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ANKLE JOINT ANATOMY
The ankle joint consists of three joints: the talocrural joint, subtalar joint and the distal tibiofibular joint. The movements produced at this joint are dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, inversion and eversion of the foot. The ankle joint is bound by the strong deltoid ligament and three lateral ligaments: the anterior talofibular ligament, the calcaneofibular ligament and the pos terior talof ibular ligament. The functions of the ligaments are to limit extreme motion of the ankle, and to provide support and stabilize the joint.
Epidemiology and Mechanism of ankle sprain
There are two types of ankle sprain:
1. LATERAL ANKLE SPRAIN AND
2. MEDIAL ANKLE SPRAIN.
The lateral sprain , also known as the inversion ankle sprain, is the most common type of ankle sprains. Approximately 70-85% of ankle sprain is the inversion sprain. When the ankle is inverted too much, the lateral ligament is placed on the lengthening position. In this situation the lateral ligament is prone to sprain. The anterior talofibular ligament is one of the most commonly involved ligaments in inversion ankle sprain.
In basketball, volleyball and badminton, there are many jumping, landing and side to side motions. These motions may put the ankle ligament in the stretched position and make it prone to sprain.
Below are the common situation where spraining of the ankle could occur:
In the landing phase of the jumping motions, the ankle joint plantar flexes and inverts. If the muscle and ligament of ankle joint were not strong enough, the ankle might sprain due to instability.
The side to side movement of twisting, turning, or rolling of the foot is another primary cause of an ankle sprain. In this case, the lateral ligaments are overstretched which causes the sprain.
TREATMENT
Initial treatment commonly consists of protecting, resting, iceing , compression and elevating the ankle (PRICE).
PROTECT - PROTECT THE INJURED PERSON AND ANKLE
Protect the ankle with a splint if possible. If the patient can move, carefully move him/her to a safer area using a crutch.
REST - REST AND PROTECT THE INJURED AREA
Stop or take a break from any activity that may be causing the pain.
ICE - APPLY ICE/COLD PACK TO INJURED AREA
Cold will reduce pain and swelling. Apply an ice or cold pack right away to prevent or minimize swelling. Apply the ice or cold pack for 10 to 20 minutes each time, at least 3 times a day.
COMPRESSION
Wrap ankle with elastic bandage Provide compression by wrapping the injured ankle with an elastic bandage, this will help decrease swelling.
ELEVATION
Keep injured ankle elevated Elevate the injured ankle on pillows while applying ice and anytime you are sitting or lying down. Try to keep the injured area at or above the level of your heart to help minimize swelling.
After the acute phase of ankle sprain, we could use some rehabilitation exercise, to help the ankle regain strength and flexibility. Furthermore, upon initial return to the sports field, wear ankle support or brace to protect the ankle and avoid recurrent injury.
