INVERSION INJURY (LATERAL ANKLE SPRAIN) |
ANATOMY |
Ligaments are tough bands of tissue that help connect bones together. Three ligaments make up the lateral ligament complex on the side of the ankle. They are the anterior talofibular ligament(ATFL), the calcaneofibular ligament(CFL), and the posterior talofibular ligament(PTFL). The common inversion injury to the ankle usually involves two ligaments, the ATFL and CFL. Normally the ATFL keeps the ankle from sliding forward and the CFL keeps the ankle from rolling inward on its side.
|
MECHANISM OF INJURY |
A sprain results in stretching or tearing of the ligaments. Minor sprains only stretch the ligament. A tear may be either a complete tear of all the strands of the ligament or a partial tear of only some of the strands. The ligament is weakened by the injury; how much it is weakened depends on the degree of the sprain.
The lateral ligaments are the most commonly injured ligaments in a typical inversion injury of the ankle. In an inversion injury the ankle tilts inward, the bottom of the foot angles toward the other foot. This forces all the pressure of your body weight onto the outside edge of the ankle. As a result, the ligaments on the outside of the ankle are stretched and possibly torn.
|
SYMPTOMS |
-Initially the ankle is swollen, painful and may turn ecchymotic.
-Ankle swells as extra fluid continues to leak into the tissues over the 24 hours following the sprain.
|
TREATMENT |
Please consult with your medical professional for a complete diagnosis and treatment plan. |
RECOMMENDED SWEDE-O PRODUCT |
Under the direction of your medical professional and in conjunction with your advised treatment plan, the following Swede-O products may be recommended: |
|
 |
The Ankle Lok has been proven effective in numerous independent clinical studies. It has been utilized by athletes and patients for over 15 years to help prevent ankle injuries.
|
|
|
|
The Versi-Splint is a great ankle brace for immediately after an injury. It is designed to provide cold therapy and compression for a recently injured ankle. After the ankle heals, a lace-up or hinged style brace is recommended to help prevent further injury. IMPROVED: Larger gel area for a more all encompassing cold therapy option.
|
|
|
|
Two soft-gel therapy packs included may be used for hot or cold therapy. Heavy-duty neoprene design allows for complete adjustment of the compression around the injury. The two fully movable soft-gel packs are ideal for pinpoint placement over the injury.
|
|
|
|
Wider footbed provides a more comfortable fit and accommodates a wider variety of patients. Rocker bottom and low profile heel allow for an easier, more natural gait pattern. Deluxe foam liner is both comfortable and durable. Uprights are anatomically contoured for a better fit. Lightweight yet durable construction. Cushioned heel for greater energy absorption. Available in Tall or Short versions.
|
|
Lateral: of or referring to the side.
Talofibular: pertaining to the talus (ankle bone) and the fibular (smaller bone of the lower leg).
Calcaneofibular: pertaining to the calcaneus (heel bone) and the fibular (smaller bone of the lower leg).
Ecchymotic: bruised. |
