What are the common causes of a sprained ankle. How can you identify the symptoms of an ankle sprain. What are the most effective treatment options for a sprained ankle. How long does it typically take to recover from an ankle sprain. What preventive measures can help avoid future ankle sprains.

Understanding Ankle Sprains: Types and Severity Grades

An ankle sprain occurs when one or more ligaments in the ankle joint are stretched beyond their normal range or torn. These ligaments play a crucial role in stabilizing the ankle and preventing excessive movement. Ankle sprains are classified into three grades based on their severity:

• Grade I (Mild): Ligaments are stretched but not torn, with minimal pain and swelling.
• Grade II (Moderate): Partial tearing of ligaments, resulting in moderate pain, swelling, and some joint instability.
• Grade III (Severe): Complete tearing of one or more ligaments, causing severe pain, significant swelling, and joint instability.

Understanding the grade of your sprain is essential for determining the appropriate treatment and recovery plan. A healthcare professional can assess the severity of your sprain through physical examination and, if necessary, imaging tests.

Common Causes and Risk Factors for Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains often result from sudden movements or accidents that force the ankle beyond its normal range of motion. Some common causes include:

• Awkward foot placement when running or stepping
• Landing incorrectly after jumping
• Stepping on uneven surfaces
• Rapid changes in direction during sports activities
• Collisions or impacts during contact sports

Certain factors can increase your risk of experiencing an ankle sprain:

1. Participating in sports, especially those involving quick directional changes
2. Having a history of previous ankle injuries
3. Poor balance or proprioception
4. Wearing inappropriate footwear
5. Weak or tight ankle muscles
6. Being overweight or obese

Are some individuals more prone to ankle sprains? Yes, research suggests that women, children, and teenagers may be at a higher risk of experiencing ankle sprains. This increased susceptibility could be due to factors such as hormonal changes, growth patterns, and differences in muscle strength and coordination.

Recognizing the Symptoms of a Sprained Ankle

Identifying the symptoms of an ankle sprain is crucial for seeking appropriate treatment. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Pain and tenderness around the ankle joint
• Swelling and bruising
• Difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot
• Stiffness and reduced range of motion
• A popping or cracking sound at the time of injury
• Warmth and redness around the affected area

How can you differentiate between a sprained ankle and a fracture? While both injuries can cause similar symptoms, a fracture typically results in more severe pain, especially when touching the bony areas of the ankle. Additionally, a visible deformity or inability to move the ankle at all may indicate a fracture rather than a sprain. When in doubt, it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

Diagnosing Ankle Sprains: What to Expect

When you visit a healthcare provider for a suspected ankle sprain, they will likely perform the following diagnostic steps:

1. Physical examination: The doctor will assess the affected ankle for swelling, tenderness, and range of motion.
2. Medical history: You’ll be asked about the circumstances of the injury and any previous ankle problems.
3. Imaging tests: X-rays may be ordered to rule out fractures. In some cases, additional imaging such as MRI or ultrasound may be necessary to evaluate ligament damage.

During the physical examination, your doctor may perform specific tests to evaluate the stability of your ankle ligaments. These tests help determine the severity of the sprain and guide treatment decisions.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

While many ankle sprains can be managed at home, certain symptoms warrant prompt medical evaluation:

• Severe pain or swelling that doesn’t improve with rest and ice
• Inability to bear any weight on the affected foot
• Visible deformity of the ankle
• Numbness or tingling in the foot or toes
• Signs of infection, such as fever or increased redness and warmth

Seeking timely medical attention can help prevent complications and ensure proper healing of your ankle sprain.

Effective Treatment Strategies for Ankle Sprains

The treatment of ankle sprains typically follows the RICE protocol, which stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. This approach aims to reduce pain, swelling, and promote healing. Here’s a breakdown of each component:

• Rest: Avoid putting weight on the injured ankle and use crutches if necessary.
• Ice: Apply ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
• Compression: Use an elastic bandage to provide support and reduce swelling.
• Elevation: Keep the injured ankle elevated above heart level when possible.

In addition to the RICE protocol, other treatment options may include:

1. Pain management: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
2. Physical therapy: Exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and balance can aid in recovery and prevent future sprains.
3. Supportive devices: Ankle braces or taping may be recommended to provide stability during healing.
4. Surgery: In rare cases of severe ligament tears or chronic instability, surgical intervention may be necessary.

How long does it typically take to recover from an ankle sprain? The recovery time varies depending on the severity of the sprain. Mild sprains may heal within a few weeks, while more severe sprains can take several months to fully recover. It’s crucial to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations and avoid returning to full activity too soon, as this can increase the risk of re-injury.

Rehabilitation and Exercises for Ankle Sprain Recovery

Proper rehabilitation is essential for a full recovery from an ankle sprain and to prevent future injuries. A comprehensive rehabilitation program typically includes:

• Range of motion exercises
• Strengthening exercises for the ankle and lower leg muscles
• Balance and proprioception training
• Gradual return to weight-bearing activities
• Sport-specific exercises for athletes

Here are some examples of exercises that may be included in your rehabilitation program:

1. Ankle alphabet: Trace the letters of the alphabet with your toes to improve flexibility.
2. Calf raises: Stand on your toes and lower back down to strengthen the calf muscles.
3. Resistance band exercises: Use a resistance band to perform ankle movements in different directions.
4. Single-leg balance: Practice standing on one foot to improve balance and proprioception.
5. Heel walks and toe walks: Walk on your heels or toes to strengthen the muscles around the ankle.

It’s important to progress gradually with these exercises and consult a physical therapist or healthcare provider for guidance on the appropriate intensity and frequency for your specific case.

Preventing Future Ankle Sprains: Tips and Strategies

While it’s not always possible to prevent ankle sprains entirely, there are several measures you can take to reduce your risk:

• Wear appropriate footwear for your activities
• Strengthen the muscles around your ankles through regular exercise
• Improve your balance and proprioception
• Use ankle supports or taping during high-risk activities
• Warm up properly before exercise or sports
• Be cautious when walking or running on uneven surfaces

How can athletes reduce their risk of ankle sprains? Athletes can benefit from sport-specific training programs that focus on improving ankle strength, flexibility, and neuromuscular control. Additionally, proper technique and awareness of potential hazards during play can help minimize the risk of injury.

The Role of Proper Footwear in Ankle Sprain Prevention

Choosing the right footwear is crucial for preventing ankle sprains. Consider the following tips when selecting shoes:

1. Ensure a proper fit with adequate support around the ankle
2. Choose shoes designed for your specific activity or sport
3. Replace worn-out shoes regularly
4. Use orthotics or insoles if recommended by a healthcare professional
5. Avoid high heels or shoes with poor stability

By selecting appropriate footwear and maintaining good foot health, you can significantly reduce your risk of experiencing an ankle sprain.

Long-Term Outlook and Potential Complications of Ankle Sprains

Most ankle sprains heal well with proper treatment and rehabilitation. However, some individuals may experience long-term effects or complications, including:

• Chronic ankle instability
• Recurrent sprains
• Persistent pain or stiffness
• Increased risk of osteoarthritis in the ankle joint

What factors contribute to a better long-term outcome after an ankle sprain? Adhering to the recommended treatment plan, completing a full rehabilitation program, and taking preventive measures can significantly improve your chances of a full recovery and reduce the risk of future problems.

When to Consider Additional Interventions

In some cases, persistent ankle issues may require further evaluation and treatment. Consider seeking additional medical advice if:

1. You experience recurrent ankle sprains despite proper rehabilitation
2. You have ongoing pain or instability that affects your daily activities
3. You notice a significant decrease in your ankle’s range of motion or strength
4. You develop signs of arthritis in the ankle joint

Advanced treatments such as specialized physical therapy, custom orthotics, or in rare cases, surgical intervention may be recommended for complex or chronic ankle problems.

By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for ankle sprains, you can take proactive steps to protect your ankle health and maintain an active lifestyle. Remember to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice and treatment plans tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.

Symptoms, Treatment, Recovery Time, & More

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• What Is a Sprained Ankle?
• Sprained Ankle Causes
• Sprained Ankle Risk Factors
• Sprained Ankle Symptoms
• Sprained Ankle Complications
• Sprained Ankle Diagnosis
• Sprained Ankle Treatment
• Sprained Ankle Prevention
• Sprained Ankle Outlook
• Sprained Ankle Pictures
• More

Your ankle joint connects your foot with your lower leg. Three ligaments keep your ankle bones from shifting out of place. A sprained ankle is when one of these ligaments is stretched too far or torn.

Doctors grade ankle sprains by how severe they are:

• Mild (grade I). Your ligaments are stretched but not torn. Your ankle still feels stable. You may have some pain and stiffness.
• Moderate (grade II). One or more ligaments are partially torn. The joint isn’t totally stable, and you can’t move it as much as usual. You have swelling and moderate pain.
• Severe (grade III). One or more ligaments are totally torn, and your ankle is unstable. You have a lot of pain and can’t move it.

Anything that stretches your ankle more than it’s used to can hurt a ligament. This usually happens when your foot is turned inward or twisted, such as when you:

• Plant your foot the wrong way when running, stepping up or down, or doing everyday things like getting out of bed
• Step on an uneven surface, like in a hole
• Step on someone else while playing sports. (For example, your foot might roll when you’re playing basketball, go up for a rebound, and come down on top of another player’s foot.)

Certain people are more likely to sprain their ankles. Women, children, and teenagers tend to have more sprains. You might also be at higher risk if you:

• Play sports, especially on an indoor court
• Have balance problems
• Wear high heels or shoes that don’t fit well
• Have weak or stiff ankles, such as because of a previous injury

The inflammation that comes along with a sprained ankle can cause symptoms including:

• Swelling and bruising. It may be so swollen that you can press on the area with your finger and leave an indent.
• Pain. Your nerves are more sensitive after a sprain. The joint hurts and may throb. It’s often worse when you press on it, move your foot in certain ways, walk, or stand.
• Redness and warmth. A sprain causes more blood to flow to the area.
• Instability. The joint can feel weak when the ligament is totally torn.
• Trouble walking. A sprain may limit how much you can move your ankle.

When to call your doctor

You probably won’t need to see your doctor about a sprain. But give them a call if:

• Your pain is severe or doesn’t get better with over-the-counter medications, elevation, and ice
• You can’t walk, or you have severe pain when you do
• Your ankle doesn’t feel better within 5 to 7 days

You might have a bone fracture instead of a sprain if:

• You have severe pain or pain that doesn’t get better with treatment
• Your foot or ankle is twisted or extremely swollen
• You can’t walk without pain
• You have severe pain when you press your medial malleolus or lateral malleolus, the bony bumps on each side of your ankle

Other problems can develop over time if you don’t treat a sprained ankle, try to do too much before it’s completely healed, or sprain it more than once. These complications include:

• An unstable joint
• Pain
• Arthritis
• Injuring the other ankle because of changes in how you walk

Your doctor will try to rule out a bone fracture or other serious injury. They’ll move your foot and ankle to learn what bones are affected and make sure your nerves and arteries aren’t hurt. They’ll also check that your Achilles tendon, which runs along the back of your ankle, isn’t torn.

You might have X-rays to check for fractures. If your sprain is severe, your doctor may order more imaging tests, including:

• MRI. This can make pictures of things inside your body to show torn ligaments, damaged cartilage, bone chips, and other problems.
• Ultrasound. This shows your doctor what your ligament looks like while you move your ankle.
• CT scan. This uses X-rays and a computer to make detailed pictures of your bones.

Home treatment

Doctors recommend RICE:

• Rest keeps you from hurting the ankle again or putting stress on inflamed tissue. A brace or splint can take pressure off the joint.
• Ice is probably the best treatment. Put it on your ankle to lower blood flow and help with swelling, redness, and warmth. It can prevent inflammation if you do it quickly after an injury.
• Compression can keep down swelling. Use an elastic bandage or wrap until the swelling goes down. Always start wrapping at the point farthest from your heart. Don’t wrap so tightly that you cut off the blood flow.
• Elevation (keeping the injured area up as high as possible) will help your body absorb extra fluid. It’s best to prop your ankle up so that it’s higher than your heart, as with a reclining chair.

Anti-inflammatory pain medications reduce pain and fight swelling. Over-the-counter drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen work for most people. Check with your doctor first if you have other health conditions or take any other medicines.

Medical treatment

If your sprain is severe or isn’t feeling better after about a week, you may need to see a doctor. They might give you a brace or cast to hold your ankle still. You can use crutches to keep weight off it. If you have a severe sprain, have a follow-up appointment 1 or 2 weeks later to make sure you’re healing well and learn whether you might need physical therapy to help with flexibility and strength.

Mild and moderate sprains usually don’t need surgery. You might have it if the sprain is severe or if you’re at higher risk of spraining it again because you play a lot of sports.

A sprained ankle is more likely to get hurt again, so do what you can to lower your risk:

• Keep your ankles strong and flexible. Talk to your doctor or physical therapist about strengthening exercises.
• Wear the right shoes for an activity. Choose stable shoes that support your ankle, such as high-top basketball shoes.
• If you play a sport, you might want to tape up a weak ankle for extra support. Ask your doctor about a brace if you’ve had more than one sprain.
• Be sure the playing field or court is clear of any holes or obstacles.
• Get rid of obstacles or trip hazards in your home and yard.

Most ankle sprains heal with no problems. You should feel much better after 2 weeks. Up to a third of people still have some pain after a year.

Once the swelling has gone down and you can walk without pain, you can probably start exercises to build flexibility and strength. Check with your doctor first.

Media file 1: Ankle sprain. Medial and lateral malleoli, the “bumps” on either side of the ankle. The medial malleolus is formed by the tibia, while the fibula forms the lateral malleolus.

Media file 2: Ankle sprain. Inversion injury of ankle. Note it is turned inward.

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Home Care and Treatment, When to See the Doctor

Home Care and Treatment

During the first few days after injury or onset of pain, protect the ankle against further injury. Use the word “P R I C E” to remember the key points of care:

P – Protect the ankle by using bandages or supports. If there is no broken bone, your child may put weight on the ankle.

R – Rest the ankle as much as possible for the first two to three days. To make the ligaments stronger, do range of motion exercises 3 times a day. Have your child write the alphabet in the air with his toes (Picture 2). Your health care provider may prescribe crutches depending on your child’s ability to walk on the ankle. (See Crutch Walking, HH-II-6.)

I – Ice in a bag may be applied for 15 to 20 minutes every few hours to the ankle for two to three days.  Do not use heat.  To relieve swelling and pain, you may give ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®).  Follow the directions on the bottle.

C – Compression. Use the ankle support advised by the doctor or nurse.  Elastic bandages, splints, ankle braces and crutches can help to rest the ankle.   While using any ankle support, watch for changes in circulation (See the Helping Hand, Circulation Checks, HH-II-60.)

E – Elevation.  Keep the ankle elevated (raised up) above the level of the heart whenever possible, to decrease ankle swelling. This is best done by lying down and propping the foot on pillows.

To Restore Ankle Use

Your child should start exercises as soon as he or she is able bear weight on the foot and walk.  Here are some exercises that should be done to restore ankle use:

Toe raises:  Hold the toes on the edge of a step for 10 seconds. Do this exercise 10 to 12 times, twice each day (Picture 3).

Stretching exercises:  Wrap a towel around the foot. Push down, up and side to side holding the ends of the towel or band (Picture 4). Do this for ____ (minutes), ____ (number of times per day). Put ice on the ankle after each exercise session.

To Regain Ankle Strength

After your child is walking around and is able to move his joints with little pain, have him start to work on balance:

Stand on the injured leg for up to 30 seconds. Practice with the hands held out to the sides or onto a table if needed. Try the exercise with eyes open or closed (Picture 5). 

If your child is active in sports, talk with your child’s coach or gym teacher about exercises for specific sports. Once your child has full range of motion of the ankle and is pain-free, he may go back to full activity.

When to Call the Doctor

Call your child’s doctor if you notice any of the following:

• Pain or swelling gets worse instead of better
• Foot is cold or numb
• Pain is not going away as expected

Call your health care provider and make a follow-up appointment for one to two weeks after the ankle sprain.

If you have any questions, be sure to ask your child’s doctor or nurse.

Ankle Sprain (PDF)

HH-I-265 10/08 Copyright 2008,  Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Templates in management – Marketing on vc.ru

Hello everyone. This is another issue about customer experience management. (P) – Roman Nokhrin – asks questions, (A) – Arsen Dallakyan, managing partner of the consulting company Russian Behavioral Unit – answers.

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(R) In recent years, the most popular words are agile, CJM, framework . I heard: “everyone implements agile” – I don’t know what it is, but I also need it. Everyone hangs CJM on the walls – probably, they also need to draw something on the board. What are these trends and what to do with it and whether to do it?

(A) Roman, straight to the point, to the sore spot.

Reflecting once again on this topic, I thought – why do I have a dislike for the new generation of Product Owners? I am 35 years old, I started my career at the age of 19, so I am already old school for many. I’m not picking on looks, she’s not important , just to form a picture: rolled up jeans, bare ankles, bearded tattooed guys on skateboards in the office. The important thing is that they have a new approach that is not my own. Namely –

regulated and scheduled methodology for the production of products and, in general, any actions within the company.

(R) Presence or absence?

(A) Availability! Everything has a framework, everything has a template, everything has a clear methodology: how we should make a product, how we should stand up, how many minutes to spend, every week or not, and so on. It all came from agile initially, and this is understandable, it’s great, it’s right in itself. We do not sit at meetings for a long time and other sound ideas. But at some point there were too many of them [templates]. And when I talk to a young guy about some product and he says: “That’s it, we custdev’li [castdevil] this hypothesis, went to the fields” – they all say the same words. I say – [where] is there some kind of element of creativity? I don’t even know what to oppose to them – some kind of rejection is brewing inside me.

And so the whole reflection lies in a misunderstanding – why is this ripening in me?

Everything seems to be correct, everything is as it should be, great, everything works like clockwork.

(R) Did you find the cause?

(A) Just groping. Firstly , it seems to me that all this leads to the same type of solutions. Yes, the number of non-working ideas may have decreased, but all working ones work the same way – for a C grade. I don’t see these guys coming up with breakthrough big ideas inside the companies. The maximum that they gave birth to was an improvement or an obvious project that the client needed. Second – under these patterns, approaches, there is a lack of knowledge of the market. Lack of business sense, entrepreneurial spirit.

The gamification of the business process has become so powerful that the business has disappeared. The game remains.

And for them it’s a game. I can’t prove it, I can’t catch them by the hand and say – “you are not an entrepreneur, you are a player.” But it smells. Maybe I’m a retrograde?

But take CJM. CJM is the most overrated tool.

First, what is it? Correctly say customer experience map. Who says the customer journey map is simply impossible. And this is not just a literal translation, it is just a framework approach, when what you see is what you do, without critical reflection. And no way! It’s the experience.

What is it? This is a visualization of a study report. This is an infographic of a classic research report: an in-depth interview or ethnography, then some surveys as a validation of the obtained insights.

How old is an in-depth interview? Probably a hundred years.

How old is ethnography? There are probably two hundred.

How old are polls? Probably a thousand.

Absolutely nothing new. What’s new? Picture on the wall. Visualization. CJM made the visuals hype. Nobody says “let’s do some research so that its report can be visualized in infographics and hung on the wall” anymore. What research can we say so? We don’t even do that with NPS because he’s ugly. But CJM has been acting as an independent, independent project within the company for 4 years already. Expensive – up to 5-7 million leaves.

(P) Development?

(A) Development, yes. Not for correction, but for development and obvious moments of truth. The teams work, build [CJM] for a year and a half and hang it on the wall.

I’m not against CJM – it’s a great tool for measuring behavior. Question for what? Once at [one] bank, I had a conversation with people who wanted to start a CJM building culture there and were looking for someone who could implement it. I have suggested two approaches.

First – we conducted CJM, we identified the jambs – we fix the jambs.

Second, we held CJM, placed positions that should be responsible for improving the quality of interaction with clients, gave them tools and every day, preferably lifetime, but at least once a week we measure how the experience changes with dashboards. And this gives the advantage that people who have never thought about customers before, that is, financiers, logisticians, begin to compare their work on the quality of customer interaction that this brings. And wow!

The first one is boring. I can do the first, I can do the second. They say – ok, let’s think about the first one (and then ordered it in London anyway).

But the story is that everyone is doing only the first thing now. And many were disappointed. Now CJM is a swear word (thank God, finally). Why is it a good instrument?

Because doing research in order to find out something is the most stupid and wrong thing to do

And this is again born because the word CJM (research) is more important than the business task.

When you solve business problems, you conduct research to decide what to do, confirm or disprove your hypothesis.

(R) That is, work for the sake of work turns out?

(A) Well, yes. “ CJM is there? Eat! Well done! So you are a good service designer, you are doing everything right. ”

Second – not only CJM is full. Now [there is] a big wave, in essence correct – human centered – customer orientation. We do not start any action until we go to the client and ask him. In general, a good topic. But when you don’t know where to look, when you don’t know how to ask, when you don’t know how to decompile answers and peel them, you get useless, empty work, walking into the fields and returning with a rotten harvest.

Because you can’t just walk around asking customers. The methodology is correct. And the correct methodology requires immersion and study. Products do not have this, products have an understanding that if I come to my client and ask: “Will you buy such a feature or not?” and he says “yes” – so he will buy, if he says “no” – then he will not buy. He comes back with answers.

(R) Makes such a product, but does not buy.

(A) Of course! It’s one thing to say, another thing to get married.

And what happens? That now the wave of “we run to the client and test everything on the client” as CJM used to, hear me say, a wave of disappointment will cover the renaissance of client-oriented design of products and services.

Because clients lie either to themselves or to you. But they lie all the time.

We are people, we are irrational, we do not know what lies in the motives of our behavior. This is a topic for another issue.

If we talk about template management, by the way, I don’t know what to call it, I want someone smarter than me to write an article about it.

How does all management, which used to be based on in-depth study of processes, knowledge of management, people, etc., classical MBA (how much I dislike MBA), deep knowledge turns into a set of templates?

The set [of templates] is good, when you know the basics, then you just save time. But when you do not know the basics and use only templates, this is a game in its purest form, a board game.

And it’s scary.

For example: the team develops customer value – the main offer for the client. There is an Osterwalder template. It is quite sensible, simplified, but it shows what kind of work your product does, what barriers, what incentives the client seeks. Basically you can use . But when product developers develop a product according to this template, they forget that the same Osterwalder formed the entire business model and he did not mean that customer value should be produced exclusively for the product, not taking into account either sales channels, or communications with customers, or other stages of the entire business. -models.

Customer Value does not exist without a business model.

And they are like this: “Let’s first create an offer, let it be a BMW driven, and then we will think about how to communicate it, where and how to distribute it, and so on. ”

(P) And at the end it may turn out that the target audience, which is used to it, does not want this, the plant is not adapted to build.

(A) The most popular thing is that distribution cannot swallow and convey this value. And it turns out that you may be developing a product in isolation, not bad, but customer value is not only design, but also the proposition and development of this value.

This is a timed process and different chains must be created at the same time. Otherwise, you constantly get an unfinished bridge without the last mile. And customer value is created and begins to fit into any distribution channels, into any communications, just to start working.

(R) But doesn’t start?

(A) Does not usually start.

If you prefer to watch the video version of the conversation, follow the link and subscribe to the channel.

10 minutes of listening instead of 5 minutes of reading

What to do if you sprained your leg

Author:

Alorous

08 August 2020 08:24

Tags: interesting  medicine  legs  twisted  advice  facts  

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and you can twist your leg, and at all, almost “out of the blue”. Foot twists are, so to speak, an ordinary injury to the ankle joint, which can be obtained not only in sports, but also in everyday life, just when walking, putting your foot at an angle. Most often, such a nuisance does not have serious consequences: the ankle aches a little, but the discomfort quickly passes. But sometimes the consequences can be much more serious.

Source:

If the injured leg hurts a lot, and the unpleasant symptoms are supplemented by swelling, deformity or discoloration of the limb, then, most likely, medical attention is indispensable. Therefore, it is very important to know what to do if you sprained your leg, how to determine the severity of the injury, what should be the first aid for a dislocated foot, and which specialist should be contacted.

Source:

Causes of pain and swelling in the ankle

The ankle or ankle is the articulation of the bones of the lower leg with the bones of the foot. Allocate medial or internal ankle and lateral – external. Visually, it looks like bony growths on the outer and inner sides of the foot. Together they form a kind of stabilizing “fork” of the ankle joint, through which the weight of the body is transferred to the joint. Ankle and ankle injuries are considered the most common injuries of the musculoskeletal system.

Swelling and discomfort in the ankle area is a common phenomenon, it can be faced by any person, regardless of gender and age. The reason for this is not only injuries, but also excessive loads or internal pathological processes. One or both ankles can swell, while there are three conditions of the limb: normal, edematous and neglected (untreated) form. Among the most common causes of pain and swelling are:

• Injuries of varying severity: damage to the ligaments of the ankle joint, dislocations, sprains, bruises and even fractures.
• Thrombosis, in which clots form inside the blood vessels, preventing normal blood circulation. Edema occurs when the disease progresses, flowing into the inflammatory process – thrombophlebitis.
• Inflammatory lesions of the joints. The development of arthritis or arthrosis, provoke the accumulation of intercellular fluid.
• Infectious lesions and skin diseases.
• Manifestations of allergic reactions.
• Toxic lesions.
• Edema of renal origin. They can quickly appear and disappear, more pronounced in the morning.
• Disorders of the autonomic nervous system, problems with nervous regulation.
• Also, swelling and pain can provoke pregnancy, overweight and a sedentary lifestyle.

Source:

Types of dislocation of the foot

A dislocation can involve any of the joints in the foot. Often, an injury can have complications in the form of sprain or rupture of ligaments, violations of the integrity of bones and intra-articular fractures. In accordance with the anatomical structure of the ankle, the following types of subluxation are distinguished:

• Ankle joint inversion: forward, backward, inward, outward or even upward. As a rule, it is accompanied by partial damage to the ligaments. Complete dislocation of the foot is accompanied by intra-articular fractures.
• Injuries of the subtalar joint. Such injuries are not so common, due to the strength of the articular joint. You can get them, perhaps, when falling or jumping from a height with an emphasis on the feet, as well as through indirect action – if you turn your ankle inward.
• Tarsal dislocation (Chopard’s joint). Also a rather rare occurrence, it occurs when the leg is turned, when the forefoot is fixed. With such damage to the joints, pain cannot be avoided, severe swelling and deformity also occur, with impaired circulation of the limb.
• Injury of the metatarsal bones of the Lisfranc joint. The dislocation can be incomplete, with the displacement of part of the metatarsal bones, and complete, when the position of all the bones of the joint changes.
• Dislocations of the joints of the toes. Most often, athletes encounter this, but in everyday life, fingers can be injured by tripping or hitting a hard surface.

Source:

Ankle dislocation

Injury to the foot in everyday life is actually quite easy, despite the fact that the ankle joint is quite mobile and has its own protective mechanisms. But, alas, no one is immune from tucking their legs. Complete dislocation is rare and is usually accompanied by a fracture. Partial dislocation is often called sprains and tears of the ligaments with an insignificant displacement of the joints.

Obtaining such injuries can be the result of subluxation: household, during sports or as a result of an industrial injury. There are 4 main types:

• The first and most common is external. Often accompanied by a fracture of the outer ankle.
• Internal dislocation may be associated with a fracture of the medial ankle.
• Posterior inversion is sometimes accompanied by damage to the posterior edge of the tibia.
• Front – the rarest. May be associated with fractures of the lower third of the tibia.

The main symptoms are: severe pain, swelling and cyanosis of tissues, possible bruising.

Subtalar dislocation

The phenomenon, as we have already noted, is quite rare, occurs as a result of a sharp, traumatic turn, when the foot is in an unnatural position. It is mainly accompanied by ruptures of ligaments and nerves, as well as damage to adjacent joints. Clinical manifestations will largely depend on the severity of the injury. The ankle can hurt a lot, but tolerable, the ankle swells, deforms, but the mobility of the joint can be partially or even completely preserved.

Doctors should deal with the diagnosis. In order to rule out associated fractures, x-rays are usually prescribed. Subtalar dislocation is usually reduced under anesthesia or local anesthesia, followed by the imposition of a plaster splint for a period of a month or a half.

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Dislocation of the bones of the metatarsus

Damage to the Lisfranc joint is also rare and is divided into complete – with displacement of all bones of the metatarsus, and partial – with displacement of individual bones. Accompanied by acute pain, as well as shortening and severe swelling of the foot. It is set under general or local anesthesia. As a treatment, long-term wearing of splints (up to two months), physiotherapy and orthopedic shoes can be prescribed.

Sometimes the cause of such injuries is congenital dysplastic instability of the tarsometatarsal joint. It manifests itself in the form of an uneven structure of the articular facets, in which one part of the articulating surface is flattened, and the second is curved. The direction and strength of the displacement depends not only on the anatomy, but also on the traumatic force, leg position and muscle balance.

Dislocation of the tarsal bones

Injuries of the tarsal bones in the transverse Chopard joint can occur due to a sharp turn of the foot during a high-energy injury (jump from a height or fall with emphasis on the ankle). Depending on the traumatic force and the direction of its impact, there are:

• Downward force resulting in plantar dislocation or fracture in the talonavicular and calcaneal joints.
• An outside-in force (most common) causing medial forefoot or midfoot displacement. It causes damage to the so-called jumping ligament, which is often complicated by a fracture of the talus and calcaneus.
• Force acting from the inside out, leading to displacement and compression of the bones of the anterior or middle sections in the lateral direction.
• A force acting axially along the axis of the foot, resulting in displacements or provoking fractures.

Dislocations of the phalanges of the fingers

It is a damage to the musculoskeletal system, the outcome of which largely depends on the correct diagnosis and timely treatment. It is often found in everyday life, because you can dislocate your toe, tritely, by hitting the leg of the sofa. There are two main types:

• interphalangeal dislocation;
• as well as dislocation in the metatarsophalangeal joint.

Depending on the orientation, the offset can be towards the sole, towards the back or towards the side. Most often, the phalanges of the thumbs or little fingers are injured and displaced. The middle fingers are the least likely to be injured due to their protected central position.

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Diagnosis

Successful treatment of any injury largely depends on correct and timely diagnosis. The diagnosis of ankle injury is made on the basis of the nature and mechanism of the traumatic effect, the general clinical picture, as well as ultrasound and X-ray examination of the damaged area in two projections. According to the indications, MRI and CT scans may be prescribed.

Sometimes, for clarification, special examinations “images with a load” are also prescribed, when the foot is given the desired position in which certain ligaments are tensed (external, internal, lateral or tibiofibular syndesmosis). This helps to more accurately determine the site and degree of damage to the ligamentous apparatus. In some difficult cases, arthrography may also be required to determine damage to the ankle capsule and ligaments.

Ultrasound

This is the safest and most informative method of research for determining the condition of tissues and ligaments in almost any injury. Among other advantages of this technique, one can note its non-invasiveness, as well as the absence of radiation exposure. Ultrasound of the ankle and foot helps to create a detailed picture of the state of all structures. You can scan with ultrasound not only muscles, but also ligaments, tendons and cartilage. With the help of the diagnostics, in most cases it is possible to detect even minor pathological changes.

In addition, a highly sensitive linear ultrasound probe allows you to accurately locate the focus of inflammation, hematoma or fluid accumulation. In the process of scanning the tendons, ligaments and plantar aponeurosis, their structure, size, contours, as well as transitions into muscle tissue are evaluated.

Ultrasound examination by the attending physician selects the most suitable conservative treatment for the patient, performs a high-precision surgical operation or removes blood, pus and other fluid from the joint with a thin needle, followed by the administration of medicine (if necessary).

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Magnetic resonance imaging

Special contrast agents and/or sedation may be used during an MRI scan. The former help to better visualize the picture, while the latter are designed to relax and calm the patient (assigned, for example, to hyperactive children or people with claustrophobia). The main advantages of this technique include:

• Opportunity to examine each tissue section in detail.
• Safety and the most informative of all methods of modern diagnostics.
• Excellent visualization of dense (as in X-ray) and soft (as in ultrasound) tissues.
• Can be used for multiple examinations.

The disadvantages include the high cost of such an examination, as well as a number of contraindications. For example, MRI is not done to people who have electronic implants, metal prostheses, artificial heart valves, pacemakers, and so on in their bodies.

How to deal with an ankle injury

Often, a domestic injury such as a “twisted leg” or a “stumble” can lurk serious injuries that will not go away on their own and require immediate hospitalization. And so, if you twisted your leg to the side, forward or backward, you don’t know what to do, then:

• First of all, stop and concentrate on your feelings.
• When the damage is not serious, then the pain that has arisen will begin to subside quickly and will disappear completely in thirty seconds or a minute.
• If the pain is sharp, severe and there is no relief, this indicates a more serious injury.
• If, after an hour of resting, the limb does not stop hurting, the pain increases when touched, swelling appears, the color of the tissues changes, or atypical mobility appears, then you should seek medical help.

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First aid

The leg can turn up at any time and in any place. Therefore, in order to safely cure the ankle, and in the future to avoid the occurrence and progression of pathological processes, it is important to provide the victim with first aid correctly and in a timely manner.

• Immobilize and fix the injured leg with a splint.
• Apply ice to reduce swelling.
• For severe persistent pain, administer pain medication to the victim.
• Call an ambulance or take the injured person to the hospital by placing the injured limb along the seat.

Ointments with anti-inflammatory formulas

Minor injuries can usually be treated at home according to a comprehensive program selected by the doctor. With sprains and bruises, anti-inflammatory ointments with various active ingredients are prescribed.

• Analgesics: Nise or Nimesulide.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (oxicam): Finalgel, Piroxicam (gel or ointment).
• Preparations with ketaprofen: Fastumgel, Ketonal.
• Propionic acid ointments: Nurofen, DeepRelief, or Ibuprofen.
• Gels and ointments based on indoleacetic acid: Indomethacin and Indovazin.
• Also based on phenylacetic acid: Volterene, Diklakgel and Diklovit.

Decongestants

Anticoagulants are prescribed to reduce swelling and swelling:

• Heparin ointment promotes the resorption of hematomas, reduces swelling, and also prevents the formation of blood clots.
• Troxevasin is an excellent microcirculation corrector and reduces the area of ​​edema.
• Lyoton 1000 has a high concentration of heparin, and, in addition to the above properties, inhibits catarrhal processes.

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Ankle sprain warming ointments

These are usually given a few days after the start of treatment to improve local blood flow and metabolism.

• Zhivokost – gel with tannins and vitamin E to activate nerve endings and reduce pain.
• Apizatron – ointment with bee venom to increase the elasticity of muscles and ligaments.
• Kapsikam – ointment with camphor and turpentine, has warming and analgesic properties.

Chondroprotectors for joints

They are prescribed for inflammation, to reduce the risk of degenerative processes. Such drugs:

• relieve puffiness;
• reduce inflammation;
• accelerate metabolic processes in bones and tissues;
• restore the elasticity of the ligaments;
• accelerate the synthesis of proteins and hyaluronic acid.

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Treatment of pain in the ankle from the outside and inside

If the examination did not reveal a fracture, rupture of ligaments or other serious injuries, but pain in the ankle persists, then the patient may be prescribed painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as wearing splints. If an accumulation of fluid is found in the joint, it is pumped out with the subsequent appointment of therapy to prevent relapse. Ankle injuries are usually treated by a traumatologist, orthopedist, arthrologist, vertebrologist, but in some cases it is required to make an appointment with a neurologist.

Possible consequences of dislocation

If the integrity and correct position of the joint are violated, there is pressure on adjacent vessels, as well as nerve endings. Therefore, if you do not seek qualified help in a timely manner, this can lead to complications in the form of:

• the development of arthritis and arthrosis;
• irreversible changes in muscles, tendons and ligaments;
• increased risk of re-injury.

Do’s and Don’ts

Severe pain, swelling, deformity and discoloration of the limb indicate that the injury will not go away on its own. We have already described how to provide first aid to the victim, now we will consider what is strongly not recommended.

• Do not try to correct the dislocation yourself, because it can be a fracture, which is almost impossible to determine by eye.
• Do not waste time. Serious damage can be accompanied not only by swelling, but also by internal bleeding. The longer you wait, the more fluid will accumulate near or inside the joint.
• Do not self-medicate.

Recovery after dislocation of the foot

Depending on the severity of the injury, the rehabilitation period can be significantly delayed. Recovery is taking place in stages.

• In the first few days, the patient is advised to have maximum rest for the injured limb.
• Splints are prescribed for several weeks (months).