Ankle joint injury

An ankle joint injury is one of the most common types of injuries. It can occur due to incorrect movements, twisting, collisions, or wearing the wrong footwear. This may lead to problems in the muscles, tendons, or the ankle joint itself. Curious to learn more about the causes and treatment? Just keep reading, we’re happy to explain everything you need to know.

How Do You Recognize an Ankle Joint Injury?

A painful ankle joint can be incredibly bothersome. We rely on our ankles not just during sports, but also in daily life. Most ankle joint injuries are sprains, which stretch the ligaments around the joint. These issues usually begin with pain that worsens with movement or pressure.

The Most Common Ankle Joint Injuries

There are several types of injuries that can occur in the ankle. Below, we’ll explain the most common ones.

Ankle Sprain

An ankle sprain typically happens when the ankle twists inward. This stretches or tears the ligaments on the outside of the joint. A sprain causes pain during movement. While this injury can heal on its own, it carries the risk of long-term ankle instability.

Bruising

A sprain or dislocation of the ankle can lead to bruising. You may feel a sharp pain when moving or standing, and swelling around the ankle is common.

Ankle Fracture

An ankle fracture can result from a hard impact, collision, or fall. In most cases, the fibula is broken, though multiple fractures in the ankle are also possible. A fracture causes immediate and severe pain, making it difficult or impossible to put weight on the ankle. Swelling and discoloration typically occur as well.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the wear and tear of cartilage within the ankle joint. It may be caused by a previous fracture, inflammation, or simply age. Osteoarthritis can result in pain and stiffness in the ankle, making movement more difficult.

Chronic Instability

Chronic instability refers to a persistently unstable ankle over a long period of time, making it easy to suffer repeated sprains. It’s usually caused by an earlier ankle joint injury that didn’t heal properly.

Symptoms of an Ankle Joint Injury

Symptoms of an ankle joint injury may include:

• Swelling
• Pain at rest
• Inability to bear weight
• Pain when bearing weight
• Discoloration (blue, purple, or red)
• Temperature differences around the ankle

Treatment

If you're experiencing ankle joint problems, it's important to consult your general practitioner or a physiotherapist. A physiotherapist can determine the source of the symptoms and the specific type of injury, enabling the right treatment to begin. In most cases, rest is essential. From there, mobility can be gradually restored through targeted exercises.

Preventing an Ankle Joint Injury

Prevention is better than cure. Here are a few things you can do to reduce the risk of an ankle joint injury.

Warm up properly before exercising. Pay close attention to your movements and technique during sports. Wear proper footwear for your activity. Using an ankle brace can also help provide additional stability when needed.