Common Injuries

The ankle is the first major joint in the kinetic chain. Everything that occurs at the foot and ankle in some form or another affects the joints further up the chain, such as the knees, hips and low back. Many different structures can be injured in the foot and ankle from bones, tendons, and most commonly the ligaments. Lateral ankle sprains (outside ankle ligaments) are most commonly injured and are often referred to as a “rolled ankle”. Click on links below for description, and to learn more read our patient education brochure "What You Need to Know About Ankle Sprains".

• Sprains
• Fractures/Stress Fractures
• Tendonitis

Signs and symptoms

The common signs and symptoms of a foot and ankle injury include, swelling, discoloration, pain and sometimes the inability to bear weight.

Initial Care

The first thing to do with an injury presenting with these symptoms would be to follow the R.I.C.E. principle which is Rest, Ice, Compression (with an ace bandage), and Elevation of the extremity. Some people may find it useful and necessary to use crutches in order to get about. Individuals may find some pain relief from over the counter anti-inflammatory medication such as Advil, Ibuprofen, of Aleve if allowed by you physician.

Physician Care

On occasion, when the ankle is "turned" a fracture (break) may be present depending on the force of the injury, therefore if these symptoms do not begin to get better within 2-3 days, you should seek qualified medical attention. Many times, the injury may need to have an X-ray to rule out a fracture. Vanderbilt Sports Medicine has X-ray facilities on site, and physicians who can read the X-ray immediately for the result.

Therapy

For minor sprains that begin to get better in the first couple of days, some simple strengthening and balance exercises in addition to the R.I.C.E. principle above, will be enough to return the individual to a functional level of living. Others with more serious injury will greatly benefit from physical therapy where a physical therapist or athletic trainer will guide you through a series of exercises to strengthen and return you to full function. Click the link below for an example of an exercise program.