Ankle & Foot Injury

Overview

The foot and ankle are among the most common sites for both acute and chronic injuries in athletes and other physically active individuals. They often have detrimental effects on sport activity and participation.

It is essential to diagnose the problem to be able to rule out any associated bony injury and to start rehabilitation programe accordingly. Ankle and foot can commonly have a bony injury associated with the soft tissue component.

Common ankle injuries

When an injury to the foot or ankle occurs athletes are limited in their abilities to run, jump, kick, and change directions. Thus, the treatment and rehabilitation of these injuries are crucial in returning athletes to full participation at full functioning. The common injuries may include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Lateral Ankle Sprain
• Chronic ankle sprain
• Planter Fasciitis
• Accessory Navicular
• Peroneal Tendonitis
• Flat Foot
• Turf Toe
• Ankle Fracture

Restoring joint range of motion, muscle strength, and neuromuscular coordination should be emphasized as should normal gait mechanics. A graduated return to physical activity that includes sports-specific exercises is recommended with the primary goals being to allow a safe return to sport while minimizing the risk of recurrent injuries.

Ankle injuries are fairly common and most of them only have a soft tissue component. An easy way to diagnose a bony inury is guided by inability to stand up after injury or bear weight on it just after the injury.

Rest, Ice pack application, Compression Bandage, Elevation of affected limb are the first steps that should be followed. Heat is adverse in acute conditions! It is imperative to follow rehabilitation exercises after a period of rest or immobilisation after injury. Initial focus in ankle injury/ fracture rehabilitation is to gain range of movements followed by strength gain and finally balance training