Ankle Injuries - Minor Injury or Major Problem?
By Tegan Hailey
Ankle injuries are one of the most common injuries in the world, and although they are usually seen in sports, they are also very prevalent amongst the general population. But due to their often textbook presentation and quick resolution of symptoms, they tend to be forgotten about once the initial pain has gone, or are usually left to fend for themselves as they continue to heal over time. For many, an ankle sprain for example is viewed as a minor injury. Whilst this may be true for some of the population, a large number of ankle injuries often lead to persistent problems including increased laxity, long-standing pain, and chronic instability. Did you know that following an initial ankle injury the risk of re-injury increases by up to 70%. In fact, ankle injuries are also noted to be among the most common recurrent injuries within sport, with evidence indicating increased likelihood of a second sprain within one year post initial injury (1).
Although they are often regarded as minor injuries that require limited treatment or intervention, the high rate of re-injury is suggestive of ongoing dysfunctions. For many recurrent injuries often leads to persistent debilitation and residual symptoms. Whilst the ankle is supported by three main structures; bone, muscle and ligament, it is the ligaments that are often the cause of pain, as a result of being over-stretched or damaged. Damage to the ankle results in increased laxity (looseness), or the feeling/readiness for the ankle to ‘give way’. As a result of increased laxity, the muscles around the joint try to provide the extra stability that is no longer being supported by the ligaments. Decreased balance is frequently seen following ankle injuries and in individuals with chronic ankle instability. This is where an effective rehabilitation program comes into play.
Appropriate rehabilitation that is carried through even after the initial symptoms have long gone, is vital. As strength, motor control and proprioception are all important components of balance and having a stable foundation in which the rest of the body relies on. Retraining and strengthening your ankle after injury is very important, and usually revolve around some kind of strengthening, motor control and proprioception training. Proprioception is the ability to detect where and how your body is positioned, and enables us to quickly detect and respond to unexpected movement, such as that feeling before you roll your ankle. The bonus of having good proprioception and balance creates a greater chance of preventing re-injury. Rehabilitation programs, such as the physitrack programs you may have been prescribed have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of recurrent ankle injuries.
For more information about how to manage ankle injuries, please contact your osteopath.
Palmer-Green D, Batt M, Scammell B. Simple advice for a simple ankle sprain? The not so benign ankle injury. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. 2016;24(6):947-948.
