Picture coutesey Transact

Picture coutesey Transact

Picture coutesey Transact

Picture coutesey Transact

See also: Shin pain | Calf pain |Foot

The Ankle:

Ankle sprains: Are the most common sports injury. Most occur while there is weight through the joint. Most involve going over on the outside of the joint (85%). This results in the tearing of the lateral ligaments and anterior capsule (joint sock). The injury is graded according to degree of stability, as seen on x ray and on clinical testing.

Grade 1 partial tear of ligament, with local tenderness, no loss of range of movement, or pain with weight bearing.
Grade 2 complete disruption of one or two of the ligaments, with difficulty weight bearing, and movement loss.
Grade 3 damage to three of the lateral ligaments, very unstable and impossible to weight bear.

Occasionally the ankle will sprain inwards (eversion, external rotation) this will involve injury to the inside ligaments. It will result in severe pain and inability to weight bear. A severe grade 3 injury may result in compression of the medial ligaments which will damage them too.

Management: Immediately apply ice, use a wet cloth and keep it in close contact for 10 minutes five times a day for the first 2 days and then whenever possible for the following few days. Use a compression (firmly applied) bandage. Elevate the limb wherever possible to avoid swelling. Anti-inflammatories will help. Start physiotherapy immediately, the ankle will need carteful rehabilitation and retraining of balance reactions (proprioception). If these are not properly rehabilitated recurrent sprains will ensue ("weak ankles" ) The latter two injuries (grade 3 sprain, and medial ligament severe sprain) will require splinting, crutches, and an orthopedic opinion, in case surgery is required.