Ankle Pain

There are many causes of ankle pain, ranging from injuries to overuse to joint problems. Accurate diagnosis of the cause is vital for effective treatment. This is often done through physical examination, though in some cases imaging tools such as x-rays and ultrasounds may be needed.

In order to restore complete ankle strength, appropriate rehabilitation, that is in line with the extent of the damage, is needed. Otherwise, even if the pain settles down, it may lack adequate strength and thus can be vulnerable to further damage. In particular as ligaments are fibrous tissue with restricted healing capabilities, without proper care and rehabilitation, risk of re-occurrence of an ankle injury is up to 70%.

 

​At Malvern foot and ankle clinic our lower leg experts can help tailor a customized rehabilitation plan, to get you back on your feet!

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ANKLE INJURY & SPRAINS

The severity of the injury can result in differing outcomes from a mild stretch of ankle ligaments and tendons during a sprain to complete tear of ligaments. The 3 grades of sprains are :

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• Grade I - Stretching of some ligament fibers with few possible minor tears. Pain and swelling are usually mild.

• Grade II – Significant stretch and/or tear of 2 or more ligaments. Pain and swelling moderate with bruising.

• Grade III – Complete tear of 1 or more ligaments, with further damage to surrounding structures. Muscular and bone damage (fracture) is likely to occur. Severe pain, bruising, and swelling is common; with inability to weight- bear on that ankle for more than 5 steps.
  Grade III sprains often require immobilization and in more serious cases surgery.
  
  
                                                                      Treatment
  
        Treatment varies in line with the grade of sprain, and thus medical advice from an experienced healthcare professional should be obtained first.
   

• RICE technique as bellow immediately following a sprain:
  
  Rest - Avoid activities that lead to pain for at least a week.
  Ice - In the first 3 days, ice in intervals of 10-15 minutes particularly when pain is present.
  Compress ( Your podiatrist will either tape the area and or recommend compression sleeves)
  Elevate - pillow may be placed under the impacted ankle
  
  
                         Rehabilitation steps once swelling and acute pain has settled:
  
                                     

• Exercises that maintains and promotes joint range of motion and muscle flexibility

• Stability and balance exercises

• Strength training of the muscles and structures around the injured ankle to support and prevent further injury. 

• Balance and stability exercises

• Stretching – ankle and posterior leg musculature

• Shock-wave therapy particularly if muscle/tendon strain is involved

• Correction of any bio-mechanical problems and or uneven weight bearing across lower legs. 

• Gradual return to exercise and training – paying attention to pain and discomfort.
  
  
  For more information visit or contact us at Malvern foot and ankle podiatry clinic.