Lateral Ankle Sprain Quiz

Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of the anterior talofibular ligament?

Restricts plantarflexion of the ankle

Prevents hyperextension of the ankle

Resists inversion of the talus and calcaneus (correct)

Resists posterior movement of the talus

Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of a Grade II ankle sprain?

Moderate to severe edema

Tenderness on the lateral ankle

Chronic pain in the knee (correct)

Antalgic gait

Which treatment is most effective immediately after an ankle sprain?

Myofascial release

Acetaminophen for pain relief

RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) (correct)

Strengthening peroneal muscles

What is the healing time for a Grade II lateral ankle sprain?

2-6 weeks Signup and view all the answers

Which ligament is the strongest of the lateral ligaments of the ankle?

Posterior talofibular ligament Signup and view all the answers

Which grade of mobilization technique is specifically used for joint play?

Grade II Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment method is most effective for a patient experiencing pain when reaching tissue limitation?

Short and large amplitude rhythmic oscillations Signup and view all the answers

At which point in the treatment process should a therapist begin using Grade I and Grade II mobilization techniques?

Before progressing to Grade III and IV techniques Signup and view all the answers

What is the concave/convex rule regarding mobilization techniques?

If the moving surface is concave, the glide should be in the same direction Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes Grade III mobilization technique?

Conducted with large amplitude up to the limit of range Signup and view all the answers

What phase of healing corresponds with a patient indicating pain before reaching their tissue limit?

Inflammation phase Signup and view all the answers

In joint mobilization, where should force be applied in relation to the joint surface?

Close to the joint surface Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of using Grades I and II mobilization techniques?

To limit pain Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lateral Ankle Sprain (Grade II)

Also referred to as "High ankle sprain," common among athletes and obese individuals.
Caused by varus stress leading to injury in the lateral ligament complex.
Healing time typically ranges from 2 to 6 weeks.

Grade II Sprain Presentation

Characterized by significant lateral ankle pain, exacerbated by plantar flexion or inversion.
Tenderness identified on the lateral ankle.
Results in an antalgic gait due to pain-related alterations in walking.
Ecchymosis (bruising) may be visible around the affected area.
Moderate to severe edema (swelling) occurs as a response to injury.

Injured Ligaments

Anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL)
- Functions to resist inversion of the talus and calcaneus.
- Subject to stretching and high tension when the foot is in plantarflexion.
Calcaneofibular ligament (CFL)
- Primarily resists inversion of the talus.
Posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL)
- Prevents posterior movement of the talus and is the strongest among lateral ligaments.

Treatment Options

RICE method: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation to reduce swelling and facilitate recovery.
Medications:
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) to decrease inflammation.
- Acetaminophen for pain relief.
Rehabilitation includes strengthening of peroneal muscles and enhancing dynamic stability.
Myofascial release techniques may be utilized post-inflammation phase for improved recovery.

Grades of Joint Mobilization

Grade I: Small amplitude movement at the beginning of the range; used primarily to limit pain.
Grade II: Large amplitude movement within the range, avoiding limits of the range; focused on joint play and pain relief.
Grade III: Large amplitude movement up to the limit of the range; used to achieve stretching and increase range of motion.
Grade IV: Small amplitude movement at the limit of the range; helps in stretching and increasing motion.

Pain Assessment and Treatment Phases

Pain before reaching tissue limit indicates tissue injury in the inflammation phase or early granulation.
- Treatment: Small amplitude rhythmic oscillation or distraction techniques.
Pain upon reaching tissue limitation suggests tissue in the granulation phase and healing.
- Treatment: Utilize small and large amplitude rhythmic oscillations within the range of motion to assist in remodeling disorganized scar tissue.
Pain after tissue limitation indicates tissue in the remodeling or maturation phase, allowing for more aggressive stretches.
- Treatment: Short and large amplitude rhythmic oscillations directed into tissue resistance.

Considerations for Joint Mobilization

Joint mobilization must occur in open pack (loose pack) positions.
Begin treatment with Grade I and II techniques; progress to higher grades as indicated by treatment goals.
Important to examine joint play to assess movement effectiveness.

Force and Direction of Movement

Force must be applied close to the joint surface, moving the entire bone.
The direction of force is determined by the concave bone according to the concave/convex rule:
- Convex Surface: Glide must be in the opposite direction.
- Concave Surface: Glide must be in the same direction.
Gliding techniques are applied parallel to the treatment plane, ensuring precise alignment with joint mechanics.

Description

Test your knowledge on Grade II lateral ankle sprains, often referred to as high ankle sprains. This quiz covers the injury mechanisms, presentation, and recovery times, particularly focusing on athletes and individuals with obesity. Understand the signs like antalgic gait, tenderness, and edema associated with this condition.