Ankle sprain Sports Physiotherapy in Delhi- Ankle sprain treatment in Delhi.
- A sprained ankle, also known as an ankle sprain, twisted ankle, rolled ankle, floppy ankle, ankle injury or ankle ligament injury, is a common medical condition where one or more of the ligaments of the ankle is torn or partially torn.
Signs and symptoms
- Knowing the symptoms that can be experienced with a sprain is important in determining that the injury is not really a break in the bone. When a sprain occurs, blood vessels will leak fluid into the tissue that surrounds the joint. White blood cells responsible for inflammation migrate to the area, and blood flow increases as well.
- Along with this inflammation, swelling from the fluid and pain is experienced. The nerves in the area become more sensitive when the injury is suffered, so pain is felt as throbbing and will worsen if there is pressure placed on the area. Warmth and redness are also seen as blood flow is increased. Also present is a decreased ability to move the joint, and difficulty using the affected leg.
Classification
Ankle sprains are classified grade 1, 2, and 3.Depending on the amount of damage or the number of ligaments that are damaged, each sprain is classified from mild to severe. A grade 1 sprain is defined as mild damage to a ligament or ligaments without instability of the affected joint. A grade 2 sprain is considered a partial tear to the ligament, in which it is stretched to the point that it becomes loose. A grade 3 sprain is a complete tear of a ligament, causing instability in the affected joint.Bruising may occur around the ankle.
Inversion (lateral) ankle sprain
The most common type of ankle sprain occurs when the foot is inverted too much, affecting the lateral side of the foot. When this type of ankle sprain happens, the outer, or lateral, ligaments are stretched too much. The anterior talofibular ligament is one of the most commonly involved ligaments in this type of sprain. Approximately 70-85% of ankle sprains are inversion injuries.
Ankle Inversion
When the ankle becomes inverted, the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments are damaged. This is the most common ankle sprain.
Eversion (medial) ankle sprain.
A less common type of ankle sprain is called an eversion injury, affecting the medial side of the foot. This happens when the foot, instead of the ankle rotating medially resulting in an inversion (the foot being rolling to the inside), the ankle rotates laterally resulting in an eversion (when the foot rolls to the outside). When this occurs, the medial, or deltoid, ligament is stretched too much.
High ankle sprain
A high ankle sprain is an injury to the large ligaments above the ankle that join together the two long bones of the lower leg, called the tibia and fibula. High ankle sprains commonly occur from a sudden and forceful outward twisting of the foot, which commonly occurs in contact and cutting sports such as football, rugby, ice hockey, roller derby, basketball, volleyball, lacrosse, softball, baseball, track, ultimate frisbee, gridiron, tennis and badminton and horse riding.
Risk.
- Acute ankle sprains result from a force being applied to the ankle joint which causes excessive range of movement at the joint. Players are immediately aware of the condition and may hear an audible ‘snap’ or ‘pop’, due to the tearing or stretching of the ligaments.
Proven risk factors
- Previous or existing ankle injury especially if poorly rehabilitated (biggest risk factor).
- Lack of strength and stability related to the ankle.
- Lack of, or extreme flexibility, in the ankle joint.
- Poor balance.
- Sudden change in direction (acceleration or deceleration).
- Increasing age of player.
- Suspected risk factors
- Poor condition of the playing surface.
- Inappropriate, inadequate, or no warm-up.
- Wearing inappropriate footwear for the activity.
- Lack of external ankle support (taping, bracing) for previously injured ankles.
Prevention
- Undertaking training prior to competition to ensure readiness to play.
- Gradually increasing the intensity and duration of training.
- Undertaking flexibility, balance, stretching and strengthening exercises in weekly training programs.
- Including agility work in training programs so the ankle joint is capable of sustaining high acceleration forces and quick changes in direction.
- Allowing adequate recovery time between workouts or training sessions.
- Warming up to ensure surrounding muscles are ready to support the joint during activity.
- Wearing ankle taping or bracing especially for previously injured ankles.
- Wearing shoes appropriate to the sport that provide stability and support.
- Checking the training and playing area to ensure a flat and even surface.
- Drinking water before, during and after play.
- Avoiding activities that cause pain. If pain does occur, discontinuing the activity immediately and commencing RICER.
