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Sunsoochon Hospital

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Foot/Ankle

home Foot/Ankle Ankle Ligament Tear (Ankle Sprain)

Ankle Ligament Tear (Ankle Sprain)

Ankle sprains are commonly referred to as "rolled ankles," meaning that the ligaments connecting the bones of the ankle joints are either stretched beyond their normal length or severed (ankle ligament tear). Pain may gradually subside over time, which may give the illusion that the tear has healed. However, once an ankle ligament is ruptured, it is impossible for it to heal itself without proper treatment. Lack of treatment can lead to chronic ankle instability, which can cause the same area of the ankle to suffer from repeated sprains.

Cause

Ankle sprains are caused by damage to the ligaments supporting the ankles. Excessive exercise using the ankles, rolling an ankle while walking on the road, or a simple tweak can lead to ankle sprains. Walking in high-heeled shoes is also one of the main culprits of ankle sprains.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of an ankle sprain is acute pain in the ankle area. Pain builds up in the astragal area, and the entire area will feel tender when pressed with a finger. Also, pain may occur intermittently or continuously.
Pain may appear on the outside or inside of the ankle joint depending on the injury, and in severe cases, bruises may appear near the injured area.

Classification

1st degree
Slight hyper-extension of the ligaments
Slight pain, swelling, and joint stiffness
Normal walking after suffering the injury still possible
2nd degree
Slight rupture and detachment of the ligaments
Moderate pain, swelling, and joint stiffness
Normal walking after suffering the injury is impossible, and orthosis devices may be required
3rd degree
Complete rupture of the ligaments
Extremely severe pain, swelling, and joint stiffness
Supporting weight after suffering the injury is impossible, and surgical repair is required to restore stability to the ankle joint

Treatment

Conservative treatment
Initial treatment may include thermal (ice) treatment, compression, immobilization, braces, and crutches. Conservative treatment may help relieve ankle pain and swelling caused by ankle sprains. A brace or cast can be used to stabilize the ankle, followed by extracorporeal shock wave therapy or and injections. Furthermore, patients can reduce instability in their ankle joint with strength training and balancing exercises.
Surgical treatment
Surgical treatment for a torn ligament talofibulare anterius or chronic ankle instability can be treated with anatomical methods (tenodesis) or non-anatomical methods (repair).

Symptoms

During the initial stages after ankle ligament surgery, the ankle will be fixed in both directions to prevent any rotation - only up and down movements allowed. When the pain subsides, patients will be prescribed exercises to pronate and supinate their ankle joint. In addition, patients may carry out muscle strengthening exercises (e.g. including two-feet or one-foot standing exercises, one-foot standing on an unstable floor, etc.).

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