Sprained ankle

What is an ankle sprain?

The ankle sprain is caused by a strain of the capsular and ligamentous structures of the joint by a forced movement, with possible rupture of ligaments causing inflammation and severe pain.

 

 

The symptomatology will depend on the severity of the disease:

  • Grade I or mild: Inflammation and pain, with possible feeling of instability.
  • Grade II or moderate: Inflammation and pain, with possible hematoma and functional impotence and instability.
  • Grade III or severe: Inflammation and pain, with possible hematoma, total or almost total functional impotence with instability.

It can occur indirectly, when performing a gesture with a bad position, or directly when receiving a trauma that causes distension.

 

How is this injury treated?

Treatment will depend on the severity of the sprain and the areas affected. The sprain should be monitored and examined during the first few days and re-evaluated after 4 or 5 days after the inflammation of the structures has gone down. Preventive treatment on proprioception and joint stability are key to the process and to prevent possible recurrences.

Treatment will consist of controlling inflammation and pain through elevation of the limb, lymphatic drainage, cryotherapy, compressive and neuromuscular bandaging, and load control. Progressive loading is vital for ligament readaptation and repair. Long periods of immobilization should be avoided with multidisciplinary control of the condition.

In a cross-cutting manner, the rehabilitation team will carry out an intervention through therapeutic exercise

Depending on the degree of injury, and together with the application of technology such as ultrasound-guided percutaneous intratissue electrolysis (EPI), and Echoguided Percutaneous Percutaneous Neuromodulation, Shock waves, Imoove or Magnetic Resonance Therapy (MBST), we will work with a program of control exercises, global postural reeducation (RPG) and/or strength exercises.

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