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 injutres, 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 :
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.
If you have a Sprain Contact PhysioDanali today for expert consultation.
References
- Rhon DI, Fraser JJ, Sorensen J, Greenlee TA, Jain T, Cook CE. Delayed Rehabilitation Is Associated With Recurrence and Higher Medical Care Use After Ankle Sprain Injuries in the United States Military Health System. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2021 Dec;51(12):619-627. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2021.10730. PMID: 34847698.
- Denegar CR, Hertel J, Fonseca J. The effect of lateral ankle sprain on dorsiflexion range of motion, posterior talar glide, and joint laxity. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2002 Apr;32(4):166-73. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2002.32.4.166. PMID: 11949665.
- Denegar CR, Hertel J, Fonseca J. The effect of lateral ankle sprain on dorsiflexion range of motion, posterior talar glide, and joint laxity. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2002 Apr;32(4):166-73. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2002.32.4.166. PMID: 11949665.
- Mayo Clinic. Spained Ankle.