Is the over-stretching or tearing of the ligaments due to a trauma or forceful injury on lateral side (outside) of the foot. This occurs when the ankle repeatedly “rolls” outwards during walking or running – and is often associated with excessive supination (‘rolling outwards’) of the foot.
Three ligaments stabilise lateral ankle: the Anterior Talofibular (ATF), Calcaneofibular (CF), and Posterior Talofibular ligaments (PTF).
Inversion sprains can be graded: 1, Mild, 2, Moderate & 3, Severe. Typically, grade 1 sprains involves excessive stretching of the ATF ligaments, & grade 2 involves injury to the ATF & CF ligaments. A grade 3 sprain usually involves rupture of the ATF & CF ligaments.
Acute inversion or trauma to the Anterior Inferior Tibiofibular Ligament (AITFL) may cause a high ankle injury.
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Cause
Repetitive inversion sprain of the ankle often results from excessive supination of the foot during gait. This causes over-stretching of the ligaments in the ankle, leading to inflammation, injury and in extreme cases, rupture of the ligaments/s.
Symptoms
– Tenderness, sharp pain & swelling & swelling around the outside of the ankle.
– Evidence of bleeding under the skin (haematoma)
– Tenderness on the lateral aspect of the ankle anterior (forward) to the lateral malleolus (outside ankle bone) indicates an ATF injury.
– Tenderness below the lateral malleolus (ankle) indicates a CF injury.
– Tenderness directly over the lateral malleolus may indicate a fracture.
Treatment
– Reduce inflammation: R-I-C-E: (Rest-Ice-Compression-Elevation).
– Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs – for short term pain relief.
– Orthotics moulded to STJ Neutral to limit supination – a forefoot wedge may be added to further limit lateral movement.
