Ankle injuries often occur when the ankle rolls, twists, or turns in an awkward way. This can stretch or tear the ligaments, the tough bands of tissue that help hold the ankle bones together. A sprained ankle typically causes swelling, pain, and limited range of motion. Many people treat a sprained ankle at home with rest, ice, and pain relievers. However, severe sprains may require medical evaluation.
Dr. Yashwardhan Jaiswal explains that ligaments help stabilize joints by preventing excessive movement. A sprained ankle happens when these ligaments are forced beyond their normal range of motion. Most sprained ankles involve injuries to the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle. Treatment depends on the severity of the injury. While self-care measures and over-the-counter pain medications might suffice, a medical evaluation might be necessary to determine the extent of the sprain and appropriate treatment.For more detailed information, visit ankle injuries and treatments.
If you have pain and swelling in your ankle and suspect a sprain, call your doctor. Self-care measures may be enough, but it's important to discuss with your doctor whether your ankle should be evaluated. Severe signs and symptoms could indicate significant damage to a ligament or a broken bone in your ankle or lower leg.
Inflammation of the Achilles tendon, known as Achilles tendinitis, and Achilles tendinosis (soreness or stiffness of the tendon), commonly occur due to overuse. The most common symptoms include pain and swelling around the affected tendon, which is typically worse at the start of exercise and decreases thereafter. Stiffness of the ankle may also be present. The condition often develops gradually and is commonly a result of overuse, such as running. Other risk factors include trauma, a sedentary lifestyle, high-heel shoes, rheumatoid arthritis, and certain medications. Diagnosis is generally based on symptoms and examination.
Stretching and exercises to strengthen the back are often recommended for prevention, although evidence to support these measures is poor. Treatment typically involves rest, ice, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs), and physical therapy. A heel lift or orthotics may also be helpful. If symptoms persist for more than six months despite other treatments, surgery might be considered. Achilles tendinitis is relatively common and requires proper attention.
The Achilles (uh-KILL-ease) tendon is a band of tissue in the back of your leg. It links your heel bone (calcaneus) to your calf muscles and is also called the calcaneal tendon. You have two Achilles tendons, one in each leg. These tendons are the strongest and biggest in your body, averaging about 15 centimeters (6 inches) in length but can be up to 26 centimeters (10 inches) long in some people. They can handle about four times a person’s body weight. However, due to the stress placed on this tendon, Achilles tendon injuries are common. Almost 1 in 4 athletes experience an Achilles tendon injury during their lifetime.
