A ankle strain is an overstretching of the ligament without disruption of the integrity of its fibers or avulsion from its bony attachment. An ankle sprain denotes a tear to a ligament. Sprains are classified I-III, depending upon the severity of the tear to the ligament. There is usually a “pop” sound at injury with swelling within a few minutes. The most common injury is an inversion sprain (the bottom of the foot turns inward); the anterior talofibular ligament is the ligament most frequently torn. Eversion sprains occur in the opposite direction, involving the deltoid ligament, the stabilizing ligament on the medial (inside) portion of the ankle and subtalar joints.
With an inversion sprain, recurrent sprains and instability of the ligament are not uncommon (see Weak Ankles). Chronic instability is rarely a problem in eversion injuries.
Sprains of the midfoot, in the area of the tarsometatarsal joint or Lisfranc joint, involve a twisting force on the midfoot with a plantar-flexion force on the joint, such as falling backward on a sailboard with the foot strapped to the board, or a strong force, such as being stepped on during sports. These injuries are generally slow to resolve. This is described more fully in Lisfranc Joint Injury.
Other names or similar foot conditions:
- Inversion sprain (anterior talofibular ligament)
- Eversion sprain (deltoid ligament)
- Lisfranc joint sprain (midfoot)
Symptoms:
- Swelling and bruising
- Pain
- Reduced range of motion in ankle
Signs to look for:
- Pain
- Swelling and bruising
- Reduced range of motion in ankle
Possible Causes:
- Injury
Goals:
- Medical treatment or RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation)
- Create or restore optimal foot motion and gait
- Restore balance
- Footwear that protects ankles and feet
How We Help:
Arch Supports:
- BioOrthotic exercising arch support with metatarsal lift (introduce as symptoms recede)
- Lower and thinner arch support with longitudinal and metatarsal support for use when shoes cannot accommodate the BioOrthotic exercising support
Shoes:
- Extra depth, double or triple depth shoe with high toe box, firm heel counter, rocker sole and connecting shank
- Smart footwear, such as heel to toe and workout rockers, negative heel shoes, non-flexible forefoot shoes and shoes with titanium springs
- Avoid flip-flops during recovery. Only wear sandals with a back and only the Orthaheel, Alegria or Aetrex brand
- Avoid high heels and wear only as absolutely necessary before and after healing
Other:
- Lace-up bracing while exercising while healing or while walking on uneven ground
- Compression hosiery products to keep swelling down
Activities:
- Medical treatment or RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation)
- Rotate weight bearing exercises, such as walking or jogging, with non-weight bearing exercising, such as swimming or bicycling
This information does not constitute a diagnosis of your condition and does not take the place of a doctor’s care. The information has been compiled from sources available to the general public and referenced below. Copyright 2005-2011 Carole Romig
Sources Image: McKinley.uiuc.edu (University of Illinois) Text: D. Janisse, CPed, Editor, Introduction to Pedorthics, R. Cailliet, MD, Foot and Ankle Pain