Related articles: Sprained ankle
Definition
Ankle sprain is an acute trauma typically caused by a rotation of the foot, following a violent and abrupt movement. In practice, the ankle fails to maintain balance and gives way, while the foot rests on the ground incorrectly, bending inwards (inversion) or the outside (eversion).
Ankle sprains are very frequent, especially among those who practice sports (eg volleyball, basketball, football and running).
Most common symptoms and signs *
- Foot pain
- Heel pain
- Articolar pains
- Edema
- Metatarsalgia
- Loss of balance
- Joint stiffness
Further indications
The ankle distortion manifests itself with pain (sometimes slight, others very intense), which is accentuated by stressing the joint. In the days following the trauma, localized ligament pain, swelling and bruising appear.
Serious distortions can cause functional impotence, deformation and chronic joint instability that predisposes to further trauma. By forcibly rotating the foot outwards (eversion) the ligaments of the syndesmosis between the tibia and the proximal fibula can be torn off (high sprain of the ankle).
The ankle injury should be assessed with an X-ray or ultrasound scan to identify damage to the ligaments and rule out the presence of a fracture. Rarely, the patient is subjected to magnetic resonance.
When incurring a distortion, it is useful to apply ice (wrapping it in a towel or cloth to protect the skin) and keep the ankle at rest for 2-3 days, possibly in a raised position. If the trauma is recent, the doctor may also recommend early immobilization with a brace.
In more serious cases, on the other hand, it may be necessary to resort to plaster for a few weeks or to surgery with minimally invasive endoscopic techniques (arthroscopy).
