Ankle Sprain & Football

May 13 2008 | Articles

 

What is a Sprained Ankle?

The damage of soft tissue and ligaments surrounding the ankle is what causes a sprained ankle. The position of the bones around the ankle makes it very susceptible to inversion injury where the ankle becomes twisted inwards.
Inversion injury is also possible where the ankle becomes twisted outwards. Due to excessive twisting, lateral ligaments outside the ankle are overstretched or damaged. Sprained ankles are common among footballers.

The Anterior Talo Fibular ligament or ATF is the most common ligament involved in a sprained ankle since it attaches both the fibular bone and talus bone. The Calcaneo Fibular ligament which attaches the Calcaneus and Fibula becomes involved and damaged if the force or trauma to the ankle is greater. The Posterior Talo Fibular or PTF ligament is involved if the force or trauma is very severe.

Sprained ankles are categorized according to the extent and severity of the damage.

First degree ankle sprains involve only a few damaged ligament fibres. Mild or moderate pain is experienced by the footballer upon turning or touching the affected ankle.

Second degree ankle sprains involve more damage to the ligament as well as pain and swelling in the area which hinders normal walking.

Third degree ankle sprains involve swelling, dislocation of the joint as well as rupture of the ligament completely. The ankle may appear deformed. Bone injury is not uncommon during very severe trauma. Avulsion fracture may occur. An avulsion fracture occurs when a ligament or tendon attached to a bone pulls away a piece (fragment) of the bone.

Treatment

During the initial stages, ice packs applied for twenty minutes every two hours can be very helpful in alleviating pain and swelling. Reusable plastic cast walkers and ankle supports also provide a similar effect as well as increased protection.

For second and third degree sprained ankles, it is recommended that individuals use crutches to avoid putting too much pressure on the affected joints.

View Reusable ice packs for ankle sprains

 

Throughout the treatment regimen, individuals will be asked to practice walking to resume normal functioning and strength of the ligament.
Recurrent sprained ankles can indicate chronic and internal weakness in which surgery is required.

Ultrasound is one of the common diagnostic procedures before surgery. With the use of a small camera inserted into the ankle, bone flakes and scar tissues can be removed to permanently remove pain and stabilize the joint.

Prevention Tips

Sports Insoles are ideal to prevent ankle sprains while playing football.

5 Star Rating

Dr Foot Sport Insoles are engineered to combat over pronation and provide greater stability and maximum support. Ideal for patients seeking arch support for prevention and treatment of ankle sprains.

View Dr Foot Sports Insoles

 

Proprioception exercises are very effective since these help individuals practice their balance when doing strenuous physical activities. The joint becomes more stabilized through increased awareness and response by the person. Wobble boards and ankle braces are common tools used to improve overall strength, reflex and stability of the ankle joint. Taping and bracing the ankle are also very effective methods which reinforce the joint during sports.

 

View Wobble Board

 

Football Rescue Recommends Ankle Supports

 

View Ankle Supports

Ankle strapping is intended to strengthen the internal and external ligaments which hold the tibio-fubular mortise (ankle joint) in place. These supports stimulate a strapping technique. The flexible straps are fitted beneath the heel, in the direction of the joint and push from the bottom to the top which locks the ankle tendons.

Lateral movement (twisting the ankle towards the outside) is prohibited and other movements remain intact. A fine perforated neoprene allows transpiration. These supports are ideal for footballers that suffer from twisting the ankle joint.

 

Darco Pro Walker

 

 

If you have a severe ankle sprain (it is not possible to put any weight on your ankle) or a fracture of the ankle we would recommend the Darco Pro Walker

View Removable cast protection and support for foot fractures and sprains

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