All-around Guide to Common Ankle Injuries

Have you ever tripped down the stairs and found yourself lying in your bed with ankle injuries that are stopping you from carrying out your routine tasks efficiently? Such an injury can inhibit your day-to-day life if not treated properly. This is why it is important to know about common ankle injuries and different ways to get them treated. Such informative knowledge will help you deal with emergencies without causing panic in the long run.

Your ankle is a complex system that consists of bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. While strong enough to carry your body’s weight and allow you to move, your ankle is also susceptible to ankle injuries and pain. The most common ankle injuries include different types of ankle sprains and fractures. Here’s a list of several ankle injuries one can experience:

1. A sprained ankle is one of the most common ankle injuries that occur when the ligaments that connect your ankle bones and provide support to your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their breaking point. There are three types of ankle sprains: grade 1 (mild), grade 2 (moderate), and grade 3 (severe), based on how much ligament damage has occurred. 
   
   
2. An ankle fracture, on the other hand, refers to a broken ankle. This means that one or more of the bones that make up the ankle are broken. An ankle fracture may take up to six weeks to heal, whereas an ankle sprain heals faster. 
   
   
3. A strain is caused by pulling or stretching muscles and tendons too far. Acute tendon tears occur as a consequence of sudden trauma or force. 
   
   
4. Subluxation occurs when a tendon slips out of place.
   
   
5. Ankle Tendinosis is caused by microscopic tendon tears that pile up over time as a consequence of being repetitively overstretched and failing to heal completely.
   
   
6. Tendinitis refers to the inflammation of a tendon.

Ankle sprains and fractures are two of the most common ankle injuries. While they can affect anyone, regardless of age, they are most commonly seen in athletes. This is because athletes are more prone to injuries or falls while pursuing sports.

While ankle injuries are quite common, they should not be ignored or left by themselves. Properly understanding their symptoms can help you get the right help in time. This article will help you understand everything related to ankle injuries.

 

The causes of ankle sprains, fractures, and other such injuries is often the result of rolling or twisting the ankle. This could happen if:

1. You fall or trip on uneven surfaces.
   
   
2. You lose balance.
   
   
3. You don’t land correctly after a jump.
   
   
4. You take part in sports activities that involve rolling or twisting your feet, such as football, basketball, and tennis.
    

One common treatment method for ankle injuries, such as sprained ankle treatment, is the RICE METHODS (rest, ice, compression, and elevation). Typically, your healthcare professionals will suggest this treatment if needed according to the extent of your injury.

1. Rest: You must refrain from doing any activity that will impose pressure on the injured ankle and rest the injury for at least 24 to 48 hours or until you see your doctor.
   
   
2. Ice: Apply ice or a cold pack over the sprained ankle to minimise the swelling for 20 minutes, three times a day.
   
   
3. Compression: To reduce the swelling, relieve pain and allow blood circulation on your injured ankle, gently wrap a compression bandage like the Hansaplast Cotton Crepe Bandage around it. 
   
   
4. Elevation: Raise your ankle using pillows in such a way that it is raised above your heart level while you are sitting or lying down.

Other than the RICE method, your healthcare professional will either suggest over-the-counter painkillers or exercises that will be taught to you by a physiotherapist. 
In severe cases, you may consult an orthopaedic surgeon for further treatment.

Although getting ankle injuries is not something you can control, you must always take precautionary steps like paying attention to the surface you walk on or exercise on, wearing steady footwear and warming up before exercise. This will help you avoid the pain of injury from accidental falls. In the case of ankle injuries, visit the doctor as soon as possible.

 

Please note that the above recommendations are general care tips. Consult a healthcare professional in case of any uncertainty around wound treatment and healing.

Always see your doctor if a wound is deep, bleeding profusely or showing signs of infection. For diabetic patients especially, proper wound care holds the utmost importance. Do not hesitate to discuss any concerns you may have with your doctor or your podiatrist, even when it comes to minor wounds and cuts – especially if they’re on your feet.
 
The information provided through this website should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Although compiled with great care, it is not a substitute for professional advice. If you have or suspect a health problem, consult your doctor immediately. 

For further information regarding Hansaplast products, please contact us via email at customer.care@bdfindia.com