Foot & Ankle injury - Injury During Exercise
Sports having elements
of running and jumping can most likely trigger
foot and ankle injuries among its players.
Foot
& ankle injuries have a myriad of variations,
the most recognized being ankle sprains,
syndemosis sprain, foot stress fractures,
navicular stress fracture, 5th metatarsal
stress fracture, Achilles injuries, tendon
rupture, eccentric strengthening, midfoot
sprains, plantar fasciitis, posterior impingement,
ankle cartilage injury, and anterior ankle
impingement.
Sprained ankle
A sprained ankle is one of the most ubiquitous foot and ankle injury caused by
participation in sports.
This injury refers to soft tissue
mainly ligaments - damage around
the ankle. Such is usually caused by an
inversion injury, where the ankle is twisted
inwards.
Otherwise, this ankle injury may
be classified as an eversion injury, where
the ankle is twisted outwards.
Ankle sprains can be classified as first degree,
second degree or third degree. The first level
of ankle injury involves damage only in a few
ligament fibers.
Second-degree ankle sprain means
more substantial damage to the ligament. Lastly,
a third degree sprain refers to a complete rupture
of the ligament, with joint dislocation plausible.
Ankles that have been repeatedly sprained indicate
an inherent weakness that may require surgical
remedy, particularly by arthroscopy.
The injured must acquiesce to significant ice
therapy, compression and elevation among others.
Walking should be avoided if possible as not to
put too much weight on the damaged ankle.
When the patient is able to walk on the ankle,
more active rehabilitation can commence.In two weeks, rehabilitation may be carried out
through active foot & ankle injury exercise,
although the physiotherapist may help regain range
of movement by carrying out passive mobilizing
techniques.
Ankle injury exercises that progressively strengthen
the muscles around the ankle may start henceforth,
as well as proprioceptive exercises.
Later on, basic plyometric exercises should be
incepted. A progressive jogging program is recommended.
At this point, all ankle injury exercises are
preceded by a warm up. Since each exercise is
a progression, they should be completed at least
a day apart.
Metatarsal Fracture (Broken Foot)
The metatarsal bones play a major role in two
principle functions of the ankle and foot: propulsion
and support. Direct trauma, excessive rotational
forces or overuse can cause fractures to the metatarsal
bones.
One of the most harrowing foot and ankle injuries
is damage at the 5th metatarsal bone, on the outside
of the foot. The two common types of fracture
to the fifth metatarsal are known as the Jones
fracture and Avulsion fracture.
If the fracture is attributed to direct trauma
and the fracture fragments are well aligned, then
the recommended treatment is immobilization and
non-weight bearing for 6 - 8 weeks.
Stress fractures of the base of the fifth metatarsal
sometimes show a poor healing capacity, hence
the recommendation of surgical procedure.
