Ankle injuries can happen to just about anyone and at any age, but men between 15 and 24 years old are among the highest rates of ankle sprain. Near 1/2 of the ankle sprains occur during sports or an athletic activity. Among the most common ankle injuries are sprains and fractures, and also tears or strains of a tendon.
Ankle Injuries: sprains, strains and fractures
Traumatic injuries of the ankle
Injuries to the ankle and foot are characterized by severe pain, accompanied by a temporary loss of normal function of the leg. Injuries can be superficial or deep, open or closed, with or without fracture. Some of the typical injuries in this area could be: a bruise, sprain, fracture (broken) bones or joints, stretching or breaking the connections incised wounds, burns, frostbite.
Ankle injuries are defined by the damaged tissue - bone, ligament, or tendon. The ankle is where 3 bones meet: the tibia and fibula of the lower leg meet the talus bone of the foot. These bones are held together at the ankle joint by ligaments. They are strong elastic bands of connective tissue that keeps the bones together and allowing normal motion. Tendons attach muscles to the bones and keep the joints stable.
A fracture describes a break in the bones. A sprain describes the damage to ligaments when stretched beyond their range of motion. A ligament sprain can range from microscopic tear to a complete tear or rupture of the ligament. A strain marks the damage to muscles and tendons from a pull or stretch.
Muscle and tendon strains are common in the lower extremities as well as the lower back. There are two tendons in the ankle that are often strained: the peroneal tendons. They stabilize and protect the ankles. They can become inflamed from overuse or blunt trauma. Acute tendon tears is caused by a sudden trauma or impact/force.
The inflammation of a tendon is known as tendinitis. Microscopic tendon tears that accumulate over time, because of being repeatedly over stretched, and don’t heal properly lead to a condition called tendinosis.
Tendons can also rupture. Subluxation refers to a tendon that slips out of place.
What is causing ankle injuries
An ankle injury occurs when the ankle joint is twisted too far out of its normal position. Most ankle injuries occur either during sports activities or while walking on an uneven surface that forces the foot and ankle into an unnatural position. The unnatural position of the ankle in high-heeled shoes or walking in unstable, loose-fitting clogs or sandals is also a factor that may contribute to ankle injuries. In addition to wearing faulty footwear, an ankle injury can happen as a result of:
• Tripping or falling
• Landing awkwardly after a jump
• Walking or running on uneven surfaces
• A sudden impact such as a car crash
• Twisting or rotating the ankle
• Rolling the ankle
With a sprain the ankle may be stiff. With a fracture the area is usually tender to the touch. The ankle may look deformed and/or out of place.
If the sprain is mild, the swelling and pain may be slight. However, with a severe sprain there is more visible swelling. The pain is often severe.
Tendinitis and acute tears of the peroneal tendon result in both pain and swelling. The ankle area will feel warm to the touch. In case of an acute tear, weakness or instability of the foot and ankle will be present.
First aid advice after an ankle injury
You can apply first aid for an ankle injury by remembering the simple abbreviation R.I.C.E: rest, ice, compression, elevation.
Treatment of ankle fractures
Fractures can be treated either surgically or nonsurgically. The doctor may treat the break without surgery by immobilizing the ankle if only one bone is broken, and if the bones are not out of place and the ankle is stable. If the ankle is unstable, the fracture will be treated surgically. The ankle is stabilized with a metal plate and screws that hold the bones together and in place. After surgery the ankle is protected with a splint, followed by a cast.
It takes at least six weeks for the leg bones to fully heal. Ligaments and tendons can take longer to heal after a fracture is fully mended. It can take as long as two years to completely recover full painfree motion and strength after an ankle fracture, although most people are able to resume their normal daily routine within three to four months. You may need further physical therapy for improving balance and muscle strength.
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