Have you sprained your ankle while walking or doing daily activities? To get rid of the problem, we offer you the most important information about fixation of the ankle joint. Ankle instability or sprain occurs because the collateral ankle ligaments are injured, stretched or stressed as a result of a sprain or tear, leading to discomfort
And stability in the ankle, so the ankle joint is immobilized to reduce the risk of repeated or chronic sprains to stretch and support the ligaments.
Fixation of the ankle joint
Fixation of the ankle joint depends on the treatment used to re-stabilize the ankle, and the nature of the treatment is determined by the doctor depending on the results of examinations and tests, in addition to the level of activity of the patient. Learn now about the methods of fixation of the ankle joint:
Non-surgical methods of treating and stabilizing the ankle joint
The ankle joint is stabilized using some simple rehabilitation and treatment methods, depending on the patient''s condition and diagnosis. The condition may be simple and do not require surgical intervention. Learn about the most prominent non-surgical methods:
Physical therapy: It includes a group of different treatments and exercises to strengthen the ankle and improve balance and movement, and various exercises are received to help perform activities or sports.
Ankle support: The ankle is supported by wearing a brace that prevents the ankle from turning or moving, and helps to stabilize it and prevent it from twisting.
Medications: Medications or anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and pain.
Methods of surgical treatment and stabilization of the ankle joint
Joint stabilization surgery is often resorted to for patients who have failed non-surgical treatment programs, and whose symptoms are not adequately controlled with specific training and exercises, then surgery is performed to stabilize the collateral ligamentous structures.
Here are the types of surgical treatment:
1. Anatomical repair of the outside (lateral) ankle ligaments
One of the most common methods of surgically fixing the ankle joint is a procedure called Broström, in which the ligaments on the outside of the ankle are cut and repaired by stretching.
2. Tendon reconstruction of the lateral ankle ligaments
This procedure is more complex and involves strengthening the ligaments by weaving a tendon through the bones on the outside of the ankle in order to provide additional support to the area.
Tips to speed up the healing of the ankle and stabilize the joint
After exposure to a sprain or dislocation of the joint, it is recommended to do the following methods to support and stabilize the ankle joint in place and reduce the risk of further injuries, with the necessity of obtaining the doctor’s approval before doing it:
Apply the RICE method
This acronym stands for: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation in English, and is used to reduce swelling and inflammation, and involves achieving complete rest.
Where an ice bag is used to reduce swelling and pressure on the ankle or joint by applying a bandage and finally elevating the ankle up on a pillow, for example, to reduce pressure and prevent fluid accumulation in the joint.
Stretching or stretching exercises
These exercises maintain muscle tone, help promote blood flow to the affected area and thus speed up recovery, and can be applied by gently stretching the ankle and moving it in all directions at least three times a day, with the need to avoid moving the ankle in any direction that may be painful.
Walking and sports
Walking or sports may be impossible after an ankle joint injury, but after the swelling goes down and receives proper treatment, walking can promote healing.
Where it is advised to walk short distances indoors, then gradually walk for longer distances. As for simple sports, it may restore strength and balance and prevent muscle weakness in the area.
the physical treatment
Physical therapy may help anyone who suffers from long-term pain after a sprained joint or after any serious injury. The physical therapist determines an appropriate treatment plan that includes a set of customized exercises that promote healing and relieve pain.
Diagnosing an ankle sprain
Ankle sprain is diagnosed by an orthopedic surgeon to determine treatment through the following:
Physical assessment or clinical examination of mechanical instability of movement, ie movement outside the normal physiological range.
The use of X-rays to tilt the ankle, where the tilt of the healthy ankle should extend to 5 degrees only, while the injured ankle should extend from 15 to 20 degrees in the X-ray.
