Sprained ankle – symptoms, complications, rehabilitation

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A sprained ankle, or sprained ankle, is a common injury that happens while playing sports. Sprains of the ankle also occur in women wearing high-heeled shoes.

What is an ankle sprain and its symptoms?

Twisted ankle is the effect of exceeding the physiological range of motion in the ankle joint, which may occur during sudden movement and curvature of the foot at an unnatural (non-anatomical) angle. In most cases, the foot folds over the outer edge, and it can (rarely) happen to it twist inwards.

The cube can be twisted to a minor extent, the injury can also be very serious.

With little twisted ankle it is enough to apply cold compresses to the foot and save the leg for some time – first of all, try to walk as little as possible and put stress on the foot. We recommend Visiomed KINECARE VM-GB8 compress for ankle, wrist, elbows, which is properly contoured and can effectively relieve pain. You can stiffen sprained ankle elastic bandage.

Twisted ankle The first degree is a slight stretching of the ligaments and the joint capsule. The pain and swelling are slight, the swelling subsides fairly quickly, and the patient can move independently.

With a more serious one sprained ankle (ankle sprains XNUMXnd degree) it is necessary to visit an orthopedist. Treatment consists in stiffening the ankle joint with a stabilizer, which prevents the foot from bending sideways. In this case, the doctor additionally prescribes analgesic and anti-swelling gels and ointments. If the patient with twisted ankle because of the pain it restricts movement to a minimum, it is also necessary to administer heparin injections to prevent the formation of blood clots. After the injury has healed, it is good to start rehabilitation of the ankle joint to restore its normal mobility.

Twisted ankle The second degree consists in partial rupture of the ligaments and the joint capsule. There is swelling, sometimes hematoma, and the ankle joint may be unstable.

W ankle sprains In the third degree, it is necessary to put on plaster for about 3 weeks, while a stabilizer with lateral support is worn for the next 3 weeks. In addition, the doctor orders injections with heparin and painkillers, anti-edema, and possibly anti-inflammatory.

Twisted ankle The third degree is a complete rupture of the ligaments and the joint capsule. Pain makes it practically impossible to walk. The ankle is largely swollen, there is a large hematoma and instability of the joint. The patient may have such great difficulty moving that it is necessary to use crutches.

Complications after an ankle sprain

Frequent complication po sprained ankle and tearing or tearing ligaments and joint capsules is chronic instability of the ankle joint. The joint capsule and ligaments do not always heal properly – they may be loose enough that they do not keep the foot in the correct position, and with each quicker movement (step), it may be re-established twist. Next ankle sprains can lead to degeneration of the joint and its permanent damage and wear.

Another complication related to sprained ankle there is fracture of pieces of cartilage or talus bone. This can cause pain and swelling after the injury has healed, as bone and cartilage fragments can become wedged in the ankle area. After the injury twisted ankle There can also be an overgrowth of the synovial membrane that lines the synovial capsule from the inside.

Rehabilitation after an ankle sprain injury

Twisted ankle Grade II and III requires surrender after the injury has healed rehabilitationduring which the fibula muscles that keep the foot in the right position are strengthened, which prevents further injuries in the future. While rehabilitation after injury ankle sprains exercises to improve proprioception, i.e. deep feeling, are also used. It allows you to better assess the surface on which the foot is placed and make an immediate decision about the tension of the fibula muscles, which prevents the foot from twisting at an unnatural angle and its twisting.

Sometimes, instability of the ankle joint after sprained ankle it is so large that it requires surgery. It consists in strengthening the ligaments with the so-called duplication of the joint capsule, i.e. cutting it and folding it so that it is tighter.

Ankle sprain versus sprain and ankle fracture

Twisted ankle is different from an ankle sprain or fracture. In dislocation, the articular surfaces are displaced between the bones that build the joint – then it is deformed. Both an ankle sprain and fracture require urgent medical attention.

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