Ankle Sprains: Types and Degrees

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Questions and Answers

Why are eversion ankle sprains less common than inversion ankle sprains?

  • Eversion sprains primarily affect the anterior talofibular ligament, which is the strongest ligament in the ankle.
  • The bone structure of the ankle and the strength of the deltoid ligament provide greater resistance to eversion forces. (correct)
  • Eversion sprains only occur when the foot is in plantarflexion, a position that rarely occurs during athletic activities.
  • The fibula extends further distally than the tibia, directly blocking excessive eversion.

An athlete is diagnosed with a second-degree ankle sprain. Which combination of symptoms would you MOST likely observe?

  • Partial ligament tear, tenderness, moderate loss of function and swelling. (correct)
  • No ligament laxity, slight pain with stress, and little swelling.
  • Complete ligament tear, extreme pain, and rapid swelling.
  • Stretching of the ligament, no loss of function, and severe bruising.

What distinguishes a third-degree ankle sprain from a first or second-degree sprain?

  • Third-degree sprains are characterized by minimal pain, while first and second-degree sprains are extremely painful.
  • Third-degree sprains primarily affect the range of dorsiflexion, while first and second-degree sprains affect plantarflexion.
  • A third-degree sprain only involves the calcaneofibular ligament.
  • A third-degree sprain involves a complete tear of the affected ligament(s). (correct)

Which mechanism of injury is MOST likely to result in a syndesmotic (high ankle) sprain?

<p>Forced hyperdorsiflexion and lateral rotation of the foot. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

An athlete presents with point tenderness over the anterior tibiofibular joint and reports pain with weight-bearing. Which injury is MOST likely?

<p>Syndesmotic sprain (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the PRIMARY difference in the mechanism of injury between an Achilles tendon strain and an Achilles tendon rupture?

<p>A strain involves overstretching, while a rupture involves a complete tear typically from a forceful push-off. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A positive Thompson Test is MOST indicative of which of the following conditions?

<p>Achilles tendon rupture (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following rehabilitation strategies is MOST appropriate to initially manage an Achilles Tendon Strain (Grade 1-2)?

<p>RICE protocol (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation), heel lifts, and taping. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Inversion Ankle Sprain

Ankle sprain where the foot turns inward (inversion) and damages lateral ligaments. It's the most common type.

Eversion Ankle Sprain

Ankle sprain where the foot turns outward. Less common due to bone structure and strong deltoid ligament.

First Degree Ankle Sprain

First degree ankle sprain involves stretching of the ligament with tenderness, slight pain, and minimal loss of function.

Second Degree Ankle Sprain

Second degree ankle sprain involves partial tearing of the ligament, tenderness, swelling, pain, slight laxity, and moderate loss of function.

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Third Degree Ankle Sprain

Third degree ankle sprain involves complete tearing of the ligament, rapid swelling, extreme pain, ligament laxity, and loss of function.

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Syndesmostic Sprain

Overstretching of tibiofibular ligaments and distal interosseous membrane, often from hyperdorsiflexion/lateral rotation.

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Achilles Tendon Strain (Grade 1-2)

Overstretching or forced contraction of the Achilles tendon, often from excessive dorsiflexion or an ankle sprain.

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Achilles Tendon Rupture (Grade 3)

Complete tear of the Achilles tendon, often from a sudden push-off with the knee extended.

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Study Notes

Ankle Sprains

  • Inversion ankle sprains account for 85% of all ankle sprains.
  • Inversion ankle sprains occur when the foot turns into plantarflexion and inversion, damaging lateral ligaments.
  • Eversion ankle sprains are rare due to the ankle's bone structure and the strength of the deltoid ligament.

Degrees of Sprains

  • First-degree sprains involve ligament stretching with tenderness, slight pain under stress, little swelling, no ligament laxity, and possibly slight loss of function.
  • Second-degree sprains involve partial ligament tearing, tenderness, swelling, pain with stress, slight ligament laxity, and moderate function loss.
  • Third-degree sprains involve complete ligament tearing, tenderness, rapid swelling, extreme pain with stress, ligament laxity, and loss of function.

Syndesmotic Sprain (High Ankle Sprain)

  • Overstretching of the Tibiofibular ligaments and the distal interosseous membrane.
  • The mechanism involves forced hyperdorsiflexion and lateral rotation of the foot.
  • Symptoms include point tenderness over the anterior tibiofibular joint and pain/swelling.
  • This injury results in inability to perform a single limb hop, and non-weight bearing.
  • Treatment includes RICE, crutches, and referral to a medical doctor (MD).

Achilles Tendon Strain (Grade 1-2)

  • Overstretching or forced contraction of the tendon causes this.
  • Mechanisms include excessive dorsiflexion and ankle sprain.
  • Symptoms include pain and plantar flexion weakness.
  • Treatment involves RICE, heel lifts, and tape.

Achilles Tendon Rupture (Grade 3)

  • This involves complete tearing of the tendon.
  • The mechanism is a sudden push-off with the knee in complete extension.
  • Symptoms include a sudden snap and severe pain.
  • Additional symptoms include point tenderness, swelling, and discoloration.
  • A positive Thompson Test indicates rupture, where squeezing the relaxed calf with toes pointing down doesn't move the heel upward.
  • An indentation may be present.
  • Treatment includes RICE, crutches, and seeing a medical doctor for possible surgery.

Achilles Tendonitis and Bursitis

  • Characterized by inflammation of the tendon or bursa, which is the fluid-filled sac between the bone and tendon that reduces friction
  • The mechanism is often chronic strain and tight calves.
  • Symptoms include pain, swelling, crepitus (a squeaky, crunchy feeling), and limited motion.
  • Treatment involves heat therapy, calf stretches, and ice after working out.

Ankle Dislocation

  • An abnormal separation between one or more of the bones of the ankle joint.
  • Anterior dislocation occurs when the calcaneus hits the ground forcefully.
  • Posterior dislocation happens when there is a blow to the anterior leg while the ankle is planted.
  • Signs and symptoms include obvious deformity, pain, rapid swelling, and limited or no range of motion.
  • Treatment includes immobilization, ice, and referral to a medical doctor (911).

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