Archive for Ankle
Ankle Sprains
Posted by: | CommentsAnkle sprains are about as common as shopping carts at the grocery store. Take a wrong step, walk on uneven ground, or be active in athletics, and sooner or later, you will probably have an ankle sprain. By definition, an ankle sprain is a type of injury involving some degree of ligamentous trauma, be it over stretching, partial rupture, or total tear. Along with this ligament injury is some level of ankle joint instability, which can become an invitation for future reinjury and weakness. Ankle sprains usually involve either the inside or outside aspects with the outer variety being the much more prevalent type due to its weaker structures and greater tendency for injury. The typical presentation of an ankle injury is acute pain, swelling, bluish-black bruising or discoloration, loss of motion, and one’s inability to weight-bear without discomfort. A thorough examination by a specialist is recommended in order to rule out other problems such as fractures, tendon ruptures, and discolorations.
The actual cause of an ankle sprain is trauma that creates excessive strain, stretching or tension on the inherent ligamentous structures resulting in subsequent injuries and disability. The ankle joint will only move so far and then something has to give. In certain isolated cases, a bone will fracture but in the vast majority of cases, a ligament is over stretched, partially tears, or totally ruptures. Pain is the unmistakable common denominator with simple weight-bearing often becoming an impossible task. The trained specialist in his or her examination will be able to largely assess the degree of injury, the probable mechanism of injury, and the chances for partial to total recovery.
The treatment approach to a sprained ankle is largely determined by how soon after the injury it is seen. Assuming that we are dealing with a fresh injury seen within hours to a few days of the trauma, our first line of treatment should be directed at reducing the soft tissue swelling. Immobilizing the injury site is used to limit unnecessary motion along with rest, elevation, ice, and compression to reduce the pain. Physical therapy and rehabilitation are then used to reestablish ankle joint stability and strength. Orthotics and braces are sometimes used for the purpose of supporting the foot and ankle while reducing any allowable abnormal range of motion. Surgery is occasionally used to strengthen the ankle joint ligaments in those cases involving chronic instability and a frequent history of sprains. Too often under addressed ankle sprains lead to a laxity of the ankle anatomy and recurrence of these ankle sprains can become more frequent.
Peroneal Tendon Injuries
Posted by: | CommentsPeroneal tendons are two tendons that support two important foot muscles (peroneus brevis and peroneus longus) that originate on the outside of the calves. These two muscles allow you to roll to the outside of the foot while standing.
Peroneal tendons are also called stirrup tendons because they help hold up the arch of the foot. The two muscles are held in place by a band of tissue, called the peroneal retinaculum. Injury to the retinaculum can cause this tissue to stretch or tear. When this happens, the peroneal tendons can dislocate from their groove on the back of the fibula. The tendons can be seen to roll over the outside of the fibula, which damages the tendons.
Skiing, football, basketball, and soccer are the most common sports activities leading to peroneal tendon dislocation. In some cases, ankle sprains have also caused this condition. Patients usually have to use crutches after such an injury, in order to allow the retinaculum tissue to heal and the tendons to move back to their natural position on the fibula. Sometimes a splint or compression bandage is applied to decrease swelling. Anti-inflammatory medications and ice are often part of the treatment. Note: Please consult your physician before taking any medications.
In moderate to severe cases of injury, when the peroneal retinaculum is torn or severely stretched and susceptible to dislocation, surgery may be required.
Ankle Sprain – Ankle Pain in Nacogdoches Texas
Posted by: | CommentsAnkle sprains are about as common as shopping carts at the grocery store. Take a wrong step, walk on uneven ground, or be active in athletics, and sooner or later, you will probably have an ankle sprain. By definition, an ankle sprain is a type of injury involving some degree of ligamentous trauma, be it over stretching, partial rupture, or total tear. Along with this ligament injury is some level of ankle joint instability, which can become an invitation for future reinjury and weakness. Ankle sprains usually involve either the inside or outside aspects with the outer variety being the much more prevalent type due to its weaker structures and greater tendency for injury. The typical presentation of an ankle injury is acute pain, swelling, bluish-black bruising or discoloration, loss of motion, and one’s inability to weight-bear without discomfort. A thorough examination by a specialist is recommended in order to rule out other problems such as fractures, tendon ruptures, and discolorations.
The actual cause of an ankle sprain is trauma that creates excessive strain, stretching or tension on the inherent ligamentous structures resulting in subsequent injuries and disability. The ankle joint will only move so far and then something has to give. In certain isolated cases, a bone will fracture but in the vast majority of cases, a ligament is over stretched, partially tears, or totally ruptures. Pain is the unmistakable common denominator with simple weight-bearing often becoming an impossible task. The trained specialist in his or her examination will be able to largely assess the degree of injury, the probable mechanism of injury, and the chances for partial to total recovery.
The treatment approach to a sprained ankle is largely determined by how soon after the injury it is seen. Assuming that we are dealing with a fresh injury seen within hours to a few days of the trauma, our first line of treatment should be directed at reducing the soft tissue swelling. Immobilizing the injury site is used to limit unnecessary motion along with rest, elevation, ice, and compression to reduce the pain. Physical therapy and rehabilitation are then used to reestablish ankle joint stability and strength. Orthotics are sometimes used for the purpose of supporting the foot and ankle while reducing any allowable abnormal range of motion. Surgery is occasionally used to strengthen the ankle joint ligaments in those cases involving chronic instability and a frequent history of sprains.
