Ankles, where the leg meets the foot, are one of the more durable parts of the human body. Ankles have the job of supporting virtually the entire weight of the body on a daily basis in addition to playing the role of a shock absorber when walking or running on hard surfaces such as concrete or bitumen.
The ankle is actually made up of three separate joints which are the talocrural joint, the subtalar joint and the interior tibiofibular joint. Although the ankle is capable of withstanding enormous wear and tear, ankle injuries like sprains and fractures do occur, and can have an enormous impact on the lives of the afflicted. Ankle injuries can greatly reduce mobility and independence, and without treatment can lead to further damage of the foot. A reduction in mobility can even be detrimental to one’s mental health, and sufferers of foot and ankle injuries in Chicago, IL have been known to experience depression as a result.
Types of Ankle Injuries
The most common form of ankle injury is the sprain, also known as a twisted ankle or floppy ankle. The ankle is at greatest risk during activities which require rapid, explosive motion, causing extreme strain on the ligaments. When the foot is extended beyond its natural range of motion – such as playing basketball, slipping on ice or rolling out of high-heeled shoes – the ligaments are put under enormous stress, which damages them, causing a sprain. Avoiding proper treatment for a sprain can cause the ligament to heal improperly, leaving the ankle at a higher risk of future sprains and a lack of stability in the ankle joint. This condition, known as Chronic Ankle Instability or CAI, can cause the ankle to sprain even when performing low-stress activities such as walking.
Distinct from the ankle sprain, but significantly more dangerous, is the fractured ankle. The symptoms of ankle fractures are nearly identical to those of ankle sprains. Often the only way to guarantee the diagnosis of one or the other is to undergo an X-ray administered by a medical professional. Ankle fractures are often the result of jumping from a great height. The force from the jump is transferred to the ankle which is sandwiched between the foot and the tibia.
Treatment
Thanks to modern medicine, ankle injuries are easy to treat and recovery time is today shorter than ever. Sprained ankles are relatively simple to treat. Regular application of an ice pack on an elevated foot to reduce swelling, coupled with a compression bandage, cast or orthopedic walking boot are the commonly used treatment options. To treat an ankle fracture, the doctor must first determine the stability of the joint. Stable fractures can be treated similarly to sprains, but an ankle fracture deemed unstable requires surgical intervention. This generally involves the doctor implanting metal hardware to keep the bones in place and a cast to immobilize the ankle post-surgery.
