Ankle ligament sprain - how to reduce pain and speed up recovery?
Injuries of the ankle joint are among the most common in the doctor's practice, and most often people come to the doctor with a sprain of its ligaments. If timely and correct first aid is given and the joint is fixed, in most cases the ankle function will be restored quickly and without complications.
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Why is the ankle joint injured?
The ankle joint is usually injured when the foot is turned over or struck. Such injuries are not uncommon in athletes. The most dangerous sports include contact sports - soccer, basketball, volleyball. Ligaments can also be stretched and / or torn during running, jumping, exercises with a sharp change of direction, rock climbing.
Recurrent ankle injuries have been observed to occur in 30% of athletes within three years. Without treatment, joint instability, chronic pain and limitation of its function develop over time.
Recurrent ankle injuries have been observed to occur in 30% of athletes within three years. Without treatment, joint instability, chronic pain and limitation of its function develop over time.
In women, the ankle joint can be affected if they wear shoes with high unstable heels
In women, the ankle joint can be affected if they wear shoes with high unstable heels
Degrees of ligament sprain
In most cases (approximately 85% of people), the lateral ligaments of the ankle - those located at the outer ankle - are injured. The medial (inner) ligaments are very rarely injured.
Doctors distinguish three degrees of ankle ligament sprain:
Doctors distinguish three degrees of ankle ligament sprain:
- first. These are microscopic tears in the ligaments, which insignificantly limit mobility. Patients note slight soreness and slight swelling;
- second. Such an injury is more severe, since the ligaments are partially ruptured. There is a slight instability of the ankle, limitation of movement, moderate pain and swelling of soft tissues;
- third. This is a complete rupture of the ligaments. Pain with such damage is very strong, movements are limited, swelling is pronounced. Many patients can not move independently.
How to help with sprained ligaments?
Treatment options for an ankle joint injury can be different, the choice of the best depends on the degree of ligament sprain. To reduce pain and swelling, traumatologists prescribe anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs - in shots, tablets or ointments. Fixation of the ankle is also very important: it relieves the joint and relieves unpleasant symptoms.
In case of a complete tear of ligaments, doctors immobilize (completely immobilize) the joint, but in case of mild to moderate sprains, an ankle bandage is usually sufficient.
In case of a complete tear of ligaments, doctors immobilize (completely immobilize) the joint, but in case of mild to moderate sprains, an ankle bandage is usually sufficient.
Features of the ankle joint dressing
This dressing is composed of cotton (72%), latex (17%) and polyamide (11%). Its main tasks are:
- fixation of the joint (thanks to this it is unloaded and stabilized);
- preservation of a certain amount of movement (this allows you to preserve the function of the ankle and move more quickly to rehabilitation exercises);
- massage of soft tissues due to the pressure of the inner layer of the bandage (stimulation of blood circulation in the injured area and reduction of edema).
Ankle bandaging for ankle injuries is an affordable and effective way to protect the ligaments, as well as a comfortable method of treatment and quick recovery
Ankle bandaging for ankle injuries is an affordable and effective way to protect the ligaments, as well as a comfortable method of treatment and quick recovery