilities. Most of the time, this occurs when the foot is pointing inwards as the ligaments are already partially extended.
An ankle sprain is a common injury and it’s easy to see why. You don’t have to be an athlete to get this injury and something like uneven ground can trigger it. For example, if a person was walking on hard, uneven ground – their ankle could quite easily turn over.
In the sporting world, basketball is a great example to use. If a player jumps and lands on another player’s foot, their ankle is very likely to roll over and consequently sprain.
Treatment
Immediately after the injury, RICE treatment (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation) should be applied. Rest is very important as further exercise could damage the ligaments even more. Ice, compression and elevation are all required in a bid to reduce swelling, bleeding and pain – which should hopefully mean the recovery process is significantly shortened. Another idea is to use anti-inflammatory drugs which should also help reduce the above issues.
If you think the injury is more serious, you should consider contacting a sports clinic. They will probably design a rehabilitation program for you to use and may even offer some treatment services, such as ultrasound and laser methods. In some cases, an x-ray may have to be performed to identify exactly what ligaments have been affected.
Prevention
A lot of ankle injuries are caused by an uneven surface, so a good tip is to watch where you plant your feet to make sure you don’t go over.
Like most injuries, wearing the correct footwear is essential though. For example, if you were to wear high-heels you do not have much stability and have every chance of turning your ankle over. You need to find shoes which provide you with the best amount of stability you can get for your specific activity.
If you are prone to ankle sprains, you may decide to try strengthening the muscles in the area. While it’s best to consult with a physiotherapist for this information, beneficial exercises include toe raises, heel walking and toe walking.