women with sprined ankle-spained ankle mechanism

Ankle Sprain

Spain in a lingament joint capsule injury, than does not affect the muscle and tendons directly. A strong pull of the ligaments that support the bones, that injures, or tears them apart. In the Talar -Foot - joint, the inujury mechanism is a sudden, unexpected supination move - turning the foot to the inside. That mechanish injures the Lateral lingment. Not so often is the oposite mechanism - turning the foot to the outside - that injures the Medial lingament. It is a common injury, with 3 degrees of severity, minor injury -1st degree, partial tear - 2nd degree, lingament tear - 3rd degree. Ankle Sprain casues may be :

  • Fall on the foot, turning the foot
  • Landing after a step or jump
  • Walking on uneven surface
  • Direct hit of the foot during sports activities

The Symptoms

The symptoms that the patient might experience depend on the severity of the injury and may include :

  • Pain, epsecially on load
  • Pain on palpation
  • Bruises
  • Swelling
  • Restricted range of motion of the foot
  • Possible joint instability

In serious injuries the patien might experience o poping sound at the moment of the injury.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for Ankle Sprain are :

  • Sports with jumps, Αθλήματα με άλματα, sudden changes of direction
  • Uneven ground
  • Previous injury on the foot
  • Poor physical condition
  • Unsuitable shoes

Complications

If not properly treated, an Ankle Spain may cause a chronic clinical condition :

  • Chronic pain
  • Joint instability
  • Arthritis
  • Recurring injuries

How Can Physical Therapy Help

First priority is the reduction of pain, that in some patients may be acute. That is achieved by a combination of Physical Therapy interventions, such as specialised massage, electrotherapy and structred exercise program that will relief pain in any case. Strucured exercise program includes initially pain reliefing exercises, and later gradual strenghtening of the muscles of leg and foot. The interventions applied are :


Learn more about the immediate sprained ankle treatment here...


Differential Assessment

Assessment by a Physical Therapist is necessary to determine the possibility of a fracture and, in that case, refer to a Doctor. During assessment, the Physical Therapist will take your medical history, the injury mechanism, and physical examination and tests will be performed.

What should I do in I have a sprained ankle?

In case you suffer from a sprained ankle you are advised to do the following:

  • Have your leg high to help reduce swelling
    • When seated have a support so that the ankle is as high as the knee
    • When lying down have a pillow under the entire leg, so that your ankle is higher than the rest of the body
  • Put ice, covered in a cloth, on your ankle for 20 minutes, 4-5 times a day
  • Have your ankle and foot in elastic bandage for 30 minutes and then remove the bandage, 4-5 times a day
  • Protect your leg and walk with a support so that it does not support the full body weight and it does not make sudden movements

If you have a Sprain Contact PhysioDanali today for expert consultation.

References

Schedule Your Appointment

Call +306944344342 Book Now