Sports injuries of the ankle are injuries to the ligaments, tendons, cartilage and bones of the ankle during sport and exercise. They include sprains, tendon irritation, tears and some fractures, and Dr. Emeel Hourani assesses them in Amman with an accurate diagnosis before treatment.
Note: This is general information. Severe pain, or being unable to stand on the foot after a sports injury, needs medical assessment as soon as possible.
Symptoms
- Sharp or recurring pain in the ankle during or after sport
- Swelling and bruising around the ankle
- A feeling that the ankle is unstable or rolls
- Pain on movement or when putting weight on the foot
- Stiffness or reduced ankle movement
- Pain behind the ankle or around the tendon after training
Causes
These injuries happen in two general ways: a sudden injury or built-up overuse.
- Landing badly after a jump or changing direction quickly
- Contact and falls during play
- Repeated running and raising training load too fast
- Footwear unsuitable for the sport, or uneven playing surfaces
- Earlier sprains that did not fully recover
- Poor warm-up or weak calf and ankle muscles
Diagnosis
Diagnosis starts with how the injury happened and your sporting activity, then an examination of the ankle for pain, stability, movement and strength. An X-ray assesses the bones, and an MRI or ultrasound may be requested to assess ligaments, tendons and cartilage.
Identifying the type and severity of the injury is what shapes the treatment plan. For the most common injury, see the page on ankle sprain.
Treatment options
Non-surgical treatment
Many sports injuries of the ankle are treated without surgery, and the plan is set after examination.
- Rest and modifying sporting activity
- Cold packs wrapped in a cloth, and raising the foot
- A brace or support for the ankle when needed
- Physiotherapy to strengthen muscles and improve balance
- Gradual training of sport-specific movements
Surgical treatment
Surgery may be considered if the injury is severe, if the ankle stays unstable or painful despite non-surgical treatment, or if there is a fracture, cartilage damage or a tendon injury. Arthroscopy (keyhole surgery through small incisions) may be used in some cases. After examination and imaging, the surgeon decides whether surgery is suitable and which type.
Recovery and rehabilitation
Recovery varies from person to person and is set by the surgeon after assessment. Returning to sport depends on the ankle regaining its movement, strength and stability, not on time passed alone. See also a safe return to sport.
- Controlling pain and swelling
- Restoring range of motion
- Strengthening the calf and ankle muscles
- Balance work and sport-specific movement
- A gradual return to training, then competition
When to see the doctor
See a doctor after a sports injury of the ankle if:
- You cannot stand or put weight on the foot
- Swelling comes on fast or bruising is widespread
- You heard or felt a pop at the time of injury
- The ankle feels unstable
- There is numbness or the ankle looks out of shape
- Pain persists or returns after every session