Ankle sprain, is one of the most common injuries of the leg and involves injury or stretching of the tendons of the joint, the tissues that connect the bones.
Usually, sprains are caused by excessive pressure on the joint, which can result from a misstep, a sharp turn of the foot on uneven ground or contact with a hard object, a fall from a short height or during sports activities.
This injury can range from mild, with slight pain, swelling and lack of support, to severe, with complete rupture of the ligaments and a small or large haematoma. It is an injury that can happen to anyone, even people who do not play sports regularly.
Conservative treatment of a simple sprain involves leg bandage or the use of special orthoses (such as air splints), elevation of the foot and application of ice on the spot, an approach that is usually sufficient for recovery within a few days. However, in more severe cases, where the damage to the ligaments or bones is greater, longer recovery time is required. If the orthopaedic surgeon reckons it is necessary, surgery may be required to fully repair the joint.
The diagnosis of a sprain begins with a clinical examination, during which the doctor assesses the injured joint and the degree of swelling. If the pain is severe and a fracture is suspected, an X-ray will be requested to rule out the presence of a fracture, which may be causing similar symptoms. To accurately assess the ligaments and determine the degree of sprain, an MRI scan is required.
The symptoms of ankle sprain vary depending on the degree of injury and the individual case. They usually include severe pain in the ankle area, hematoma (usually small in size), and swelling in the injured area. The patient may experience difficulty walking, limited range of motion of the joint, and a feeling of instability in the foot, which can affect balance.