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Ankle Strain Injury

Strain to any muscles or tendons that surround the ankle. Muscles, tendons and bones comprise units. These units stabilize the ankle and allow its motion. A strain occurs at the weakest part of a unit. Strains are of 3 types:

1. Mild (Grade I) - Slightly pulled muscle without tearing of muscle or tendon fibers. There is no loss of strength.
2. Moderate (Grade 11) - Tearing of fibers in a muscle, tendon or at the attachment to bone. Strength is diminished.
3. Severe (Grade III) - Rupture of the muscle-tendon-bone attachment with separation of fibers. Severe strain requires surgical repair. Chronic strains are caused by overuse. Acute strains are caused by direct injury or overstress.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED

• Tendons and muscles surrounding the ankle.
• Lower-leg bones (tibia and fibula) and foot bones.
• Soft tissue surrounding the strained muscle and attached tendon, including nerves, periosteum (covering to bone), blood vessels and lymph vessels.

Causes

• Prolonged overuse of muscle-tendon units in the ankle.
• Single violent injury or force applied to the muscle-tendon unit in the ankle.

Signs & Symptoms

• Pain when moving or stretching the ankle.
• Muscle spasm in the calf.
• Tenderness to the touch
• Swelling in the ankle.
• Calcification of the muscle or its tendon (visible with X-ray).
• Inflammation of the sheath covering the tendon.

Treatment

Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.

• Use instructions for R.I.C.E., the letters of rest, ice, compression and elevation.
• Use ice massage 3 or 4 times a day for 15 minutes at a time. Fill a large Styrofoam cup and freeze. Tear a small amount of foam from the top so ice protrudes. Massage firmly over the Injured area In a circle about the size of a softball.
• After the first 24 hours, apply heat instead of ice, if it feels better. Use heat lamps, hot soaks, hot showers, heating pads, or heat liniments or ointments.
• Take whirlpool treatments, if available.
• If a cast was used, wrap the injured ankle with an elasticized bandage between treatments after the cast is removed.
• Massage gently and often to provide comfort and decrease swelling.

Home Diet

• Eat a well-balanced diet that includes extra protein, such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese, milk and eggs. Increase fiber and fluid intake to prevent constipation that may result from decreased activity

Prevention

• Participate in a strengthening and conditioning program appropriate for your sport.
• Warm up before practice or competition.
• Tape the ankle area before practice or competition.
• Wear proper shoes and protective equipment.

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