The ankle is one of the most injured joints in the human body. Over 25,000 people injure their ankle every day. This number ranges from the simple sprained ankle to severe fractures. Anyone from the well-conditioned Athlete to children and senior citizens can be affected. Anyone with a moderate to severe sprained ankle should consult with a foot and ankle specialist. In most cases, X/Rays are taken to evaluate the bones and structures involving the ankle joint. Without proper treatment, long-term problems can arise. Untreated sprains and fractures can result in permanent disability.
Most ankle injuries are the result of the ankle turning inward. As the foot rolls inward, the ligament(s) and bones are placed under a lot of stress. A number of results may occur. The ligament(s) may become stretched, partially torn, or completely torn. The bone(s) may also fracture. The severity of the injury delegates the method of treatment. For a simple sprain the treatment regiment follows the RICE protocol:
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Rest. Simply put. Stay off of the ankle. Give it time to heal.
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Ice. Apply an ice pack to the affected area. Do not apply ice longer than 10 to 15 minutes. By applying ice for 30 minutes or more creates a reverse affect. I recommend using frozen peas or something similar. This way, they may be placed back into the freezer and reused.
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Compression. Use some type of support either with an ace bandage or ankle brace.
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Elevation. By keeping your foot and ankle elevated, the ankle will not swell as much. Anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, and cortisone injections may also be prescribed.
A sprained ankle can create other conditions. This includes tendonitis, ruptured tendons, arthritis, nerve injuries, inflammation and scarring within the joints, and instability. In more severe conditions, a cast may be applied as a conservative treatment method. A removable device known as a cam-walker may also be used. Some doctors elect to repair the damaged ligament either through open techniques or with an arthroscope. Evaluations may be performed with an MRI or arthrogram. An arthrogram uses a dye injected into the joint to determine if any tears in the capsule surrounding the ankle joint exist. The ankle is then X/Rayed. A stress view X/Ray is a method used to evaluate for complete tears of the lateral ankle ligament complex. The area is first anesthetized. The foot is forced into an inward position. An X/Ray is then taken with the foot held in this inward position.
Chronic ankle sprains create a different dilemma. The maximum a ligament can repair itself is 75% of the original strength. With continuous tearing of the ligament, its strength is reduced. This can lead to a fractured ankle, bone chips within the ankle joint, arthritis or other injuries from falls. Some individuals with chronic instability require repair of the ligament complex on the outside of the ankle.
