The most common injuries and diseases of the ankle are sprains and fractures. A strain or sprain is an injury to the ligaments that can take a few weeks or even several months to heal. Injuries can also occur to other parts of the ankle such as the tendons, which attach the muscles to the bone, and the cartilage, which cushions the friction and impact of the joints. Sprains and fractures of the ankle are common sports injuries. If you’ve had an ankle injury recently, don’t hesitate to consult with Accident 911. In our clinic we have the best physiotherapists. to help you recover so you can return to your daily activities. Don’t let an ankle injury limit you.
Main ankle injuries
Generally, the main ankle injuries are traumatic, i.e. the result of a blow, contusion or fall. Stress fractures can also occur in which there is no trauma and the bone is cracked by repeated overloads or microtrauma. Here are the most common types of ankle injuries:
- Sprained ankle: Stretching or partial tearing of one or more ligaments of the ankle. This type of injury is divided into three degrees. Its most common symptoms are pain, difficulty walking and swelling.
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome or Tarsal Tunnel: Compression of the tibial nerve located behind the leg that inserts into the ankle. Symptoms may include burning in the sole of the foot, numbness or tingling.
- Ankle fracture: Breakage of one or more bones in the ankle joint. Symptoms include swelling of the ankle, pain, bruising, tenderness, deformity, difficulty or pain in walking or weight bearing.
- Achilles tendonitis: This is inflammation and gradual degenerative change in the Achilles tendon. Inflammation in the Achilles heel, pain, tenderness and swelling in the back of the ankle are some of the symptoms.
When to call a doctor for an ankle injury?
In general, people with ankle injuries often try to treat these conditions at home by resting and immobilizing the affected area. However, the best recommendation is to seek specialized medical care to create a recovery plan that is tailored to your type of injury. Failure to properly treat an ankle injury leads to complications such as chronic ankle pain, chronic ankle joint instability and ankle joint arthritis You should see a doctor if you have the following symptoms:
- You cannot walk or walking is very painful.
- The pain does not get better after icing, resting, and taking pain relievers.
- Your ankle does not feel better after 5 to 7 days.
- Your ankle still feels weak or bends easily.
- Your ankle is increasingly discolored (red or black and blue) or has numbness or tingling, feels cold, or if there are changes in sensations.
Treatments for ankle injuries
Treatment for an ankle injury varies according to the type of ailment: treating a fracture is not the same as treating a ligament or tendon strain. Often, in the recovery of these conditions, the patient must make a period of rest and, in many cases, immobilize the area, especially if you have suffered a major fracture. In case of inflammation and pain, it is advisable to follow the RICE method, which consists of applying ice with a pack of cold or heat to reduce swelling and relieve discomfort. At a later stage, therapeutic rehabilitation exercises will be necessary to improve strength, balance and flexibility in the ankle.
Contact us at Accident 911
If you have recently had an ankle injury that is causing you discomfort, we at Accident 911 can help. We know that it’s not easy to deal with these types of injuries that limit your daily activities. That’s why our medical professionals are committed to your health and will give you a thorough checkup to determine the type of injury and provide you with a treatment plan. Don’t wait any longer and contact us right now. Remember that your health comes first.
