Knowing Ankle Sprains: For The Athlete

Charles Caltagirone

Ankle Boney Anatomy

Tibia

Fibula

Talus

Ankle Soft Tissue Anatomy

Lateral View

MedialView

Different Kinds of Ankle SprainsLateral (Inversion) Sprains

High (Syndesmosis) Sprains

Medial (Eversion) Sprains

Different Grades of Ankle Sprains

Grade I- minimal swelling, discoloration, instability, and minimal impaired gait. Only the anterior talofibular ligament is injured.

Grade II- moderate swelling, discoloration, instability, and moderate impaired gait. The anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments are injured.

Grade III- Severe swelling, discoloration, instability, and inability to walk with proper gait. The anterior talofibular, calcaneofibular, and posterior talofibular ligaments are injured.

Lateral Ankle SprainThat has to hurt!!!

Lateral Ankle Sprains Anatomy Can happen in any sport

Commonly called “Rolling Ankle”

Usually effects the anterior Talofibular Ligament (ATF)

Can effect the Calcaneofibular ligament (CF) and Posterior Talofibular Ligament (PTF)

Anterior Talofibular Ligament

Calcaneofibular Ligament

Posterior Talofibular Ligament

Causes of Lateral Ankle Sprains

The foot is placed in forced inversionand plantar flexion

It can be from an unstable/irregular surface

Also caused by forced trauma

Symptoms Swelling* Pain* Discoloration* Redness Warmth Inability to walk Ankle Instability

*The most common symptoms

Ouch!!!

Treatment R.I.C.E- Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation

Performing therapeutic exercises

Taping techniques

Ankle Braces

This is called a closed basket weave

High Ankle SprainOH NOOO!!!!!!

High Ankle Sprain Anatomy

Occurs to syndesmosis joint

Anterior Tibiofibular Ligament (Anterior TibFib)

Posterior Tibiofibular Ligament (Posterior TibFib)

The posterior TibFib ligament is not shown here, but it would be in the same spot just on the posterior aspect of the leg.

Causes of High Ankle Sprains The foot is placed in extreme eversion

and dorsal flexion

Opposite what a typical ankle sprain

Usually from landing on another players foot

Symptoms Pain on the syndesmosis joint Swelling (over the joint)* Discoloration* Deformity Redness Inability to walk Pain in eversion and dorsal flexion

*Most common symptoms

Symptoms are at the syndesmosis joint.

Treatment R.I.C.E.

Therapeutic exercises- differ from lateral ankle exercises because one wants to avoid eversion and dorsal flexion exercises.

Tape Application

This is an example similar to a high ankle tape application. The purpose is to help the tibia and fibula stay together at the syndesmosis joint.

Medial (Eversion) Ankle Sprain

At least I caught the ball

Medial Ankle Sprain Anatomy

Posterior Tibiotalor

Tibiocalcaneal

Anterior Tibiotalor

Tibionavicular

Deltoid ligament

Causes of Medial Ankle Sprains

The foot is placed in extreme eversion

Usually occurs with a high ankle sprain

Generally more serious than a lateral ankle sprain

Symptoms Swelling* Discoloration* Pain* Redness Warmth Inability to walk*

*Most common symptoms

Notice the eversion of the ankle

Treatment R.I.C.E.

Therapeutic exercise- Avoiding eversion exercises

This injury is usually serious and a tape application will not work

Common exercises performed with therabands

Conclusion Ankle sprains can range from not serious to very serious

They can also occur at different areas of the ankle depending on the mechanism

For non serious ankle sprains the individual can be taped and return to activity

For serious ankle sprains the individual may need surgery

They are very treatable and many athletes have come back to have excellent careers after

Here are some helpful links about ankle sprains:

Lateral ankle High ankle Medial ankle