We have all experienced an ankle sprain at some point, typically from stepping on unstable surfaces. If you don't believe it, try asking friends and family if they've ever had one, and chances are they’ll say yes, especially if they are athletes.
The ankle is the joint where the foot and leg meet, and it consists of three bones: the fibula, the tibia (from the leg), and the talus (from the foot). The tibia and fibula form a kind of dome at the bottom, into which the talus fits. These bones are supported by a set of ligaments, muscles, and tendons that add strength to the structure and allow for movement, enabling us to stand and walk. These are generally the most commonly injured areas.
A minor accident, such as a fall at home or excessive use from physical activity, can cause an ankle injury, as the joint is prone to sudden directional changes. Often, our brain and body don’t coordinate properly.
Athletes are especially affected by injuries in this area. Sports like soccer, basketball, volleyball, or athletics (e.g., sprinters) commonly experience aches and traumas. In fact, ankles account for between 15% and 20% of sports injuries, and it's estimated that 73% of cases may recur within the next three years.
The most common injuries are sprains and fractures, but they are not the only ones.
A sprain occurs when the ankle is bent, twisted, or turned unnaturally, stretching the ligaments, which can tear. The external lateral ligaments are the most commonly affected. Sprains are categorized into several grades:
Grade 1 (mild swelling and moderate pain), Grade 2 (immediate moderate swelling), Grade 3 (complete tear of the external ligament).
An ankle fracture, on the other hand, is a bone injury caused by severe trauma, such as car accidents or sudden falls, and depending on the severity, surgery may be required.
Other ankle injuries include: tendinitis, caused by overuse of the joint, commonly seen in athletes; and dislocations, which involve the separation of the bones that form the joint, typically caused by direct trauma (blows, falls, etc.) or forced movements.
Treatment for each injury depends on its severity, but generally, the use of an ankle brace during rehabilitation is essential.
Why an ankle brace?
An ankle brace is placed around the ankle to immobilize it, which is crucial for rehabilitating the affected joint, as it should not be overexerted. It also provides heat and compression to the bones, gradually alleviating pain. They are typically made from semi-rigid materials like nylon, neoprene, or latex, and are fastened with velcro to limit ankle movement.
They are recommended for ankle trauma without fractures, post-surgery synovitis, degenerative osteoarthritis, sprains, or inflammations, among others.
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