Ankle, or ankle, is called a bone formation, located in the distal leg. It is customary to distinguish between medial (that is, internal) and lateral (that is, external) ankles. The first formation is a process that is located in the distal tibia. As for the lateral malleolus, it is located in the distal fibula. This process is the main stabilizing element of the ankle joint.
Ankle function
Both mentioned ankles (both lateral and medial) form a kind of “fork” of the ankle joint. It is this joint that distributes the weight of a person on the feet.
Visually, the ankle looks like a small or large bone growth, located outside and inside the foot.
General information
Injury to the ankle joint is the most common injury to the musculoskeletal system. Dislocation of the leg in the ankle region occurs for various reasons. Such injury can occur due to too fast andsloppy walking, slippery road surfaces, wearing uncomfortable shoes, etc. What symptoms indicate such damage, and what first aid measures should be taken, will be described below.
Origin of injury
It can be difficult for an inexperienced person to tell the symptoms of a sprained ankle from those of a sprained or fractured ankle. Therefore, after a fall, it is very important to understand what exactly happened to the leg. To do this, contact a specialist.
The structure of the ankle is very complex. In this joint there are many small bones, ligaments and tendons. This part of the lower limb is responsible for the shock absorption of the entire body, and therefore it regularly experiences a high load.
When the foot is placed incorrectly or during a fall, the talus is displaced relative to the ankle, which is connected to the tibia. Such an injury is accompanied by stretching of the joint capsule and tendons. In severe cases, these tissues rupture.
Risk factors
As practice shows, most often athletes, the elderly and young children who prefer active and even extreme games to quiet games face such injuries. It should also be said that the number of dislocated ankles, the symptoms of which you will be acquainted with below, increases significantly in winter, when icy roads form.
Possible complication
Ankle dislocation treatment at homeundesirable. If medical care was provided untimely or incorrectly, then quite serious complications can arise. For example, there is a high probability of occurrence of coarse scar tissue at the site of dislocation. Such an education in the future will certainly affect the normal functioning of the lower limb.
It should be remembered that the symptoms of a sprained ankle, as well as the damage itself, can be treated quite well. But this is on condition that the therapy was carried out in a timely manner and only by specialized specialists.
Types of injury
Causes of dislocation of the ankle joint can be different cases - from improper twisting of the leg to a strong fall. It should be understood that the injury itself may vary depending on how the bones have shifted.
Specialists distinguish between the following types of dislocation of the lower leg:
- External - this type of injury is spoken of when the distal tibia is displaced.
- Internal - with this damage, the distal tibia is displaced.
- Incomplete - with this form, partial contact of the surfaces remains.
- Complete - this type of injury is characterized by the exit of the surface of both bones from the articular bag.
Also, damage to the leg in the ankle area varies in severity:
- Severe - with such an injury, the ligaments are torn, and the bone comes out of the joint.
- Medium – this type of injury is characterized by micro tears in the ligaments.
- Mild degree of dislocation is accompanied byminor sprain.
Features of the treatment of ankle dislocation, as well as the duration of therapy are largely determined by the severity and type of injury. The recovery period also plays an important role. The correct approach to the treatment of dislocation and rehabilitation will minimize the possible development of complications.
Symptoms of foot dislocation
First aid and treatment of an ankle injury should be provided and carried out based on the patient's condition. If the damage is serious and causes severe pain to the victim, then it is better to immediately contact a traumatologist.
To identify a dislocation of the leg in the ankle area, as well as to distinguish such an injury from others, characteristic signs will help. You should definitely know about them, especially for athletes and parents of overly active children.
The following symptoms of a sprained ankle are distinguished:
- A sharp pain that is felt during an injury. Subsequently, it becomes aching in nature.
- The appearance of bruising in the damaged area (occurs due to rupture of capillaries). The bruises are burgundy at first and then turn dark blue or purple.
- Severe swelling on the injured ankle. In this case, the limb may noticeably increase in size.
- Restriction of mobility of the damaged joint. The victim may experience lameness, as well as severe pain on exertion.
- When severely injured, the area of injury may develop a fever.
- Temporary losssensitivity of the skin on the ankle.
- Deformation of the joint when receiving a severe dislocation. In this case, the ankle may bend to the side.
These symptoms of a dislocated ankle appear almost immediately after the injury. In order to avoid unpleasant consequences, it is necessary to seek medical help as soon as possible.
Dislocation and fracture - what's the difference?
Very often, a sprained ankle is confused with a fracture. Therefore, it is extremely important to know what the distinguishing features of these injuries are.
- In case of a fracture, the lower limb does not lose mobility.
- Dislocation in the ankle is accompanied by a sharp pain. As for the fracture, here unpleasant sensations arise later, since adrenaline, entering the bloodstream, blocks sensitive receptors.
- Dislocation is almost always accompanied by swelling. With a fracture, swelling usually does not appear until the second day after the injury.
- The main sign of a fracture is shortening of the lower limb.
- To detect a fracture, you should palpate the damaged area, during which protruding parts of the bones are felt.
Sprained ankle - first aid
Symptoms of dislocation of the leg can be acute and abrupt. To reduce pain, as well as prevent the development of serious complications, the victim should be given competent first aid. The latter includes activities such as:
- Complete rest of the injured limb. footit is forbidden to move, it is impossible to step on it. If you do not adhere to these rules, then in the future the victim may develop a so-called habitual dislocation (permanent relapse).
- To ensure normal blood flow, a soft roller should be placed under the injured leg.
- Apply a cold compress to the damaged area (ice, which is pre-wrapped in a soft cloth). This procedure should be carried out no more than half an hour.
- To prevent the injured joint from moving, it is fixed using a bandage. It is also acceptable to use an elastic bandage. In this case, it is necessary to ensure that the bandage is not too tight, as this can provoke a violation of blood flow.
Treatment methods
How to cure an ankle injury? Only a specialist can choose the right tactics for treating such an injury, and only after an x-ray examination. A snapshot of the injured leg will allow you to determine not only the form of the dislocation, but also the degree of its severity. In rare cases, ankle reduction is required.
Ankle dislocation treatment includes:
- Applying a loose bandage. If the injury is not serious, then it is enough just to fix the joint with an elastic bandage. In severe cases, a cast is required.
- Warm baths and compresses. Such procedures can be carried out only three days after the injury. Herbal decoctions should be added to the foot bath.
- Medication taking. If the dislocation is accompanied by severe pain, then you canuse painkillers such as Nurofen or Ketanov. To reduce swelling, as well as restore normal blood circulation, you should use a specialized ointment (for example, Voltaren, Indovazin, Diclofenac-gel, Dolobene). These drugs are rubbed into the affected area three times a day. Also, experts recommend taking calcium during therapy and rehabilitation.
- Physiotherapy. To restore joint mobility, doctors usually prescribe UHF, electrophoresis, and magnetic and ultrasound therapy.
- Therapeutic exercise. To restore the functionality of the leg and strengthen the muscles with ligaments, it is recommended to take a course of exercise therapy.
Folk treatments
Self-treatment of the symptoms of a sprained ankle and treatment at home is best done only after consulting a specialist. Alternative recipes for such injuries should not completely replace the recommendations of a traumatologist. Home treatment should only be aimed at speeding up the patient's recovery process.
Among the most effective and popular folk remedies are the following:
- Onion compress. A large fresh onion is crushed with a meat grinder, and then mixed with iodized with s alt. The resulting product is applied to the affected area and kept for about 30 minutes. Such a compress will increase blood flow to the injured area and relieve swelling.
- Milk compress. After heating a little milk, they impregnate a small part of a clean cloth with it, and then put it on a sore spot.and covered with polyethylene. Such a folk remedy relieves severe pain.
- Potato compress. After boiling the potatoes in their uniforms, they are slightly kneaded and applied to the affected area. This compress gently warms the damaged joint.
- Ginger decoction. Ginger root (a small piece) is ground on a grater, poured with boiling water and infused for 30 minutes. The fabric is impregnated with the finished broth, applied to the affected area and covered with polyethylene. This homemade recipe helps to eliminate toxins that accumulate in damaged tissues.
- Mugwort lotion. The leaves of a fresh plant are crushed into a gruel, applied to the injured ankle and wrapped in a moistened handkerchief. This remedy will well and effectively eliminate pain.
- Infusion of cornflower relieves pain and swelling. Dried cornflower flowers (3 teaspoons) are poured with half a liter of boiling water and kept for an hour. After filtering and cooling the infusion, take it orally in half a glass three times a day.
- Decoction of tansy. Dried inflorescences of the plant (three tablespoons) are poured with a glass of boiling water, insisted for an hour, filtered and cooled. After wetting the cloth in the decoction, it is applied to the affected area for half an hour.
Recovery period
Now you know how to treat a sprained ankle. Recovery after basic therapy should last at least a month.
During this period, you should do special gymnastics, which includes the following exercises:
- Massagingtoes of the injured leg in a circular kneading motion.
- Active independent movements of the fingers of the injured foot.
- Rolling from heel to toe and vice versa.
- Walking on heels.
- Rolling the foot on the surface of the rubber ball.
According to experts, the recovery period will be faster if the patient regularly swims in the pool and exercises on an exercise bike. Also, during rehabilitation, therapeutic massage will not interfere. In this case, you should contact a professional.
During the recovery period, the victim should eat more vegetables and fruits, as well as foods that contain vitamins and minerals, including calcium. In addition, it is recommended to take funds aimed at strengthening ligaments and tendons.
Prevention
Any injury is easier to prevent than to treat. In this regard, there are a few guidelines to keep in mind to help avoid injury in the form of a dislocated ankle:
- Wear only comfortable shoes. Avoid wearing too high heels.
- Watch the movements. Get your stops right.
- Strengthen your leg and ankle muscles. Exercise regularly. Do gymnastics.
- Use special bandages when playing sports.
- Avoid overweight, vitamin deficiency and some other factors that provoke dislocations.
