Torn ankle ligament

Around the ankle lie the ankle ligaments. In a torn ankle ligament, one of these ligaments is damaged. An ankle ligament can be partially or completely torn. This results in an unstable feeling and increases the risk of further injury. It is therefore important to treat a torn ankle ligament properly.

What is a torn ankle ligament?

The ankle joint is supported by ligaments. These ligaments influence the joint's range of motion. They ensure the joint does not 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 particularly risky because they stretch the ligaments considerably. When the tensile forces are too strong, 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 missing a step off the curb.

Two types of ankle ligament injury are distinguished:

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

In practice, most cases involve injury to the lateral ankle ligaments; an inversion injury. This often happens during unexpected or uncontrolled movements, for example, while playing sports or walking on uneven ground.

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 that side. 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 physiotherapist or GP, 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 GP may opt 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, apply ice, and elevate the ankle. However, it is important to keep the ankle moving. In the first phase, the ankle can be supported with tape, or the use of elbow 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 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.

Physiotherapy

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

Surgery

In some cases, surgery is required to repair and shorten the ligaments.