Torn ligaments in the foot are an injury that affects the stabilizing, ligamentous apparatus of the ankle joint. The ankle joint is divided into an upper and a lower ankle joint. Both joints are secured by ligaments.
The upper ankle joint consists of the malleolus fork, which is formed by the two bones of the lower leg (tibia and fibula), which is articulated to our talus (ankle bone). The lower ankle joint consists of the calcaneus (heel bone), the talus and the os naviculare (tarsal bone, scaphoid bone). The outer ligaments connect the fibula, i.e. the fibula with the surrounding bones.
The outer ligaments are more frequently affected by a torn ligament. There are also ligaments on the inner side that secure the joint. In addition, the malleolar fork is secured by a firm ligament-like structure. The syndesmosis, which firmly connects the tibia with the fiblua. If a ligament ruptures, different ligaments can tear depending on the trauma or force applied.
How can I recognize a torn ligament on the foot itself?
The torn ligament manifests itself through the signs mentioned below. However, these symptoms alone (with the exception of malpositioning) do not provide any information about the condition of the ligaments. One cannot see whether a ligament is torn or torn.
It is also not possible to make a statement about any accompanying bony injuries. The joint status should therefore always be diagnosed and clarified by a doctor. In case of doubt, the MRI can provide information about the condition of the ligaments. Bony injuries can be seen in the X-ray image.
- The inflammatory reaction with its symptoms
- A severe instability in the joint
- Pain on occurrence
- Possibly a malpositioning of the joint is possible due to the lack of tape securing
What to do?
Torn ligaments quickly lead to swelling of the joint. Fluid leaks into the tissue. It is possible that the injured ligaments bleed into the joint.
The joint becomes unstable and can no longer be moved or loaded. The patient is in pain. In this acute stage, treatment can be carried out according to the PECH scheme (PECH is an acronym and stands for rest, ice, compression, elevation).
After the diagnosis has been made, a treatment plan is drawn up. Depending on the extent of the injury, immobilization and relief with subsequent physiotherapy is performed. This consists of a mobilizing phase in which the joint mobility is to be regained after immobilization and an intensive sensomotoric and coordinative training to regain joint stability.
- Pause: The pause should prevent further injury to the joint and allow the injured structures to rest.
- Ice: Ice has an analgesic effect and inhibits the leakage of fluid into the tissue by contracting the vessels, but should only be cooled moderately and for a short period of time. In fact, some therapists today believe that direct cooling is rather harmful for the wound healing process. Opinions differ greatly here.
- Compression A light pressure bandage, for example, should also prevent the leakage of fluid and thus painful joint swelling, and secure the injured structures.
- Hochlagern Hochlagern supports the lymph drainage by gravity and is also supposed to stop the swelling.
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