Ankle Injuries
Achilles Tendon Rupture
Caused by a forceful sudden contraction that can cause tension in the tendon that is too great and the tendon fails. The result is immediate inability to push off with the injured leg during ambulation. The defect may be visible or palpable. There is tenderness, warmth, swelling, and weakness. Achilles Tendon injuries result in significant changes in the gait, which impairs the ability to walk, run, and jump normally.
Achilles Tendon Strain
This injury may be mild to severe. Signs and symptoms include pain and weakness. Achilles Tendon injuries result in significant changes in the gait, which impairs the ability to walk, run, and jump normally.
Achilles Tendonitis
Most cases are traced to overuse injuries. Individuals describe pain as “burning” and radiating along the tendon. The area is tender to the touch. This condition may be a result of tightness in the gastrocnemius-soleus muscle group. Achilles Tendon injuries result in significant changes in the gait, which impairs the ability to walk, run, and jump normally.
Ankle Dislocation
Result from excessive rotation combined with inversion or eversion. There is major disruption of the joint capsule and associated ligaments and often have an associated fracture. There is immediate pain and loss of unction, and the foot may be grossly malaligned.
Eversion Ankle Sprain
Generally caused by sudden lateral or medial twists. This injury can be more painful and take longer to heal than a fracture. Eversion ankle sprains represent less than 10% of all ankle sprains, but are more serious than lateral ankle sprains. An avulsion fracture of the medial malleolus occurs on 15% of the cases. Depending on the degree of injury, the individual complain of pain in the foot and lower leg, and usually is unable to bear weight.
Lateral Ankle Sprain
Generally caused by sudden lateral or medial twists. This injury can be more painful and take longer to heal than a fracture. In a lateral ankle sprain, the injury is graded by the ligament or ligaments involved. Grade I is the most common and is the result of the mild stretching of one ligament. Mild pain and disability will result. There may be slight point tenderness and swelling over the ligament. Grade II results in the involvement of two ligaments. The individual often complains that a tearing sensation or a pop or snap was felt. Weight bearing is difficult. There is tenderness and edema with blood in the joint, exhibited by discoloration (black-and-blue). Grade III is caused by severe force to the ankle, which can often cause the ankle to subluxate and then spontaneously become reduced. The individual complains of severe pain, and swelling is diffused along with discoloration. It is impossible to bear weight and there is a major loss of function.
Peroneal Tendon Subluxation/Dislocation
This injury often occurs with turning and sharply cutting motions to the foot and ankle. A moderate to severe inversion ankle sprain can tear the tissue that holds this tendon in place, allowing the tendon to tear out of its groove. The individual will experience recurrent pain, snapping, and ankle instability. The lateral aspect of the ankle may present with discoloration, swelling, and tenderness.
Syndesmotic Ankle Sprain (High Ankle Sprain)
Injury to the tibiofibular syndesmosis (tissue between the two lower leg bones) is common with ankle sprains. Other factor contributing to this injury occurs in collision sports where the mechanism of injury involves planting the foot and “cutting”. The injured describes lateral ankle pain especially able the lateral malleolus. Although less common, syndesmotic sprains require longer recovery.
