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Ankle Sprains

Ankle Injuries│Twisted Ankle│Torn Ankle Ligament

An ankle sprain refers to damage or twisting of tissues around the ankle, such as ligaments. This type of injury is usually caused by excessive twisting of the ankle, commonly seen when walking too quickly on uneven ground, missing a step on stairs, or landing improperly while jumping.

Causes of Ankle Sprain

 

  • Improper sports techniques: such as sudden changes in direction during sports or ankle stress when jumping.
  • Unstable surfaces: stepping on uneven or slippery surfaces.
  • Previous injuries: individuals who have had ankle sprains in the past are more prone to re-injury.
  • Lack of muscle control: weak muscles around the ankle may increase the risk of injury.
拗柴, ankle sprain
足內翻、外翻活動, ankle inversion, eversion exercise

Symptoms of Ankle Sprain

  • Pain and swelling: severe pain and swelling may be felt around the ankle.
  • Difficulty moving the ankle: limitations and pain may occur when moving the ankle inward or outward.
  • Inability to bear weight: difficulty standing or walking may be experienced.
  • Bruising or discoloration: bruising or discoloration may appear in the injured area.
  • Feeling of instability: the ankle may feel unstable or prone to twisting.

Physiotherapy for Ankle Sprain

The most important aspect of treating ankle sprains is to identify the damaged tissues such as strained ligaments and muscles, as well as any misaligned small joints through examination and assessment. By using manual techniques and electrotherapy, the healing of the injured tissues can be accelerated. In cases of recurrent sprains, the key is to help the ankle have proper spatial awareness and balance through sensory and balance training, reducing the risk of repeated injuries.

Common physical therapy methods for ankle sprains include:

TCM Treatment for Ankle Sprain

Ankle sprains are generally considered a type of “traumatic injury” in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The goal of TCM treatment is to promote blood circulation, reduce pain and swelling, and accelerate recovery. 

Common TCM treatments include:

  • Internal medicine: The doctor will prescribe herbs to soothe the tendons, activate the meridians, and tonify the kidneys, based on the patient’s symptoms and constitution, to prevent recurrence of low back pain.
  • Acupuncture: Needling points related to low back pain, such as Shenshu, Dachangshu, and Weizhong, can relieve muscle spasms and also have the effect of tonifying the kidneys and strengthening the sinews and bones.
  • Orthopedic Reduction: Through manual therapy techniques, the deep and superficial muscles can be relaxed to alleviate low back pain.

FAQ

If the ankle is severely swollen and red, it is recommended to apply ice to reduce swelling.

If there is only mild redness, swelling, and slight warmth, it is advised to follow the PEACE & LOVE method.

If swelling persists and does not subside, early consultation with a doctor for examination and management is recommended.

X-rays primarily show the condition of bones in the affected area, including fractures and joint dislocations, but cannot display the extent of soft tissue damage.

MRI scans can reveal damage to bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other tissues, as well as the degree of swelling in the affected area.

Ankle sprains are classified into grades 1-3:

Gr 1 (Mild tear): A mild ligament tear generally takes 2-4 weeks to heal without major issues.

Gr 2 (Moderate tear): If a moderate ligament tear is left untreated, lingering symptoms such as chronic mild pain, feelings of ankle instability, and discomfort on uneven surfaces may persist. With early intervention by a therapist, recovery to normal walking and lower intensity activities can be expected in about two months, while higher intensity activities may require a longer recovery period depending on the nature of the activity.

Gr 3 (Complete tear): In cases of a complete tear, surgery for repair may be recommended by a doctor, followed by rehabilitation with a physical therapist, typically taking a minimum of three to four months to recover."

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