1. The X's and O's of Footballer's Ankle
Footballer's ankle is a condition where the connective tissue at the front of the ankle is injured as result of overbending or overstretching. Sometimes the peroneal tendons at the front of the ankle can become misplaced onto the wrong side of the malleolus, or bony point on the side of the ankle. Inflammation occurs in the ligament, joint capsule and peroneal tendons at the front of the ankle. Bony growths form as this ligament heals, resulting in a chronic problem. The name derives from the fact that this injury commonly afflicts football players.
2. You Don't Have to Catch a Touchdown Pass to Get Footballer's Ankle
Despite the name of this condition, you don't have to be a football player to get footballer's ankle. In fact, more soccer players than football players suffer this type of injury simply because they are kicking the ball far more often. The repetitive contact of the front of the ankle with the ball causes the injury. A sprain to the ankle can also result in this condition if that sprain in any way dislocates or strains the peroneal tendons.
3. It Hurts When I Go Like This
It's not difficult to ascertain if you might have footballer's ankle. Though a medical exam complete with X-rays will prove it, you can be fairly certain you are suffering from this condition based on a few specific symptoms. It will hurt at the front of the ankle when you bend your foot up and down. You'll feel pain at the front of the ankle when you press at that spot or when kicking a ball. You might even feel a lump where the bony growths are located.
4. Coming Off Injured Reserve
As with most strains and sprains, the first line of treatment is usually rest, ice, compression and elevation of the foot. Physical therapy incorporating stretching, strengthening and mobility exercises will accelerate recovery if the injury is not too severe, as will massage therapy. A steroid or cortisone injection can reduce swelling and pain. In some cases, the bony growths will need to be surgically removed.
5. Prevention's Just a Case of Maybe, Maybe Not
Short of stopping the repetitive activity that might cause footballer's ankle before such an injury can occur, there is really no way to effectively prevent it. Strength training and wearing a brace might help, but are actually better at preventing a re-injury. In football, reducing the number of ankle tackles might cut back on the number of occurrences of this injury. To date, there is no sure fire way to prevent footballer's ankle.
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