Medical expert of the article
New publications
Ankle ligament rupture
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
The rupture of the ligaments of the ankle is a very common injury, especially in sports practice and during ice. You need to be careful not to get this damage.
[1],
Causes of ankle ligament rupture
The ankle takes over the weight of the body when walking. The ankle joint has a unique structure, and the fact that we often get his injuries can be explained by our way of life. We move little and because of this we get a rupture of the ankle ligaments even with small falls. The severity of the injury always depends on the age. The older the person, the greater the risk of injury. The cause of injury can be walking on his heels or practicing some sports: jogging, jumping. Some people simply have such a special structure of ligaments, which makes them extensible.
Symptoms of ankle ligament rupture
The rupture of the ligaments of the ankle is accompanied by pain, swelling and instability in this area. Even if there is no strong swelling, treatment is required. With a re-injury, edema may not be present, but the feeling of instability is amplified. With a complete rupture of the ligament, the pain is unbearable and it becomes impossible to walk. There is swelling of the ankle and hemarthrosis - a hemorrhage in the joint. On the x-ray, you can find pieces of bone tissue that come off when the ligament is damaged. A complete rupture of the ligament often accompanies subluxations and dislocations of the ankle. With easier injuries (the second degree of rupture, partial rupture) you can walk, but the patient experiences moderate pain while walking, limping.
Partial rupture of ankle ligaments
As it is clear from the title, the ankle joint connects the foot and the shin and provides a person with a straight leg. If you suspect a rupture of the ankle ligaments, even partial, you must immediately attach ice to the injured area. Treatment of partial rupture of ligaments should be started immediately after the injury. Duration of treatment, usually up to 3 weeks. The operation to restore the ligament is not required. It is enough to wear an elastic bandage or a langet. Try to put your foot as high as possible, for example, on several pillows. The pain will decrease. You can not go to sauna and bath during treatment. Massage and exercise therapy are shown during the rehabilitation phase. It begins already in a day at a break of 1 degree. At the second degree - after 2-3 days should begin to do the exercises. NSAIDs can not be used for more than 10 days. Diclofenac, Ibuprofen increase the risk of getting a stomach ulcer. 100-150 mg of diclofenac in tablets should be divided into 2-3 doses. To children the dose is calculated as follows: 1-2 mg / kg of the child's weight. Also need to divide the dose into 2 divided doses.
Where does it hurt?
Effects of ankle ligament rupture
A rupture of the ankle can lead to subluxation and dislocation, often this injury also accompanies fractures. The consequences of improper treatment of ankle ligament rupture can bother the patient for many years. They are manifested most often by the instability of the joint or the development of its arthrosis, a condition in which the articular cartilage is prematurely worn out. All you need is to make the correct diagnosis in time.
Diagnosis of ankle ligament rupture
Diagnosis of any injury begins with the patient's questioning. The doctor assesses the mechanism of injury. If the ankle is damaged, the patient hears a crunch or crack, feels pain and becomes aware that there was a hemorrhage in the joint, a swelling, sometimes the size of a chicken egg, appears. On X-ray, if there is no detachment of the ligament, there is no change. If there was a ligament detachment, you can see fragments of bone tissue that come off together with a bunch. Therefore, the most informative method of investigation for suspected ligament rupture is MRI. If there is no possibility to make MRT, spend ultrasound.
What do need to examine?
How to examine?
Who to contact?
Treatment of ankle ligament rupture
Injuries to the ankle - the problem of many athletes, and not only them. Physically unprepared people often get injured due to weakness of muscles and connective tissue.
What to do with this injury? In the first day, you must always apply ice for 10 minutes every hour. Fingers should not be dumb and cold. You can drink Ibuprofen tablets by dividing the dose 1.6 several times. There may be side effects in the form of nausea, constipation, diarrhea, headache. Do not use for pain relief Ibuprofen, if you have a stomach ulcer or diseased kidney or liver with marked disruption of their work.
You can use menthol ointment for local treatment. You just need to apply a strip of ointment for damage and rub. It will cool and relieve pain.
From 4 days we begin massage, physiotherapy and joint development, but not through pain. Stand on your toes and go back 20 times. Gradually increase the load. In a week or a little later you can start running a little, if you were engaged in any kind of sport.
Recovery after ankle ligament rupture
The rupture of the ankle joints can be cured by exercises, but they need to start, only when the acute pain has already left. If the ligaments are damaged, the sense of balance is disturbed, we must restore it. No massage and warming up is not conducive to this, only physical education. After removing the gypsum, you still need to wear a bandage for a while.
Here are some exercises.
Press down the fitball against the wall, crouch, holding the ball.
Walk around the room, turning your heels in and out.
Lying on your back, do the exercise "bike".
Sitting on a chair, roll the ball on the floor.
With support on the heel, pull the sock to yourself and from yourself.
Rotate the foot while sitting on the floor.
Sitting on the table, hang your legs. Hang a 1 kg weight to your leg and lift it with your toe.
Put a rag on the floor, grab it with your toes of a sore leg and lift it up.
Prevention of ankle ligament rupture
The rupture of the ankle joints can be easily prevented if certain conditions are observed:
- Wear good comfortable shoes, and leave your heels for special occasions.
- Be engaged in strengthening of peroneal muscles, do not allow muscles to atrophy.
- When playing sports, choose high sneakers with a hard back and a rigid arch support.
- Remember that in women the ligaments are weaker and the risk of injury is higher.
- Also, be careful if you have a high arch of the foot or a different length of legs.
With the diagnosis of "ankle ligament rupture" you can recover completely without any consequences if you contact the emergency center in time and follow the doctor's instructions.