An ankle is the joint between the lower leg and the hind foot and is also called the upper hock. The lower hock is the joint between the two hindfoot bones, the hock and the heel. The ankle contains bones that are connected to each other by ligaments consisting of tough connective tissue. With a sprained ankle, these ligaments are damaged. Most sprains are suffered during sports and are simple sprains and are quite easy to treat.
High number of sprains
A sprained ankle usually occurs when the ankle turns outward and the foot turns inward, resulting in the ligament stretching or tearing along the outside of the ankle. This can especially happen during exercise or by stepping on an uneven surface such as a stone or a curb. It is estimated that in the Netherlands, approximately 500,000 people visit a GP or hospital every year with an ankle sprain.
Usually simple sprains
These injuries range from simple sprains to torn ligaments and even broken bones. In about half of the cases, the injury occurred during exercise. However, almost 80 percent of all cases are simple sprains. Only 20 percent consist of ligament tears or bone fractures, with the distribution of those two cases being approximately half and half.
High stiletto heels
A sprained ankle can mainly occur with loose ankle ligaments or with weak leg muscles or leg muscles whose nerves are damaged. The risk of sprain also increases when wearing certain shoes, such as shoes with high stiletto heels. People with a high instep are also more at risk for a sprained ankle.
Three degrees of increasing severity
Broadly speaking, there are three options for a sprained ankle:
1. Mild sprain
The ankle usually does not hurt much and the ligaments are sprained, but not torn.
2. Moderate sprain
With this sprain, the ligaments are partially torn and significant swelling and bruising often occur. Walking with a moderate sprain is usually difficult and very painful.
3. Severe sprain
In a severe sprain, the ligaments are completely torn. This usually leads to swelling and subcutaneous bleeding. The ankle is therefore unstable and generally difficult to bear.
Joint ligaments: examination, photos or MRI
A properly performed physical examination usually provides sufficient clues to determine the severity of the sprain. If in doubt, X-rays can also be taken to assess whether a fracture exists. X-rays are usually taken with the ankle in different positions. An MRI can also clearly indicate the extent of the damage to the ligaments.
Treatment of sprained ankle
The treatment of a sprained ankle depends greatly on the severity of the sprain. Typically, for a mild or moderate sprain, ice is placed on the injured area. An elastic bandage or tape is also often wrapped around the ankle and foot and it is wise to elevate the foot. Exercise, such as walking, is gradually increased during healing. In the case of a serious sprain, medical attention is necessary and a strengthening brace or possibly tape bandage is applied. This must be worn for six weeks to prevent eventual instability, pain or osteoarthritis of the ankle. After those six weeks, it is important to restore mobility with exercises to strengthen the muscles, among other things.
Prevention
Ankle braces can be worn to prevent ankle sprains. The feet can also be stabilized by wearing high shoes or using insoles.
read more
- Foot injury with stretched ankle ligaments