Torn ankle ligament

Ligaments run along the inside and outside of the ankle. In a torn ankle ligament, such a ligament is damaged. An ankle ligament can be partially or completely torn. This results in an unstable feeling in the ankle and increases the risk of further injury. It is therefore important to treat a torn ankle ligament properly.

What is a torn ankle ligament?

On both the inside and the outside, the ankle joint is supported by ligaments. These ligaments influence the joint's range of motion. They ensure that the joint cannot move too far and in this way prevent a dislocation.

This important function of the ankle ligaments also makes them vulnerable to injury. Movements outside the joint's normal range are a risk because the ankle ligaments are stretched considerably. When tensile forces are too great, a ligament can tear.

What causes a torn ankle ligament?

A torn ankle ligament is generally the result of a sprain or a fall. A good example is a misstep off the curb.

Two types of ankle ligament injury are distinguished:

• Lateral torn ankle ligament: This follows an excessive movement into inversion (the inward rolling of the foot). This is also called lateral ankle ligament injury.
• Medial torn ankle ligament: This is the result of an excessive movement into eversion (the outward rolling of the foot). This is called medial ankle ligament injury.

In practice, most cases involve injury to the lateral ankle ligaments; an inversion injury. This often involves unexpected or uncontrolled movements. For example, during sports or when walking on uneven terrain.

What are the symptoms of a torn ankle ligament?

Swelling and bruising around the ankle are characteristic of a torn ankle ligament. Because of the resulting ankle pain, it is often difficult to fully bear weight on the ankle. Swelling will also (temporarily) reduce ankle mobility. Another typical feature of a torn ankle ligament is an increased feeling of instability.

How is a torn ankle ligament diagnosed?

Three grades are used when diagnosing a torn ankle ligament:

• Grade 1: Sprained ligament.
• Grade 2: Partial tear.
• Grade 3: Complete rupture.

In principle, a physical examination by the physical therapist or family doctor, possibly supplemented with specific tests, is sufficient to make the diagnosis. It is important that other conditions, such as an ankle fracture, are excluded.

If there is doubt about the exact severity of the symptoms, the family doctor may choose to have imaging performed by a specialist. In most cases, an X-ray is taken.

How is a torn ankle ligament treated?

With a torn ankle ligament, it is sensible to rest sufficiently, cool the ankle, and elevate it. However, it is important to keep the ankle moving. In the first phase, the ankle can be supported with tape, or the use of crutches is advisable.

For treatment, it can also be important to know the exact severity of the symptoms. For grade 1 (sprain), a week of rest, regular icing, and moderate activity will, in most cases, suffice before increasing the load again. It is advisable to do exercises to prevent the ligament from remaining weak and not healing properly.

Treatment of grade 2 and 3 injuries (partial tear and complete tear) is largely the same. In these cases, it is often chosen to walk with crutches for the first week to offload the ankle. From week one to four, the ankle can be supported with tape or a brace.

Physical therapy
The physical therapist can play an important role at the start of rehabilitation by informing, advising, and guiding. When moving to the next phase, the physical therapist will draw up a treatment plan with exercise therapy aimed at increasing stability and muscle strength.

Surgery
In some cases, surgery is required to repair and shorten the ligaments. This is performed by a specialist at the hospital.