Rupture of ligaments of the ankle: symptoms, treatment, rehabilitation

Bundles of the ankle joint, like all other ligaments in the human body, consist of elastic fibers that provide elasticity, and collagen, thanks to which there is strength.

The ligamentous apparatus along with the muscles and tendons strengthens the ankle, to some extent protecting it from subluxations and dislocations.

Rupture of ligaments occurs when the displacement of the foot provokes a mechanical overstrain, the strength of which considerably exceeds their strength and elasticity.

Often, such injuries occur during sports or when podvorachivanii feet. The case where the ankle ligaments are partially damaged is called stretching.

Symptoms of ankle ligament rupture

With such trauma, a person feels pain while walking, all movements in the injured leg are limited.Visually, you can determine the swelling on the outside of the ankle and foot.

In the ankle, there are bruises, various bruises. During palpation of the damaged area, a person feels a sharp pain.

The severity of the symptoms depends on how much the damage is.

There are three degrees of rupture of the ankle:

1. Rupture of single fibers.This state is sometimes mistakenly called stretching, but in fact the ligaments do not stretch, their length remains unchanged. This degree is considered the easiest, the person feels moderate pain, there is no hematoma, the ability to move remains. On the ankle, you can see a small swelling, while walking a person limps a little.
2. Partial ligament rupture.Because of severe pain, a person restricts movement in the foot, the gait changes. Edema of the ankle extends to the lower third of the shin and foot. Sometimes such damage can be accompanied by a small hematoma.
3. Complete ligament rupture.In this state, a person feels severe pain, on the ankle, there is pronounced edema and bruising. In the projection of damage, the skin will be warmer than in the neighboring areas. A complete rupture of the ankle ligaments can be both an isolated trauma and develop as a complication after other injuries - subluxations, dislocations and intraarticular fractures.

To determine this diagnosis, most often carry out radiography, which can show an ankle bias or fracture.

First aid

Correctly rendered first aid can become a pledge of successful treatment, as well as complete restoration of damaged structures.

First Aid Measures:

1. Remove shoes and socks from the injured leg so that nothing will squeeze the area of ​​the edema.
2. Provide a damaged limb full of peace.
3. in the prone position, put a pillow under your foot so that the leg is higher than the heart, so the outflow of blood from it will be improved.
4. Place a tissue under the joint area folded several times so that the ankle is immobilized.
5. Apply ice to the joint area. It is put on a dry cloth to avoid necrosis of soft tissues due to frostbite. A cold compress is held for 20 minutes, after which it is necessary to take a break in 20 minutes. Actions continue for two hours.
6. Bandage the joint with an elastic bandage to ensure complete immobility.
7. Take an analgesic pill.

Treatment of rupture of ligaments

The treatment is aimed at restoring the integrity of the ligaments, eliminating pain, swelling and bruising, as well as expanding the volume of movements in the foot and improving gait.

The simplest way is to apply a pressure bandage on the ankle so that it fits snugly, but does not squeeze the soft tissues too much or hinder the outflow of blood. It is worth noting that this method is not the most effective.

For the purpose of immobilization, also use a gypsum langet, plaster bandage or a wire tire.Such devices are usually used when a complete rupture of ligaments is combined with a dislocation or fracture. If the injury is combined with the intra-articular fracture of the ankle, the tire is applied so that not only the ankle joint is fixed, but also the knee joint.

Currently, in medicine, orthoses are increasingly used for immobilization.Such a device, made of light metal or plastic and fabric, as much as possible repeats the contours of the foot and shin of the person, on which the brace is fixed with the help of "Velcro" or straps.

In case of trauma with a rupture for two days, it is necessary to ensure a cold effect by applying ice to reduce pain and to prevent the possible development of an edema. After two days, it is necessary to proceed to heat treatment.

The simplest way is heat from heated sand, placed in a small tissue pouch. You can also use a semi-alcohol bandage. Alcohol is mixed with water in equal proportions, after which a bandage is wetted in such a solution and applied to the damaged area.

On top of the impregnated bandage impose waxed paper, cotton, then it is all bandaged. Instead of alcohol you can use vodka, but without dilution.

You can use anti-inflammatory and distracting ointments. They can improve local blood circulation, eliminate pain and swelling. Ointments and gels are applied with gentle movements, soft and gliding.

When a person experiences severe pain, prescribe injectable analgesics, which are injected intramuscularly.

In most severe cases, surgery may be necessary.Typically, this operation consists of the restoration of damaged tendons. The doctor selects a procedure that is suitable for each case individually. It depends on the type of injury, its severity and the level of activity of the patient.

Rehabilitation process

The recovery period can be quite long. With an incomplete break, it is about three weeks, and when complete - from one month or more.

The rehabilitation process should start right after the pain has passed.To do this, you should conduct physical therapy, massage, and exercise therapy.

After rupturing the ligaments of the ankle joint, it is important to dose the load for some time to avoid the possibility of repeated injuries. Often due to an incorrect load after injury, repeated injuries occur, which makes the injury more severe.

Thus, the rupture of the ligaments of the ankle has three degrees of severity, which are characterized by a different intensity of symptoms. It is important to give the victim first aid in time and to see a doctor who will prescribe the correct further treatment.