ANKLE
WHAT IS THE ANKLE?
The ankle joint is one of the major weight bearing structures in the body, and is made up of two joints: the subtalar joint, and the true ankle joint. The components of your ankle, along with the muscles and tendons of your lower leg, work together to handle the stress your ankle receives as you walk, run and jump. As a result of this function and partly due to its structure, the ankle is the most commonly injured joint.
WHAT ARE SOME COMMON ANKLE DISORDERS?
Ankle Sprains: A sprained ankle is one of the most common sports injuries and occurs when the ankle is inverted from a fall, tackle or jump. This stretches and tears ligaments of the ankle joint resulting in pain, inflammation, and decreased mobility. Treatment typically involves outpatient surgery and physical therapy.
Achilles Tendon Injury: The Achilles tendon connects muscles in the lower leg with the heel bone. Running, high jumping or a direct blow to the foot can overstress this tendon and cause a strain or rupture. Usually treatment involves physical therapy.
Ankle Fracture: A partial or complete break in a bone, fractures of the ankle can range from the less serious avulsion injuries (small pieces of bone that have been pulled off) to severe shattering-type breaks of the tibia, fibula or both. Ankle fractures are common injuries that are most often caused by the ankle rolling inward or outward. Many people mistake an ankle fracture for an ankle sprain, but they are quite different and therefore require an accurate and early diagnosis. Both can occur simultaneously. Treatment typically involves outpatient surgery and physical therapy.