Bones are joined by joints, the stable position of which is provided by strands from the connective tissue - ligaments. In the ankle, they also serve to limit movements to the sides.
Due to falls, shocks, sharp turns and other unfavorable circumstances, connective tissue structures may be damaged. Stretching of the ankle ligaments is a fairly common trauma in women, as they tend to wear uncomfortable shoes with high heels.
Symptoms of ankle ligament sprain
In fact, the term "stretching" is inappropriate in this case. Bundles are inelastic, therefore at loads exceeding the permissible level, they are immediately torn.
Incomplete damage to strands (tear) is characterized by the following features:
- limitation of mobility of the ankle;
- swelling of the foot;
- bruises and bruises on the skin;
- painful sensations, especially if stepping on the foot;
- sometimes - local temperature increase;
- redness of the skin above the area of the tear.
With a complete rupture of the ligament, all of the above symptoms are observed, but they are more intense. Such a trauma is called a dislocation and is accompanied by instability of the joint.
How long does the ankle sprain heal?
The connective tissue is restored quite slowly, even light forms of tears require therapy for at least 14 days. To find out how much the sprain of the ankle sprain heals, it is possible only after establishing the degree of damage. As a rule, this period ranges from 2 weeks to 1.5 months. The longest time is healing of severe tears and complete tissue ruptures.
What should I do if I stretch my ankle ligaments?
The sequence of actions immediately after the injury:
- Place the foot at right angles to the lower leg, apply a pressing elastic bandage or teip the foot. If a strong rupture is required, immobilization with a gypsum limestone will be required.
- Every half an hour, apply a packet of ice to the damaged area for 10-15 minutes.
- To relieve pain, take non-steroidal analgesics - Ketanov, Ibuprofen, Natalsid and others.
- Stimulate the outflow of stagnant fluid and blood, apply Lyoton , Troxevasin, Troxerutin.
- Another way to remove the swelling when stretching the ligaments of the ankle, is to perform a special massage. It can be done from the 3rd day of treatment.
- Use local anti-inflammatory drugs with a warming effect (48 hours after the injury), for example, Viprosal, Apizarthron, Finalgon.
- Do not load your foot, if possible, keep it in elevated position all the time.
Also, with stretching of the ankle ligaments, physiotherapy is shown:
- applications of paraffin;
- UHF;
- hydrophoresis;
- medical baths;
- ozocerite applications;
- alternating magnetic field;
- electrophoresis .
From 2-4 days, depending on the severity of the injury, it is necessary to perform simple exercises - rotation, flexion and extension of the feet, wiggling with your fingers. If such classes cause attacks of acute pain, they will have to be postponed.
Restoration after sprain of ankle ligament
Rehabilitation of intergrown connective tissue strands consists in the gradual return to joints of strength and stabilization of the joint. To do this, you need to perform exercises to strengthen them - to become "on your toes", pull objects to yourself on the floor, bending and unbending the toes.
When the minimum loads do not cause discomfort, you can go to the run, no more than 15 minutes at a slow or medium pace without jerking. In the future, it is recommended that you moderate play mobile games, ride a bicycle, swim.