Synonyms
(fibular) ligament rupture, supination dreams, English: sprained ankle
Definition
The ankle joint consists of an upper ankle joint and a lower ankle joint. Injury to the outer ligaments of the upper ankle joint is the most common and is therefore also shown in simplified form as a torn ligament in the ankle joint. In the case of an injury, one or more of the outer ligaments are severely overstretched and therefore tear. The three outer ligaments that can tear in such an injury are called the Ligamentum Fibulotalara anterius (ATFL), Ligamentum fibulotalare posterius (PTFL) and the Ligamentum fibulocalcaneare (CFL).
Causes
A torn ligament is caused by a “twisting” (supination trauma) of the foot in the upper ankle joint. This can happen during sports, especially football and tennis, but also by wearing the wrong shoes or walking on uneven surfaces (cobblestones). Normally the upper ankle joint is responsible for the movement of the foot to the front and back.
In the so-called “twisting”, the foot is turned inwards in the upper ankle joint (the big toe comes towards the top). The lower ankle joint is actually responsible for this movement. As a result, the outer ligaments are stretched more and more and this can lead to overstretching (ligament stretching), partial or complete ligament rupture.
Occurring pain
The torn ligament of the ankle joint is one of the most common injuries to the musculoskeletal system. It usually occurs during sporting activities. The torn ligament of the outer ligament is a typical injury site, which is caused by bending outwards.
Pain can then occur directly when the ligament is bent and can be felt as shooting and stabbing. Afterwards, the pain may first subside and then reappear later in the course of the illness or it may continue immediately. This depends above all on the severity of the torn ligament and concomitant injuries and also on whether the ligament may already have been previously damaged.
Ankle pain is therefore one of the first and typical symptoms of a torn ligament. While the pain is initially rather piercing and punctiform in nature, it can later manifest itself as dull and radiating into surrounding structures. They can occur as a result of stress when walking or loading the ankle joint and can be caused by exerting punctual pressure at the site of the torn ligament.
In addition, the pain can also occur at rest, depending on the position of the ankle joint. Which ligament is exactly affected can be determined, among other things, by applying punctual pressure pain over the structure. Despite the progressing healing process, the pain of the torn ligament may persist.
Even after the ligament has fully recovered, it can still be so irritated by the torn ligament that it continues to cause pain under stress and movement for a certain period of time. However, the course of the ankle pain varies from person to person and can vary greatly. If the pain caused by the torn ligament at the ankle joint persists despite adherence to the therapy measures and initial protection, a clarification by a foot specialist is recommended.
Important for the restoration of the function of the ankle joint after healing of the torn ligament are physiotherapy and the independent increase of the load. This can lead to pain and the associated need for a relieving posture, which should be avoided. The muscle build-up around the ligament structures is important so that the ligaments are relieved in the future.
It is important to deal with the pain correctly so that restoration measures can still be carried out. Measures that help to alleviate the pain, such as cooling with special gels or cooling pads and elevating the foot, can help. In addition, appropriate painkillers can be taken, but these are only recommended to a limited extent due to their side effects on the stomach.