Ankle ligament injuries

What causes an ankle ligament sprain?

An ankle ligament sprain is usually caused by a direct injury or sudden twisting of the joint. This may happen while playing sports, or it may be due to walking or running on uneven terrain. The following may increase your risk of a ligament sprain:

• Overuse of your muscles leading to muscle fatigue
• A sudden increase in the amount or intensity of sports training
• Wearing ill-fitting shoes that that are not well-suited for the activity
• Being overweight.

What are the signs and symptoms of an ankle ligament sprain?

• You may hear or feel a snap at the time of the sprain.
• The ankle may give way. 
• You will experience sudden pain or swelling in the joint.
• The ankle may be bruised and feel warm.
• You will have trouble moving the ankle.

How is an ankle ligament sprain diagnosed?

Dr Allfree will ask you about your injury and examine your ankle thoroughly. He will check the movement and strength of your joint. You may be asked to move the joint yourself. You may also need more investigations including:

• X-ray: An ankle x-ray will indicate whether there is a fracture caused by the injury. X-rays can be arranged by the staff at The Mansfield Clinic.
• MRI: An MRI is very good at looking for ligament tears or other injuries. The Mansfield Clinic is able to arrange MRI scans at various centres, including clinics that specialise in open MRI scans for those with claustrophobia.

How is an ankle ligament sprain treated?

• Treatment depends on which ligament was injured and if more than one are affected. Treatment may also depend on how severe your injury is. You may need any or all of the following:
• Support devices: Such as an elastic bandage, splint or brace to limit your movement and protect your ankle. 
• Pain medicine: Dr Allfree may advise you to use anti-inflammatory medication such as Ibuprofen, or Naproxen. Anti-inflammatory drugs help decrease swelling and pain. Anti-inflammatories are not without their risk, and can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinning medicine, they may not be safe for you, but Dr Allfree will advise you.
• Osteopathy: Dr Allfree may choose to treat your injured joint with manual therapy such as osteopathy, to help improve strength and decrease your risk for loss of function. He may also teach you special exercises to help improve movement and decrease pain.
• Steroid injections: In certain circumstances Dr Allfree may advise the use of localised steroid injections around the site of injury to help decrease swelling and pain. 

• How can I manage my ankle ligament sprain?

• Rest: Rest your joint so that it can heal. 
• Ice: Ice helps decrease swelling and pain. Ice may also help prevent tissue damage. Purpose-made ice packs are available from the Mansfield Clinic
• Compress: An elastic bandage provides support and helps decrease swelling and movement so your joint can heal.
• Elevate: Keep your ankle elevated above the level of your heart as often as you can. This will help decrease or limit swelling. 

How can another ankle ligament sprain be prevented?

Regular exercise can strengthen your muscles and help prevent another injury to your ankle. Do the following before you begin or return to regular exercise or sports training:

• Ask Dr Allfree: Find out how long your ligament needs to heal. Do not do any physical activity until you are advised that it is okay. If you start activity too soon, you may develop a more serious injury.
• Always warm up: Always warm up and stretch before your regular exercise.
• Take it slow: Slowly increase how often and how long you exercise or train. Sudden increases in how often you train may cause you to overstretch or tear your ligament.
• Use the right equipment: Always wear shoes that fit well and are made for the activity that you are doing. You may also use ankle supports.