Symptoms of ankle sprain

The ankle joint is an extremely vulnerable part. It is very likely to be sprained in an instant when walking or running. After a joint is sprained, the local ligament is very weak and the mobility inside will be restricted. It is not only painful but also red and swollen. Severe cases may cause complications. When a joint is sprained, the first and most important step is to receive reasonable treatment.

Symptoms and signs

Patients with ankle sprains may have different clinical manifestations depending on the site of injury:

1. Lateral ligament injury:

It is caused by strong inversion of the foot. Because the lateral malleolus is longer than the medial malleolus and the lateral ligament is weak, the foot has a larger inversion range of motion. Clinically, lateral ligament injury is more common, and partial rupture of the lateral ligament is more common. Its clinical manifestations are pain and swelling on the lateral side of the ankle, and limping when walking; subcutaneous bruises can sometimes be seen; there is tenderness in the lateral ligament area; when the foot is inverted, the pain in the lateral ligament area is aggravated. Complete rupture of the lateral ligament: It is less common, and the local symptoms are more obvious. Due to the loss of control of the lateral ligament, abnormal inversion range of motion may occur. Sometimes a small piece of bone is torn off together with the ligament in the lateral malleolus, which is called avulsion fracture. When taking radiographs in the inversion position, the inclination of the tibiotalar joint surface far exceeds the normal range of 5 to 10°, and the joint space on the injured side is widened.

2. Medial ligament injury:

It is caused by forceful eversion of the foot and occurs less frequently. Its clinical manifestations are similar to those of lateral ligament injury, but the location and direction are opposite. It manifests as pain, swelling, and tenderness in the medial ligament area. When the foot is everted, it causes pain in the medial ligament area and may also cause avulsion fractures.

Treatment

1. Immediately after the injury, the patient will feel pain in the ankle, limp or be unable to walk, and the injured area will be swollen and tender, and even bruises may appear.

2. In case of inversion sprain, there is obvious tenderness in the front and lower part of the lateral ankle. In eversion sprain, there is obvious tenderness in the front and lower part of the medial malleolus. In severe injuries, a depression may be felt at the site of ligament rupture, or even a displaced joint surface may be felt.

TCM treatment of ankle sprain

1. For manual therapy, please see the 'Tuina Massage' column.

2. Drug treatment: Early treatment should be to promote blood circulation, remove blood stasis, reduce swelling and relieve pain. Take Qilin powder and Shujin pills internally, and apply blood stasis and pain relief ointment, Qilin powder, etc. externally. In the middle and late stages, it is advisable to warm the meridians and relieve pain, relax the muscles and activate the collaterals, take Xiaohuoluodan internally, and apply goupi plaster and injury-relief plaster externally. It can also be used in combination with external washes that promote blood circulation and relax muscles, such as washes for limb injuries.

3. Fixation therapy: After the muscle regulation technique, fix the ankle joint to the relaxed position of the injured ligament. It can be fixed by splints, plaster or tape. Eversion injuries are fixed in the varus position, and varus injuries are fixed in the valgus position. The fixation is generally for 2 to 3 weeks.