Inversion trauma
In inversion trauma, you sprain the ankle, so to speak. This puts strain on the ligament talofibulare anterior. In people who do not seek physical therapy help after experiencing inversion trauma, there is 90% a chance that they will experience inversion trauma again. This is because the ankle in these people has never been strengthened after the inversion trauma and is therefore more susceptible to injury. When the ankle is sprained, swelling and possibly bruising may occur. Doing exercises to regain ankle strength and stability is tremendously important to prevent new injuries. The physical therapists at Fysiofitaal are able to help and guide you during rehabilitation from inversion trauma.
Cause
The ankle is made up of various bone structures, tendons and ligaments. In inversion trauma, you sprain the ankle, so to speak. This puts strain on the ligament talofibulare anterior. This ligament runs on the outside of the ankle. And runs from the malleolus (tubercle of your ankle) to a foot bone (the talus). Often we see that inversion trauma occurs during sports or a walk in the woods. For the majority of people who have experienced inversion trauma and do not seek help, there is a 90% chance that they will experience inversion trauma again. This is because the ankle was never strengthened after the inversion trauma and is therefore susceptible to injuries.
Symptoms
Swelling and possibly bruising may occur when the ankle is sprained. Contrary to what you might expect, swelling and bruising says nothing about the severity of ligament damage. We often see pain and sometimes difficulty walking.
Diagnosis
Inversion trauma is a diagnosis that the physiotherapists at Fysiofitaal can make for you. To see if there is an inversion trauma, they will always start with an anamnesis. This is an interview through which the physiotherapist can gather information and come to a possible diagnosis. After the interview, the physical therapist will perform a number of tests to confirm whether this possible diagnosis is correct.
Treatment
If you have just gone through your ankle, it is important to give the ankle rest so that it can begin to recover. For the first seven days, you are in what is called the inflammation phase. In this phase, the body starts clearing damaged tissue and starts making new tissue. In this phase, the RICE principle is followed. The RICE principle stands for; rest, ice, putting the leg up and possibly applying a pressure bandage. After a week, the body is in full recovery and exercises to strengthen the ankle can be carefully started. Exercising to regain ankle strength and stability is tremendously important to prevent new injuries. The physical therapists at Fysiofitaal are able to help and guide you during rehabilitation from inversion trauma. Depending on the severity of the trauma, something can be said about the recovery of the ankle. Generally, the ankle recovers quickly and if properly supervised, you will be rid of your ankle injury within 6 weeks.
