Ankle sprain in sports – symptoms, treatment, consequences

One of the main human joints is the ankle joint, since the bulk of the body rests on it. This is associated with the frequent occurrence of injuries in the ankle area. Stretching of the ligaments among all injuries of the ankle in terms of localization takes the leading place.

See also: Signs and causes of intercostal neuralgia.

The content of the article:

The main causes of ankle sprains in sports – how to avoid these injuries?

Most ankle injuries are not sports injuries, but household injuries.

Among the main causes of sprain are the following:

• The fall, especially in the winter on ice, when the leg is twisted. In such weather, to prevent injury, it is advisable to choose comfortable shoes with non-slip soles and be extremely careful when moving on a slippery road;
• When walking in high heels and when wearing improper sports shoes, for example, sneakers that do not fix the ankle joint, during sports activities, the leg may twist. Therefore, the choice of footwear for sports activities should be given special attention;
• An imbalance in muscle strength. This is manifested with low development of the muscles of the foot and peroneal muscles due to the bullying of other muscles. For example, with frequent exercise on the machine or with frequent bench press.
• “Laxity” or weakness of the ligaments. It is caused by a systematic lack of physical activity. In such cases, the ligaments soften and lose the ability to hold bones together.
• Disproportionate bone size and growth;
• Insignificant early sprain of ligaments and muscles, which provokes variability and weakness of the joint under stress.
• People have a tendency to injure the ankle ligaments. with supination or high arch of the foot…

Ankle Sprain Signs and Symptoms – Injury Grades

Ankle sprain can be determined by the symptoms described below:

• Joint swelling;
• A bruise is visible above the joint in the form of a hemorrhage into the skin;
• Severe pain is felt in the ankle area, which does not allow full movement of the foot.

Ankle sprains are classified into three severity groups:

1. 1st degree of severity – it is characterized by rupture of several fibers. At the same time, the person feels moderate pain. Joint mobility is possible, but painful. The volume of motor activity is slightly limited. Perhaps the appearance of a mild swelling.
2. 2nd degree of severity accompanied by the appearance of quite severe pain, pronounced edema and a limited range of joint movements. All signs are not long lasting, they persist for about three days. In rare cases, the appearance of pathological joint mobility is possible.
3. For third degree characterized by severe pain, accompanied by almost immobility of the joint. Without treatment, a “gutta-percha” joint subsequently develops, that is, looseness of the ligaments. In stage III, the tendons are completely ruptured. This manifests itself as an internal hematoma with extensive blood leaks. Human movement becomes impossible. There is a lack of resistance on stress tests, instability of the ankle joint and severe swelling.

Possible consequences of ankle sprain – in what cases do you need to visit a doctor urgently?

When the ankle ligaments are stretched, there are cases that require immediate medical attention.

This:

• If you experience severe pain in the joint, or if there is a pronounced edema in the area of ​​the bones that make up the ankle joint. A visit to the doctor can not be avoided even with a noticeable “by eye” deformation of the joint.
• In cases where swelling does not subside within fourteen days after injury, and painful sensations do not pass; a person cannot step on their feet two weeks later.

What to do when a joint is stretched immediately after injury – ankle sprain treatment

The key to a successful treatment and complete restoration of broken ligaments is timely and properly provided first aid.

See also: How to walk in heels without pain and fatigue – the rules of a beautiful and healthy gait.

After injury, before contacting a doctor, it is required:

• Freeing the injured limb from shoes and socks;
• Providing the injured leg with complete rest;
• Immobilization of the joint by placing tissue burned several times under it;
• To improve blood outflow, it is necessary to raise the leg above the heart level;
• Apply a cloth or ice soaked in cold water to the area of ​​the injured joint. It is best to use ice on top of a dry cloth. You need to apply it for twenty minutes and take a twenty minute break. Fast recovery will directly depend on the conduct of such a procedure.
• Use an elastic bandage or cloth to tightly bandage the damaged joint;
• To reduce the intensity of pain, take an anesthetic pill.

Immediately after an injury, it is strictly forbidden to:

• Rubbing the damaged area;
• Performing massage;
• Taking a hot bath.

These actions will accelerate the development of edema and inflammation.

Primary trauma can be treated at home without visiting a specialist, but the treatment of injuries of the II and III degree of severity should be dealt with by an orthopedist or another doctor. In severe injuries, the victim needs an X-ray of the damaged area. This is necessary to determine if the bones are damaged.

In case of diagnosis partial rupture of the joint the doctor prescribes the imposition of a plaster cast and physiotherapy for ten days. This can be therapeutic exercises, baths, massage, paraffin applications and an alternating magnetic field. Full recovery can be achieved after three weeks.

For cases where the ligaments are completely torn, for stitching the torn ligaments surgical intervention is required. The recovery period from such an injury will take about six months.

The Colady.ru website provides reference information. Adequate diagnosis and treatment of the disease is possible only under the supervision of a conscientious doctor. If you experience alarming symptoms, consult a specialist!