Introduction:
A very frequently occurring musculoskeletal injury is an ankle sprain. It involves the partial or complete stretching or tearing of the ligaments in the ankle. They happen when the ankle moves outside of its normal range of motion, which is most frequently seen in people who are active and participate in sports. However, it can be seen in people of all age groups and performing activities at all levels. The most frequent cause for missing sports activity by individuals is ankle sprains.
What Is an Eversion Ankle Sprain?
A deltoid ligament injury on the medial aspect (inside) of the ankle is known as an eversion ankle sprain. Eversion sprains make up about five percent of all ankle sprains, making them relatively uncommon. It is often associated with a fracture or an injury of the fibula bone.
What Are the Causes of Eversion Ankle Sprain?
When the foot is turned outward (laterally) beyond what the ligaments and muscles can control, an eversion ankle sprain happens. Although it is not common, this mechanism can happen when a person runs or jumps. Uneven ground or abnormal foot structure may increase the risk of an eversion ankle injury.
-
Playing on uneven sports surfaces poses a high risk to the ankle as it could lead to abrupt ankle twisting as a result of uneven ground. Fields with holes are also very dangerous because it is simple to step into one without first looking and sprain an ankle.
-
Sports that demand a lot of direction or pace-switching, like basketball and netball, can also result in an eversion ankle sprain.
-
Another reason for an eversion ankle sprain is the underlying hypermobility. In this medical condition, the ankle ligaments may not be able to give proper support. Also, the ankle ligaments become too elastic, and hence they stretch too much. This is a medical condition and can be acquired or inherited.
-
A very serious issue is prior ligament sprains. Seventy-five percent of ankle sprains are thought to be recurrent. After a sprain, the ankle should be strengthened properly with proper exercise and a rehabilitation regime.
-
Incorrect footwear, or footwear that does not fit well, is another reason for eversion ankle sprain. For instance, basketball players wear high-sided trainers, and hikers and walkers benefit from a higher-sided walking boot to stabilize the ankle on uneven surfaces. It will help if individuals wear the proper footwear for their sports and at the same time ensure that it is not too big and properly fitted.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of an Eversion Sprain of the Ankle?
Usually, an individual is aware that the ankle has been sprained. The ankle rolls inward whenever there is an eversion ankle sprain. Some warning signs and symptoms are:
-
Instant pain on the inside of the ankle.
-
Rapid swelling at the injury site.
-
At a later stage of the injury, bruising is also evident.
-
Restricted movements.
-
Unable to exert pressure on the injured part.
What Is the Treatment for Eversion Sprain of the Ankle?
-
Protection: Protective braces should be used. Protection braces like the one which has a pre-built air cushion or ankle support or compression bandages like ACE bandages should be used during the first 24 to 36 hours of an ankle injury. This will help to minimize the swelling and take off the pressure from the ankle. Following such precautions helps to reduce the chances of further or recurrent injury at the same site.
-
Rest: An individual must not try to strain the injured ankle further by walking and putting pressure on it. Crutches are suggested to be used until an individual is able to walk properly and without pain. Proper healing time after an injury is a must to recover completely from the sprain.
-
Ice: Place an ice pack for approximately ten minutes at intervals of one to two hours all through the day for the initial two to three days following an injury or until the swelling goes down. One can opt for an ice bath or a contrast bath (alternating between cold and hot water baths or temperature) after the initial two days. Although some people do not think this helps, others have found relief using this method, and hence this should be used patiently. The ice can be applied at any place where there is pain and swelling, but it is typically applied to the inside of the ankle.
-
Medicine: Ibuprofen or Naproxen, which are anti-inflammatory medications, are frequently used by many people to help relieve ankle pain and swelling. Anti-inflammatory ointments or ointments containing Diclofenac are also very useful in treating pain. Ice packs are the best recommended anti-inflammatory pain treatment with no side effects.
-
Compression: For the initial 24 to 36 hours after an injury, elastic compression wraps should be worn to reduce swelling. If a person intends to put any weight on the hurt ankle, safety braces should be worn. Please be careful not to wrap it too firmly. Try loosening the bandage if it becomes too tight. It is advised to ease off the bandage if there is tingling, numbness, coldness, discomfort, or edema in the region underneath.
-
Surgery: If non-operative treatment is ineffective at improving the symptoms, surgery might be required for repairing and reconstructing the injured ligaments.
A chronic or unattended severe sprain may weaken the ankle and increase the risk of reinjuring it if treatment and rehabilitation are not received properly and timely. Recurring ankle sprains can result in long-term side effects including chronic ankle pain, instability, and arthritis.
How Can Eversion Ankle Sprains Be Prevented?
-
A proper warm-up is required before engaging in physical activity or any form of exercise.
-
Carry out strengthening exercises to improve the stability of the ankle.
-
Pay proper attention while moving quickly or working on an uneven surface.
-
Select shoes that offer the right amount of stability and stability for physical activity.
Conclusion:
Ankle sprain outcomes are typically quite positive. Most patients are able to resume their normal activities after some time with the right care and rehabilitation. The most frequent reason for persistent ankle instability following a sprain is incomplete rehabilitation. The damaged ligament(s) will weaken if the patient stops performing the strengthening exercises, increasing their risk of suffering another ankle sprain. The most effective way to avoid injuries to the ankle is to keep muscles flexible, balanced, and strong.
