Ankle injuries are one of the most common types of musculoskeletal damage, ranging from minor sprains or fractures to more severe ligament tears. The primary cause is typically overstretching, twisting beyond its normal capacity, trauma due to falls and collisions, as well as contact sports. Symptoms associated with ankle injury include pain, redness, swelling, bruising, and instability in the damaged area. The three most common ankle injuries are sprains, fractures, and tears.
Ankle sprains are the most frequent affliction of ankle joints, caused by ligaments being overstretched and torn. These injuries can be painful, accompanied by swelling and bruising, limiting mobility around the affected area. In addition to discomfort when moving or standing on it, sprained ankles often make individuals feel unstable in their movements.
Ankle fractures are another common injury that can be caused by direct force, such as falls or collisions. The severity of the fracture dictates the level of pain, swelling, and immobility experienced, in addition to any potential deformity if left untreated for too long. Ankle tears can be a severe and painful problem for ankle injury sufferers as they involve damage to either muscles or ligaments surrounding the joint. This can lead to muscle spasms, instability in nearby areas, limited motion range, and more – all of which demand proper treatment by medical professionals for a full recovery.
Podiatrists can assess and care for a wide range of foot and ankle injuries. Depending on their severity, treatments may vary from immobilization methods like casting or bracing to custom orthotics for minor ailments and personalized rehabilitation plans with exercises that help strengthen a weakened area. Balance training can then be used to optimize coordination control in damaged muscles. If non-surgical procedures prove unsuccessful, surgery could potentially realign bones or stabilize ligaments, depending on the situation.