The ankle, a hinge joint, is made up of three bones, the tibia, fibula, and talus. The ankle must be stable in order to withstand 1.5 times the body weight when walking and up to 8 times when running.
ANKLE INJURIES
A broken ankle is also known as an ankle “fracture.” This means that one or more of the bones that make up the ankle joint are broken. More broken bones mean increased ankle instability.
Symptoms
- Immediate and severe pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Tender to the touch
- Cannot tolerate any weight
- Deformity
Diagnostic procedures
If symptoms suggest a fractured ankle, seek qualified orthopedic medical treatment. Treatment will include encompass a thorough examination which could include diagnostic procedure(s) such as X-rays, stress test, MRI, and/or a CT scan in order to determine proper non-operative or operative treatment.
Ligaments are strong, fibrous tissues that connect bones to other bones. The ligaments of the ankle hold the ankle bones in position and stabilize the joint. If there is a complete tear of the ligaments, the ankle may become unstable.
Symptoms
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Tenderness to touch
- Instability
- Hear or feel a “pop” at time of injury
Diagnostic procedures
After a possible ligament tear injury, seek qualified orthopedic medical treatment. Treatment will include encompass a thorough examination and diagnostic procedures which may include palpate and range of motion tests, X-rays, an MRI, and/or an ultrasound in order to determine proper non-operative or operative treatment.
Sprained ankles are common injuries. Approximately 25,000 people experience sprained ankles each day.
High ankle sprain injures ligaments connecting the two bones of the lower leg, the tibia and fibula, at the ankle joint. Medial ankle sprain injures the inside ligaments or collectively the deltoid ligament. Low ankle sprain involves the ligaments supporting the subtalar joint which enables the foot to turn to the inside and outside.
Symptoms
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Joint instability
Diagnostic procedures
If symptoms suggest an ankle sprain, seek qualified orthopedic medical treatment. Treatment will encompass a thorough examination, which could include diagnostic procedure(s) such as X-rays, an MRI, and a CT scan in order to determine proper non-operative or operative treatment.
Arthritis is inflammation of one or more of joints. It can cause pain and stiffness in any joint in the body, and is common in the small joints of the foot and ankle. An ankle injury or degenerative arthritis can cause the cartilage in the joint to wear away and bone to rub against bone. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that damages the bones and cartilage. Arthritis can make it difficult to walk and remain active.
Symptoms
- Pain with motion or activity
- Tenderness with pressure to joint
- Swelling, warmth and redness
- Increased pain and swelling after inactivity
- Difficulty walking
