Ligaments are bands of tissue that hold together bones to form and stabilize a joint. An injury to a ligament is classified as a sprain. There are three grades of ligament sprain. A grade one sprain involves a slight overstretching of the ligament, a grade two sprain involves a partial tear of the ligament, and a grade three sprain involves a complete tear of the ligament. The most commonly injured ligament in the ankle is the anterior talofibular ligament. This ligament is located on the lateral, or outside, aspect of the ankle and prevents inversion of the ankle joint. The appropriate type of treatment depends on the severity of the sprain.
PRICE
PRICE is an acronym for the first line of treatment for any trauma to the body. The "P" stands for protecting the limb. This can be done by applying a splint to restrict ankle movement. The "R" stands for resting the injury site. It is still possible to exercise other parts of the body, but the ankle should not be involved. The "I" stands for ice. Icing the ankle will assist in reducing inflammation and promoting healing. The "C" stands for compression. Applying a compression wrap to the ankle will aid in decreasing the swelling. Finally, the "E" stands for elevate. Elevating the injured ankle will also assist in the reduction of swelling.
Medications
Over-the-counter pain relievers are most commonly used for a torn ligament in the ankle. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, will not only relieve pain but reduce inflammation as well.
Therapy
For severe ligament tears, physical therapy is often required for a full recovery. The goal of physical therapy is to reduce pain and swelling and to prevent chronic ankle problems. This is accomplished by maintaining a normal range of motion, increasing the strength of the muscles surrounding the ankle, and improving proprioception.
Proper range of motion is promoted by stretching. Strengthening of the muscles surrounding the ankle can be accomplished, for instance with Thera-Band exercises and calf raises. Improved proprioception requires balance exercises. Standing on one foot, and standing on an uneven surface are examples of balance exercises.
Surgery
Performing surgery for a torn ligament in the ankle is very rare. Physicians prefer to use nonsurgical methods of recovery. Surgery is performed only when the tear is very severe, or when the patient is an elite athlete and requires surgery to regain top performance.
