  ANKLE SPRAINS AND STRAINS
A common injury, which we often treat, is sprained ankles. This may occur during sport activities or just simply while walking on an uneven surface. When your ankle ligaments stretch beyond their normal range, a sprain occurs. If the force is very strong, the ligaments can actually tear or your bone may break (fracture). Pain and swelling occur after an ankle sprain or fracture. Ankle instability may develop if there is complete tearing of the ligaments. Therefore, it is important to seek immediate care to make a correct diagnosis and avoid poor healing of these sensitive ligaments.
Possible long term complications of ankle sprains include, more frequently recurring ankle sprains, imbalance and muscle weakness. This can also happen if you return to regular activities without allowing the ankle to heal appropriately.
If you have had previous ankle sprains, you may have repeat sprains if the ligaments have not had a chance to heal completely. If the sprain recurs often and pain continues for an extended period of time, you may develop a chronic ankle sprain, which may lead to ankle instability and persistent pain.
Rehabilitation and bracing is used to help to decrease pain and swelling and to prevent chronic ankle problems. Surgical treatment, in the form of ankle arthroscopy or tendon repair, is reserved for injuries that do not to respond to conservative treatment and rehabilitation.
Click to see animation below
• Ankle Sprain
|