Sports Medicine Moment: Common Ankle Injuries – Lateral Ankle Sprain
Written By: Tristen Robinson
Tristen Robinson, M.S., ATC, LAT is a BUZZ Gear Up Blogger and an instructor at Andrew Jackson High School, for the sports medicine magnet program. Checkout the program’s Facebook page at Andrew Jackson High School Sports Medicine. https://www.Facebook.com/Jacksonsportsmed/
After spending some time on the IR, sports medicine moment is back as the summer gets into full swing. So far, we’ve discussed cold weather injuries, common heart conditions, Athletic Training as a profession, and common foot injuries; relative to athletes and the physically active. We will continue with the lower body and discuss common injuries to the ankle. To begin things, probably the most common out of all the ankle injuries and arguably the most common injury in athletics, will be discussed. The ANKLE SPRAIN!!
Let’s revisit what a sprain is. A sprain is an over-stretch of a ligament. Ligaments are structures that connect two bones together. When the foot goes into inversion (toes pointing inward), that places the ligaments on the lateral (outside of the ankle) on a stretch; and when the inversion is great enough, the ligaments can over-stretch or potentially tear. Also known as twisting or rolling the ankle.
Common signs and symptoms of an ankle sprain are pain in and around the ankle, swelling, pain with walking and running, and sometimes ecchymosis (black and blue of skin). Ankle sprains are graded (1-3) based on severity. A grade 1 ankle sprain is the least severe. With a grade 3 ankle sprain, the injury is treated just like a fracture (to be discussed in a later post).
Treatment for ankle sprains consists of P.R.I.C.E. which stands for: Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Protection by form of immobilization; Rest the injured area; Ice for 20 min as needed; Compression wrap to reduce swelling; and Elevation of the ankle above the heart to reduce swelling. Depending on the severity, a person can begin ankle rehab up to a day following the injury. Proper treatment of an ankle injury is essential to decrease future episodes.
Ankle injuries are common; for the physically active and even some doctors could argue one of the most common injuries for all types of people. Signs and symptoms for ankle sprains are easily identifiable and once recognized, can be treated using P.R.I.C.E. and proper rehab techniques. As always, consult your nearest healthcare professional who is trained in diagnosis and treatment ankle injuries (DPT, ATC, DO to name a few).
This has been your sports medicine moment…
