Blog Post

SPORTS INJURY

  • By Jodi Simard
  • 18 Jan, 2018

Most common of all athletic injuries.

Ankle sprains are the most common of all athletic injuries. Ankle sprains involving the lateral or outside part of the ankle are referred to as inversion sprains and are by far the most common type. Most inversion sprains occur during sports which involve jumping and side to side movement like basketball, volleyball and soccer. Ankle sprains involving the inside aspect of the ankle are called eversion sprains and are uncommon. Frequently, there exists some "extrinsic" factor such as contact with another athlete, incorrect shoes or a discrepancy in the playing surface. Several "intrinsic" factors may predispose one to suffer an ankle sprain such as ligamentous laxity, inflexibility of the achilles tendon and weakness of the peroneal muscles.

When an inversion ankle sprain occurs, the result is damage to the anterior talo-fibular and calcaneofibular ligaments ranging from a mild stretch or strain to complete disruption. Infrequently, a "high" ankle sprain occurs involving damage to the anterior tibio-fibular syndesmosis (ligament). The deltoid ligament, which is located on the inside of the ankle, is much stronger and is rarely significantly damaged.

When an inversion sprain occurs, the usual scenario involves the athlete "rolling" his or her ankle while landing from a jump and experiencing a sharp pain on the outside of the ankle. An audible "pop" or "snap" may accompany the injury and sometimes signals ligamentous rupture. If the athlete can walk on the injured ankle, the likelihood of a serious injury is less, but athletic participation should be Discontinued. Shoes should be kept on until examination and treatment. Careful examination is necessary to determine the severity or "grade" of the injury and x - rays should be taken to explore the possibility of a fracture or other associated injury.

Initially, rest, ice, elevation and compression (aka RICE) should be employed to reduce pain and swelling. This is most critical during the first 24 - 48 hours. If no allergies exist, oral antinflammatory drugs may aid in reducing swelling and relieve discomfort. Following this period, an attempt should be made to walk on the ankle and begin rehabilitation. If ligamentous disruption is suspected, a brace should be worn to provide stability during the recovery period. However, if the athlete can not bear weight due to pain or swelling, a soft, compressive cast should be applied for up to 10 days with no weight - bearing. If weight - bearing is still not possible, cast immobilization, surgery or further diagnostic testing is usually necessary.

Once an ankle sprain has occurred, the ligaments heal over time but never regain their original strength. For this reason, recurrent or "chronic" injury is very common. Rehabilitation and physical therapy are the key elements to a rapid recovery and avoiding recurrent injury. Strengthening of the peroneal muscles and proprioceptive exercise are the most important facets of rehabilitation. I recommend anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks (3 times / week) of rehabilitation, depending on the severity of the injury. Following this, an ankle brace, taping, high - top shoe or functional orthotic device may also be necessary. The athlete should be cleared by a Podiatrist or Athletic Trainer before resuming running or jumping Activities. If pain and or instability is still present following rehabilitation, the athlete is a candidate for surgery.

The ankle sprain, especially the inversion sprain, is a very common and often debilitating injury. Accurate physical examination followed by thorough rehabilitation are essential to allow for a full, rapid recovery and prevention of recurrent sprains.

Article provided by James M. Losito, DPM, Director, AAPSM 1999 - 2000

By Jodi Simard 13 Apr, 2018
Shop for shoes at the end of the day when your feet are largest. The size of your feet change as you grow, so before buying shoes always have your feet measured while standing. Select shoes by how the shoe fits your foot and not by the marked size.
By Jodi Simard 22 Jan, 2018
The practice of Chiropody is the assessment, treatment and prevention of diseases or disorders of the foot. Chiropody is practiced by qualified, regulated practitioners who have undergone government established and recognized programs and examinations. Only those who are registered by the Ontario College Of Chiropodist are licensed to practice as Chiropodists in Ontario.
By Jodi Simard 22 Jan, 2018
Researchers at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences injected warts with substances used to test a person's immunity to mumps, candida and trichophyton (the fungus that causes athlete's foot). None of the preparations, called skin test antigens, contain live infectious agents, so they can't cause disease
By Jodi Simard 22 Jan, 2018
The subjects, who were 79 percent female and reported having non-specific, mostly stable foot pain which worsened with prolonged standing for at least 30 days prior to study inclusion, were to wear the insoles for at least four hours per day, four days per week.
By Jodi Simard 22 Jan, 2018
Fungal infection of toenails is a common foot health problem. A majority of victims don't seek treatment, maybe don't even recognize the existence of a problem. Studies estimate that it afflicts three to five percent of the population. However, chiropodists think that because so many cases go unreported, the incidence is much higher than that.
By Jodi Simard 22 Jan, 2018
Many disorders can affect the joints of the toes, causing pain and preventing the foot from functioning as it should. People of all ages can have toe problems, from infants born with deformities, to older adults with acquired deformities.
By Jodi Simard 22 Jan, 2018
what do you do about your child's developing feet which have to carry the entire weight of the body through a lifetime? Many adult foot ailments, like other bodily ills, have their origins in childhood and are present at birth. Periodic professional attention and regular foot care can minimize these problems in later life. Neglecting foot health invites problems in other parts of the body, such as the legs and back.
By Jodi Simard 22 Jan, 2018
Today, there are almost as many different kinds of footwear as there are pieces in a jigsaw puzzle. An almost endless variety of shoe styles and materials make buying a pair of shoes a major dilemma.
By Jodi Simard 22 Jan, 2018
The term ulcer, is generally used to refer to breaks in the normal integrity of the skin. Ulcers are skin wounds that are slow to heal and are classified in four stages, according to which layers of skin are broken through.
By Jodi Simard 22 Jan, 2018
Your ability to use your feet safely, with ease and comfort, is vital if you are to remain a valuable and productive worker. However, a large number of workers are exposed to injuries due to prolonged periods of standing and walking.
More Posts
Share by: