Ankle sprains are common. It is due to improper stepping in combination with loading the legs with body weight. Such movement can occur when walking on uneven surfaces, on high shoes or when missing a step when descending stairs. A prerequisite for a sprained ankle would be created by sports activities related to jumping or abrupt change of direction. Depending on the severity of the sprain, the timing and approach of treatment and recovery vary.
Essence
The connections are extremely strong connective tissue “strips”. Under normal circumstances, they suffer some stretching. When it is exhausted, the integrity of the structure begins to break. It can range from partial to complete rupture of one or more ligaments, usually affecting structures located on the outside and front-outside of the ankle. When we have involvement of the joint capsule or other anatomical units such as bones, we speak of a combined ankle injury.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Symptoms appear suddenly, immediately after the traumatic moment. They are associated with the appearance of pain, difficulty or inability to walk, edema, limiting mobility in the joint, local hematoma. The intensity of the symptoms and the dynamics of the clinical picture develop in accordance with the severity of the involvement of the structures. In the presence of such symptoms should be examined by an orthopedist. Diagnostic tests such as radiography, magnetic resonance imaging and others at the discretion of the specialist. This is followed by referral for conservative treatment related to immobilization with subsequent movement or surgical treatment.
Physiotherapy for sprained ankle
Physiotherapy aims at functional recovery of the ankle. It aims to speed up natural recovery processes. Its tasks are related to reducing pain symptoms, reducing swelling, increasing joint mobility. A selection of exercises is made to strengthen and stabilize the ankle joint and maintain the arches of the foot. Initially, more work was done in the direction of gaining mobility, and subsequently for muscle strength, stability and load on the joints of the ankle and foot. To achieve these goals, physiotherapy and kinesitherapy are combined with and on devices such as elastic band, balance board and others.
