How do you treat a sprained ankle?

Human joints are further strengthened by ligaments that hold them in place and control movement. Sometimes the strain on the ligaments may be too great too strongwhich leads to they become overloaded.. This problem is common in large joints such as the elbow, hip, shoulder, and knee. However, the most common injuries are ligament strains in the foot and lower leg. most frequently..

This type of injury is quite common and widespread due to the anatomical shape of the foot. The joint itself consists of 3 bones that are held in position by an equal number of groups of ligaments. The first group includes the intra-articular ligaments that connect the tibial bones to each other. The second group becomes the main group and forms the deltoid ligament, while the third group contains the talofemoral ligament and the femoral calcaneal ligament.

This last group is the most vulnerable to injury due to its unique location. It is most prone to injuries and frequent dislocations.. It is important to remember that this joint is often subjected to heavy loads as it has to support the entire body weight. Not only must the ligaments be completely immobile, but they must also give the foot the freedom it needs to carry out its natural movements. All movements in this joint can be controlled and stabilized by certain sections of the ligaments. The ligaments can fulfill another, equally important task: they limit the mobility of the joint. This way they keep it within limits and protect it from possible injuries.

When the movements of such a joint begin to exceed the limits, the articular ligament system fails. The result is. Ligament strain which can occur in many different areas of the leg. The most typical situation is when the foot twists inward during athletic competitions or normal movements in life. The course of the stretching movement varies greatly from one direction to the other. When someone is moving very quickly and suddenly slows down, the foot begins to rotate.

How can this type of injury be treated?

A sprain of this type requires a long treatment period because the the healing process takes a long time. It should be noted that the connective tissue heals only slowly and only appropriate and timely help can significantly shorten the healing time. The timing of treatment can significantly shorten healing time..

Treatment of ankle sprains includes complete elimination Pains Pain and swelling. At the hemarthrosisIf a large clot has formed inside, it should be removed. It is then important to restore the function of the ligaments. The treatment must be carried out carefully, but first it is important thatBefore treatment, it is important to determine whether there is a fracture or not. This can be done with the help of an x-ray. The best solution is the application of a plaster cast.The best solution is to apply a cast, which is very important in this type of injury.

To prevent swelling, the first thing to do is. is to place a cold compress on the affected area.And to relieve the pain with special painkillers. It's important in the first 24 hours apply coldApply a cold compress in the first 24 hours and a special pain reliever in the second 24 hours. Sprained ankles can be treated at home with the help of special warming balms.These are available in pharmacies. These products often contain non-steroidal and pain-relieving substances that Pains They ensure that the pain disappears completely.

Treating the problem at home

If the sprain is not serious and the symptoms are not severe, there is no need to go to the doctor. The sprain should be treated with special warming warming lotions and ointments.You don't need to go to the doctor, but sometimes it is important to see a doctor and get advice. However, sometimes it is important to see a doctor and ask for advice on how best to treat a sprain.

At home you can use the following Ointments from the pharmacyBut you can too Folk remedies. The most important treatment is to warm the injured area thoroughly and let it rest. This will make the healing process as easy and quick as possible.

Common symptoms

Symptoms of pathology vary depending on the type of dislocation. Experts have created a list of common symptoms that apply to all types of sprains:

Redness of the skin over the damaged joint.
Significant pain that increases with the slightest movement.
The examination shows a changed shape and size of the injured joint.
Significant swelling of the tissue in the area of injury.
Loss of sensation due to impaired innervation of the limb.
Restriction of freedom of movement.
High temperature.

Specific symptoms of a dislocation include spring-like resistance during passive movement attempts.

Types of joint dislocations

In traumatology, several types of joint dislocations are distinguished:

By location – the dislocation affects the lower limbs or the upper vertebrae.
By origin – acute dislocations (up to three times in one joint, fixed on the x-ray), habitual dislocations (after three acute injuries in one joint), pathological dislocations (in diseases, neoplastic lesions of the joints), congenital dislocations (results of congenital injuries) .
With regard to the extent of the injury, a distinction is made between complete and incomplete dislocations. In a complete dislocation, the parts of the joint are completely separated from each other. In the case of an incomplete dislocation, the joint surfaces partially touch each other.
The integrity of the skin at the injury site is compromised - either open or closed.
Depending on the period since the injury – fresh (up to 3 days), not fresh (up to 4 weeks), aged (more than 4 weeks).

Treatment and rehabilitation depending on the injury site.

treatment of sprains

In the event of an ankle injury, it is important to take first aid measures. Everyone should know that. First aid measures for ankle injuries:

Immobilize the ankle by placing a roller under it. Immobilize the leg with a roller. Stabilize the injured joint with a splint or hard object and wrap it with a soft cloth.
Apply ice to the injured area. This will help relieve the pain.
Take the injured person to the hospital as quickly as possible, being careful not to injure the limbs.

Some people refuse to seek medical help because they believe they can treat the injury themselves. However, self-massage and folk remedies are not a guarantee of complete recovery. If you have an ankle subluxation, you need to see a specialist who can push the ankle back into the correct position and provide expert assistance.

Attempting to correct the ankle on your own will only harm you and may lead to further injury. The joint must be straightened within the first 2 hours after the injury.

The sprain must be corrected immediately, otherwise time will be lost and the swelling will swell, making it difficult to help the patient. Care must also be taken to ensure that there are no complications in the form of fractures or fractures, as these must not be reduced.

treatment of dislocations

The medical treatment is followed by a rehabilitation phase. This depends on the severity of the ankle subluxation. Treatments include treatments:

All of the above measures can only be prescribed by a doctor. The injured ankle should be covered with a supportive bandage until it heals completely. The bandage must be tight, but so that the blood flows to the ankle and the leg does not become numb. When applying an elastic bandage to the ankle, it is important that the limb is elevated and accessible from all sides, otherwise it will be difficult to apply a proper bandage.

A way to apply a bandage

Place the bandage over the sole of the foot, starting in a circular motion, then loop it back around the sole of the foot. Then onto the back of the foot and again in a twisting motion onto the shin, sweeping over the previous position. Repeat this process 7 more times and close. The heel remains open and the back is covered. Sometimes after shortening the ankle, the patient is hospitalized for several days, where all the necessary treatments are carried out and the affected area is regularly lubricated with warming ointments. Physiotherapy is also carried out:

Treatment of a sprained ankle

If you experience pain and swelling after an injury (fall, rolling your foot), or if you hear cracking or throbbing noises, go to a trauma center immediately. The extent of the joint damage must be determined and a bone fracture must be ruled out, which is important for treating the sprained ankle. Self-treatment of this type of injury carries the risk of further instability of the ligaments and repeated trauma from the slightest injury, as well as the development of osteoarthritis (chronic inflammatory damage with cartilage and bone destruction).

diagnosis

If you think you have a sprained ankle, you should go to a trauma center or make an appointment with a trauma surgeon. The first step is to determine the circumstances of the injury and examine the doctor to find out where the most severe pain is, how limited the mobility of the foot is and what additional complaints the patient has. The traumatologist will assess the extent of swelling, bruising or hematoma and the position of the foot.

An x-ray of the injured joint will also be taken to rule out bone fractures. To ensure that a possible injury is not overlooked, the x-ray is taken in two projections to assess the condition of the tibia, fibula, and lateral and medial malleolus.

Current treatment methods

It is important not to attempt to repair a sprained ankle on your own, as doing so may only worsen the extent of the injury. Once the diagnosis is established, the doctor will apply anesthesia to correct the dislocation and apply a bandage to immobilize it. If a bone fracture, joint deformation or bone displacement is confirmed, the doctor will fix the foot in the correct position with a plaster cast once the joint structure is restored.

If it is a sprained ankle without a fracture, the doctor will apply a U-shaped cast (from the toes across the bottom of the foot, including the heel and upper third of the shin) that lasts for 12 to 14 days. For more serious injuries, the entire foot and lower leg will be in a cast for up to 3 to 5 weeks.

Preventing a sprained ankle

There are a number of tips to help prevent serious leg injuries, including the ankle. To prevent a sprained ankle, you need to warm up before any exercise and perform a series of warm-up exercises to improve blood flow to the joints and mobility of the ligaments.

It is important to move carefully on wet or slippery floors and to hold onto objects or handrails. Shoes should be as comfortable as possible, without heels or with a sturdy, thick heel no higher than 3-4 cm and a stiff heel counter.

Avoid walking on uneven terrain with gravel or stones, as well as on gravel paths or steep mountain paths.

In order to prevent further injuries, it is important to initially wear special compression insoles and elastic bandages. Your doctor will show you how to properly bandage injured joints.

Diagnosis of habitual dislocation

If a habitual dislocation is suspected, consult a traumatologist or surgeon immediately. The doctor will conduct an examination and take a medical history. Patients usually complain about the consequences of trauma and restricted freedom of movement. During the examination, the specialist carries out a test: He checks the mobility of the joint and tries to recreate the dislocation, which is usually successful.

The basic and mandatory diagnostic method is an X-ray of the joint in two projections. MRI and CT scans are reliable diagnostic methods with a high level of detail. They show the condition of the cartilage, soft tissue, joint and bones.

Additional examinations are usually recommended if surgical treatment in hospital is required:

General urine and blood test;
Determination of Rh factor and blood group;
coagulogram;
testing for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis;
Biochemical blood test;
ECG;
Ultrasound of the damaged joint – makes it possible to detect problems within the joint without dangerous radiation.

The final diagnostic and treatment step is arthroscopy. This is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that involves making several small punctures to gain access to the joint. A miniature video camera is inserted into the joint cavity. In this way, the doctor can look at all the tissues of the joint in detail and determine the cause of the habitual dislocation.

An X-ray of the affected joint before and after the dislocation is sufficient to confirm disability or for medical examinations by the military replacement office or other authorities.

Treatment of habitual dislocation

The first step is to adjust the joint and realign the joint components. Drug treatment is ineffective if habitual dislocation has occurred. Medications are prescribed if the pathology was caused by untimely strain on the injured limb during the treatment of the primary dislocation.

One of the most popular drugs with proven effectiveness is Arthrakam. It is prescribed after a joint dislocation to relieve pain, heal and regenerate joint and cartilage tissue. It contains glucosamine, which is essential for restoring and preventing cartilage and joint destruction. Artrakam effectively relieves pain, combats age-related degenerative changes, accelerates healing of micro-injuries and normalizes blood circulation in damaged tissues. Artrakam is packaged in convenient sachets containing a powder for the preparation of a medicinal suspension. It should be taken in one serving per day for 40 days. Two packs of Artrakam are sufficient for the treatment.

The medicine can be taken not only for joint diseases and injuries, but also for their prevention. It is particularly recommended for people who belong to a risk group: older people, competitive athletes, people with a sedentary lifestyle and overweight people.

In other cases, surgical intervention is required. The surgeon's job is to repair damaged ligaments and cartilage and restore normal joint mobility and range of motion. Surgical intervention is always elective because the condition of habitual dislocation is not particularly dangerous.

The most common treatment method is arthroscopic surgery. These procedures are minimally invasive, allow for a shorter rehabilitation period and allow full restoration of joint mobility within a few months. To restore the integrity of the damaged tissue and function, fixation is carried out using medical staples, screws, anchor sutures or all-in-one sutures. Materials that can be reabsorbed after tissue healing without leaving scars are often used. If arthroscopy is not possible, open surgery can be performed.

What should first aid look like?

Effective first aid is important when treating sprained ankles. Untimely or inadequate treatment can lead to numerous complications. Consider what to do if a person severely dislocates their leg on ice or another slippery surface.

Find a suitable surface and sit down so that the injured limb is still and relaxed. If possible, remove shoes and outer clothing if the environment permits.

Since swelling increases over time, you should not tense the thigh and ankle muscles or actively knead the joint. Until a doctor or ambulance arrives, the following measures are recommended:

Fix the injured area with improvised items - bandages, towels, clothes. It is advisable that the person helping knows how to apply immobilization bandages;
A cold compress may be applied to relieve pain and swelling. However, water and condensation should not get on the skin or the surface of the open wound (in the case of severe sprains). In addition, a cotton cloth should be placed over the soft tissues to prevent hypothermia. The duration of applying the compress should not exceed 15-20 minutes;
If an NSAID (nonsteroidal analgesic) is available, it can be taken at the approved dose for pain relief. Products such as ibuprofen, ketotifen, diclofenac, ketorolac and others are suitable;
Avoid rubbing alcohol on the injured area or taking it by mouth, as the swelling can worsen.

Treatment of the injury

All degrees of dislocation should be treated by a professional trauma surgeon. Do not attempt to straighten the joint or repair torn ligaments yourself. This can lead to complications and further problems with walking.

After the doctor makes a diagnosis and assesses the severity of the injury, a treatment and rehabilitation plan is drawn up. To fix the injured limb in a static position, an immobilizing bandage is placed around the injured limb.

If there is a fracture, a plaster cast is applied and is worn until the bone has completely healed. If the dislocation is not accompanied by a fracture, the average dressing duration is up to 14 days. For more serious injuries, the foot is immobilized for up to 5-6 weeks.

To relieve pain and swelling, non-steroidal painkillers are prescribed for the first few days. These are taken depending on the dosage, but not for longer than 7 days.

As soon as the tight bandage is removed and the muscles and ligaments have recovered sufficiently, the patient is prescribed rehabilitation treatment:

These rehabilitation measures help restore impaired limb function and improve blood and lymphatic circulation.

In the first two to three months, excessive physical strain and straining of the limbs should be avoided. High-heeled shoes and slippery soles should be avoided. This can lead to re-injury with even more serious consequences.

What not to do? You should not do anything for the first 24 hours after the injury:

heat treatments;
strong rubbing;
warm compresses and warming ointments;
Take hot baths;
Drink alcohol.

During the rehabilitation phase, it can be useful to relieve the injured limb with kinesio taping. With this method, the muscles and ligaments are fixed with elastic tape. Swelling and inflammation are reduced and soft tissues heal faster.

Types of sprains

One of the most common pathologies of this type is hip dislocation. The problem is recognized when the child tries to take his first steps. When moving it limps and a so-called 'duck walk' occurs.

Pathological Dislocations. They develop against the background of changes in bone tissue.
Traumatic dislocations. This pathology develops as a result of weakness of the articular and ligamentous apparatus or due to discrepancies in the size of the articular surfaces.

Dislocation of the shoulder joint

This injury most commonly occurs when a person falls forward or to the side with their arms outstretched. The joint capsule tears and the head of the humerus falls out of the socket. The deformity leads to an asymmetric shoulder position. With this deformity it is impossible to perform normal shoulder movements. As a rule, a weak pulsation of the radial artery is noted.

A correct diagnosis can be made during the first examination. In addition, the patient is referred for an X-ray examination. The x-ray shows the position of the joint head and any damage to the bones and ligaments. The doctor determines the type of dislocation (anterior or posterior) and diagnoses or excludes a fracture.

Dislocation of the knee joint

The pathology develops as a result of sports injuries and overexertion, accidents and falls from heights. The dislocation is accompanied by a sprain and the integrity of the ligaments is compromised. The structure of the joint capsule is changed and the kneecap is displaced.

X-rays can be used to determine the extent of the injury. Depending on whether there are complications of a knee dislocation fracture or not, the doctor will select the appropriate treatment.

If the X-ray image is not sufficiently informative, an ultrasound examination, an MRI or an arthroscopy may also be recommended.

Dislocation of the elbow joint

This injury is caused by dropping the elbow on the outstretched hand or by a violent blow. This type of sprain is often diagnosed after a car accident. Also, this injury can be caused by excessive physical exertion, during which the patient made sudden jerky movements.

How should first aid be provided?

Proper treatment of a dislocated joint can facilitate further treatment and rehabilitation and minimize the likelihood of complications. If you suspect a dislocation, you should follow the following recommendations:

Never attempt to repair a dislocation yourself.
Completely immobilize the injured area. Secure the joint in the position it is in using a cloth, sling, or other device.
If open wounds are present, treat the injured area with an antiseptic. Alcohol solution, hydrogen peroxide, etc. are suitable.
Put an ice pack on the injured area. This prevents severe swelling.
Give the person a painkiller if they are in severe pain.
Seek medical attention as soon as possible (call an ambulance or take the injured person to the hospital yourself).

What is a dislocated knee?

Although a sprain is a very common injury, it is not very common in this particular joint. The ligaments that stabilize the knee do not tear so easily. This can only happen in the event of a serious injury, such as an accident, a fall from a height, an unfortunate sporting activity or an accident at work.

The knee joint is most often dislocated from the front or back. Such an injury can rupture the popliteal artery, cutting off blood supply to the lower limbs. Depending on the severity of the tear and how quickly the problem is identified, consequences can range from recovery to amputation.

A sprained knee can also damage the oculomotor nerve, which controls the toes. This can lead to numbness in the foot and motor problems.

Another possible injury to the knee area is a dislocation of the kneecap. However, this is not a dislocation of the knee joint because the kneecap lies in front of the joint and can move without directly affecting it. To fix the problem, the kneecap needs to be put back in place and the muscles that are supposed to hold it in place need to be strengthened accordingly.

Knee dislocation symptoms

Pains. This is the first and most characteristic symptom known to everyone who has suffered a knee dislocation. Pain syndrome can worsen with physical activity.
Swelling and deformity of the knee.
Restriction of motor function.
Nausea in the foot – This symptom can occur when the peroneal nerve has been damaged as a result of a dislocation.
Cold foot – This is an indication of possible damage to the popliteal artery (Arteria poplitea).

A medical examination is required to diagnose a dislocated knee. The specialist examines the swelling, the deformity, the mobility of the foot and the pulse of the popliteal artery. The suspicion of a dislocation or an arterial injury is confirmed:

Hematoma in the back of the knee joint;
loss of pulse;
pulsating bleeding from the wound;
Noticeable turbulent blood flow under the skin.

Additional diagnostics may also be required:

Comparison of blood pressure in the arm and leg (ankle-brachial index (ABI));
Doppler examination of the blood vessels of the lower extremities;
CT angiography;
X-rays;
MRI of the knee joint.

It is important to know that the injury itself determines which doctor you see. If it is a sprain or a fracture, you should see an orthopedist. Vascular surgeons can help if the arteries are damaged. Physiotherapy assistance is required during rehabilitation and recovery.

rehabilitation

Rehabilitation should be carried out as early as a few days after the injury to prevent deterioration and speed up recovery. The doctor prescribes medications, physiotherapy (UHF, electrophoresis, etc.), massage and exercise therapy.

medication

Before taking any prescription drugs, let your doctor know if you are allergic to them or have a chronic medical condition.

Painkillers (Analgin, Nurofen, Ibuprofen, etc.) are prescribed for immediate pain relief after a sprain.
Ointments (Diclofenac, Voltaren, etc.) are prescribed for local pain and inflammation.
Some drugs affect the stomach, and drugs to reduce hydrochloric acid production (omeprazole, pantoprozole, etc.) are prescribed as a preventive measure.

Traditional remedies

There are many ways to treat a sprained foot at home. They relieve symptoms and speed recovery. Various methods are used for complex treatment, but a specialist should be consulted beforehand.

Rub in

Various rubs are helpful to relieve swelling and pain, e.g. B:

an oil infused with lavender;
a tincture of garlic and apple cider vinegar (leave for 7 days)
Dissolve sea salt and sea salt in vinegar and place a handkerchief soaked in this mixture on the affected limb;
A cup of oil and a teaspoon of Bryonia root.

Baths.

Duration of treatment - no more than half an hour at a water temperature of 37-38 ° C.

Add a few drops of iodine to any saline solution;
chamomile soaked and diluted with warm water;
Freshly brewed mother oil, St. John's wort.

What are the risks of a bone sprain?

Dislocation of a bone in a sprain results in rupture of the joint capsule and tissue, bruising, inflammation, etc. When a nerve is damaged, the limb loses feeling. If you have a chronic sprain, it is advisable to avoid physical activity.

The best ways to prevent injuries are:

strengthening exercises;
warming up, stretching muscles and ligaments;
comfortable low-heeled shoes adapted to weather conditions;
foods containing calcium.

Human legs are exposed to constant trauma from heavy loads. In the event of a sprain, provide first aid and seek medical attention immediately so as not to aggravate the situation. Try to observe safety measures at work and at home.