The ankle, knee and foot are the primary sites for sports injuries, according to a report by the National Collegiate Athletic Association Injury Surveillance System. Ankle injuries are the most common injury seen in emergency rooms and private offices of clinicians. Among these, ankle sprains account for 10 to 28 percent, whereas ankle fractures account for 4 to 15 percent.
Incidence
Ankle fractures are less common than sprains among athletes. However, when these occur, recovery time tends to be longer, and rehabilitation is more involved in getting the athlete back to his former level of training. The chief cause of ankle fracture in athletes is due to the immense pressure placed on the ankle joints during sporting moves, such as jumping and twisting, and quick pivots.
Treatment
Treatment for ankle fractures depends on the type of fracture incurred. Placing the bones back in place is the goal of the treatment, which might require anesthesia and surgery if the fracture is severe. Otherwise, a splint or cast might be fitted to keep the bones in place. Crutches might be required to assist walking. Initial treatment includes rest, ice therapy, compression and elevation. Medications might be prescribed to reduce pain and swelling.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation for ankle fractures depends on the severity of the fracture. The rehabilitation process begins with rest and avoiding activities that might cause strain to the injury site. Physical therapy and cryotherapy (ice treatment) might be initiated as the first step. The next step is the use of Therabands and range-of-motion exercises. The third step is the use of wobble boards to improve balance and strength.
Exercises
Your doctor or physiotherapist will recommend when to start rehabilitation exercises. Usually, these begin as soon as your cast is removed, unless concerns remain about possible future surgery or treatments that might be needed. You will likely be prescribed basic exercises to maintain fitness such as swimming and cycling. A range of exercises such as the hurdler's stretch, foot and lower leg extension, arch stretch, top-of-foot stretch, toe raises and ankle flexion are some types of rehabilitative exercises. The main goal of exercise is to strengthen the muscles and tendons near the ankle and the foot, which will help facilitate a speedy recovery.
Member Comments