The ankle is one of the most load-bearing joints in our body. It consists of bones, ligaments, muscles and the joint capsule that surrounds the joint. All bone structures that make up the joint are covered with cartilage. Ankle movements are four-way up, down, in and out. While the maximum movement angle is in the form of up and down movements, inward and outward rotation movements are minimal. These movements are caused by the sliding and rolling movements of the bones over each other. The limitation of movements is provided by the ligaments (ligaments) in the ankle. The outer lateral ligaments on the outside of the ankle limit the foot turning inward too much, and the inner lateral ligaments on the inside limit the outward rotation of the foot too much. A ligament in the ankle joint that prevents the two bones of the lower leg (tibia and fibula) from separating from each other is called syndesmos. The ligaments here have the ability to stretch. When stressed, they stretch to a certain level and then return to their normal physiological limits.
Ankle sprains are common in athletes and women.
Noting that ankle sprains are among the most common problems, Leyla Altıntaş, Specialist Physiotherapist from Therapy Sport Center Physical Therapy Center, said:
“Ankle sprains are very common, especially in athletes, but they are also more common in women. It can happen while exercising, or even simply walking. Injury is usually caused by sudden and excessive stretching of the ligaments in the ankle. This tension can also be caused by the wrong stepping or the shoes we use while walking on an uneven surface. Pain is one of the most common complaints after a sprain. Difficulty is seen especially in stepping on and walking. There may be swelling around the joint, bleeding and bruising on the affected ligament depending on the degree of injury. It is painful and tender to the touch. Trying to move the ankle is painful and limited. If the ligament injury is at the level of complete rupture, the joint movement has increased too much because there is no ligament limiting the joint.” said.
Treatment can be planned as acute, subacute and chronic phases.
Explaining that treatment should be applied according to the emerging symptoms, Specialist Physiotherapist Leyla Altıntaş continued her speech as follows:
“Treatment varies according to the degree of injury and the time elapsed since the injury. We can plan the treatment in three different phases as acute, subacute and chronic phase. The acute phase includes the first 3-4 days of injury. In order to reduce pain and swelling, 2 minutes of ice should be applied every 15 hours on the first day and 15 minutes of ice should be applied on the other days, but the frequency should be reduced. The ankle should be rested, and this can be done with the help of a bandage or a wrist brace style splint. The foot should be extended as far as possible and kept above heart level. Anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed by the doctor should be used. Movement should be avoided during this period. In the subacute period, the pain and swelling begin to decrease a little more. While the application of ice and bandage is continued, joint movement exercises can be started as much as the person can tolerate at the pain limit. During this period, heavy exercises should be avoided and should not be forced too much. In the chronic period, the pain and swelling have decreased. During this period, more intense muscle strengthening exercises and balance coordination exercises should be started. Running programs, athletes can start their return to sports training. Physical therapy and rehabilitation applications can be used in all processes of the treatment in order to heal correctly and to prevent the recurrence of sprains. It is always the best method to take precautionary measures to avoid such injuries. For this, it is necessary to keep the muscles in the ankle strong (band exercises, walking on the toe and heel), balance and coordination (working on one leg). It is also very important to choose shoes that are suitable for the person's foot structure. he said.
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