I twisted my leg, what kind of injury?

I twisted my ankle and my leg is swollen: how to treat it with folk remedies

Injuries to the ankle joint are quite common, especially in winter when there is ice. Athletes and dancers often complain that they have sprained their ankle, that their ankle is swollen, and that the area of ​​the bruise is very painful. Let's look at when you should see a doctor and how you can cope on your own at home, if possible.

Causes and results of injuries

The ankle is a complex joint that bears the maximum load. It is explained by the fact that this joint supports the entire weight of a person and performs many movements in different directions when walking or other physical activities.

You can twist your foot and damage a joint, pull or tear ligaments, simply by walking and stepping on your foot unsuccessfully. The most common causes of injuries in this area are:

increased load on the ankle (as a result of active physical activities: sports, dancing, etc.);

excess weight (it increases the already significant load on this joint);

pregnancy (a growing belly increases a woman’s weight, moreover, it can put pressure on veins and arteries and impair blood flow in the lower extremities, which is also a risk factor);

sudden or awkward movement;

fall and impact;

weakness of the ligamentous apparatus;

age (elderly women are more susceptible to such injury);

wearing uncomfortable high-heeled shoes.

All of this, individually or for a combination of reasons, can provoke joint injury.

If a person twists his ankle, the following injuries to the ankle joint may occur:

sprain, tear or complete rupture of the ligament;

joint dislocation;

bone fracture of varying severity (internal or open, with or without displacement).

It should be especially emphasized that with age, bones become more fragile, ligaments lose their elasticity, and joints are no longer so strong. This is especially true for women.

When an elderly woman falls without any particular reason or circumstances, and complains that “she was just walking and twisted her ankle,” this is most likely not an injury due to external factors, but rather weak ligaments and brittle bones. In any case, first aid, examination and treatment are necessary.

If an ankle injury occurs, the joint hurts and is swollen, it is necessary to provide first aid to the victim as soon as possible. It consists of simple actions that anyone can do.

If a person who has been injured is able to move and perform actions on his own, he can easily cope on his own.

It is not always possible to determine the extent of damage on your own. But in any case, immediately after the incident you need to:

Immediately reduce the load on the damaged area, it is better to remove shoes and socks if the situation allows and there are no open injuries or severe pain.

It is best to sit down and stretch your leg so as not to bend your knee. Spend some time in this position. The duration of rehabilitation and treatment will depend largely on the actions in the first hours and days after the injury.

You should apply ice or any cold object that is at hand to the joint.

If the pain is moderate, it is possible to move independently, then you can limit yourself to this. For several days, simply smear the damaged area with cooling, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory gels. In case of severe pain and loss of motor ability in the injured leg, you should call an ambulance or go to the emergency room yourself.

What not to do in this situation:

1. Jerk your leg sharply, step on it, and try to straighten the dislocation yourself.
2. Heating the joint can cause swelling to increase.
3. Fix the joint with any non-elastic material yourself.
4. Diagnose yourself. What at first unprofessional glance may seem like a dislocation may well be a fracture or ruptured ligament. It is advisable to consult a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms of dislocation and injuries of varying severity

Symptoms of dislocation and internal joint damage that require seeking medical attention are:

pain that does not go away, sometimes increasing;

crunch when tucking;

swelling of the soft tissues in the area of ​​injury (it may not appear immediately and may be minor when the bone above the foot is visible or severe when the foot and lower leg become swollen so that mobility is limited);

hematoma (internal bruising);

impaired mobility of the foot;

increased pain when trying to turn the foot to the left, right, up or down, when moving the toes, or the absence of such an opportunity;

increased pain when touching the injured ankle.

External swelling or bruising may appear some time after the leg has been twisted, and the lower leg may turn blue and swell due to internal rupture of ligaments and blood vessels.

All of the above, individually or in combination, indicate the need to contact a traumatologist.

Treatment of a sprained ankle

If a diagnosis is made of a dislocated ankle joint, the doctor will apply a fixing bandage and prescribe anti-inflammatory and painkillers by mouth and/or external ointments. The medicine can be taken internally only in case of severe pain. Mostly local remedies are prescribed.

Typically, treatment for those who have twisted their ankle in the ankle area is carried out at home. Sometimes physiotherapy is prescribed.

A damaged joint can take quite a long time to heal, it all depends on the severity of the injury and the individual characteristics of the victim, as well as on the actions taken on the same day after the injury.

To accelerate tissue regeneration, massage and therapeutic exercises are recommended to restore mobility and strengthen the muscular and ligamentous apparatus in the joint area.

For those who have sprained their ankle or swollen ankle, ointments will help cure the injury at home:

Gels or ointment should be applied to the area of ​​the damaged joint with light massaging movements, 1-2 times daily until the joint stops hurting. The leg should be protected from stress and given rest for several days.

You should not resort to self-medication if your child twists his leg. Ankle injuries in children are quite common, as children move a lot and may fall or land awkwardly.

The healing period in childhood lasts a shorter time, but do not neglect going to the doctor and following all prescribed procedures.

Folk remedies can be quite effective in helping those who have sprained their ankle and have a swollen ankle, but there is no serious ankle injury.

There are many recipes for traditional medicine; they are based on the use of plant decoctions, compresses and baths. Let us analyze in detail the most popular and effective methods.

Baths for ankle injuries

Baths with salt and aromatic oils will help relieve swelling and relax your leg. This is not only useful, but also a pleasant procedure.

It is necessary to collect warm water in a suitable container (basin). Dissolve regular salt in it in the proportion of 4 tablespoons of salt per 2 liters of water. Add a few drops of oil. Oils of eucalyptus, pine or spruce, and mint will be effective and pleasant.

Lower your legs into the basin for a few minutes (15 minutes in the evening is enough). Then dry your feet with a towel, apply gel or cream, and leave the injured leg at rest.

This procedure is best done at night. Moreover, the saline solution can also be used for a compress. It will help relieve swelling in a short time.

If you twist your leg, what to do, how to treat it?

The most common injury experienced by the ankle occurs as a result of twisting the ankle. Every fifth patient visiting a traumatologist comes with the complaint that after he twisted his leg, it became painful for him to step on or the bone was swollen. Very often a person does not even notice that he twisted his leg due to negligence, but after a certain time the injury makes itself felt. Note that when twisting a leg, the ankle is the most vulnerable joint, since it experiences a load several times greater than the weight of the human body itself. Therefore, ankle injuries not only take a long time to heal, but can also cause disability if the pathology is not treated in time.

An interesting fact is that it is quite difficult to single out any specific reason leading to twisted legs. The factor of chance plays a big role here, because you can sprain your ankle in any situation. However, we note the most common factors that provoke twisted legs:

Sports injuries, especially in those sports where the most load falls on the ankle, it is quite easy to twist the leg (figure skating, speed skating, athletics).

Walking in heels.

Unsuccessful fall from a height.

Seasonal injuries (for example, you can easily twist your leg in icy conditions).

Excess weight.

Physical inactivity.

Weak ligaments in the legs.

Possible consequences

What a person calls a “twisted leg” is called an ankle joint injury by doctors. There are several types of damage that can result in a twisted leg, depending on which parts of the joint are damaged.

Sprain - this injury occurs when collagen fibers are damaged and most often when the foot turns inward. With such damage, the victim can even walk, but his leg hurts all the time. Since the tendon cells are quite actively restored, after 7 days the ligament is almost completely regenerated, and after two weeks there is no trace of pain left.

Ligament tear - such damage is characterized by a violation of the integrity of one or more ligaments as a result of twisting the leg. At the same time, the limb continues to function, since the ligaments can partially perform their actions. The person complains that he is in a lot of pain and does not feel stability in the joint. If treatment is organized correctly, recovery is possible in approximately three weeks.

Ligament rupture – accompanied by complete destruction of the ligament or its separation from the bone. When receiving such an injury, the patient hears that he twisted his leg with a crunch - this is the first sign of serious damage to the ankle. After the incident, the patient cannot stand on his foot, so in this case it is necessary to transport the victim to the hospital. Here, conservative treatment will be prescribed, the leg will be placed in a plaster cast, but in especially severe cases, surgery may be performed.

Subluxation of the joint is a displacement of the talus relative to the ankle after the ligaments are torn and no longer hold it in place. This is a combined injury, which often occurs together with ligament separation when the leg is twisted. The doctor determines the angle of displacement and the severity of the damage based on the results of the x-ray, after which the optimal treatment is selected in each specific case.

Ankle dislocation is damage to the joint capsule when the leg is twisted and, as a result, a sharp displacement of the joint. The ankle and talus can form an angle of about 30–40 degrees with each other. A dislocated joint is treated for about two to three months by applying a plaster cast. At the same time, doctors always prefer to play it safe and slightly prolong the period of wearing the plaster, since the damage threatens to recur if it is removed early.

A bone fracture is the most severe injury that occurs when the ankle twists. Usually accompanied by ligament rupture and joint subluxation.

Most often, a fracture occurs when a leg is twisted as a result of a fall from a height, while running or jumping. But an injury can also be caused by a blow to the foot, for example, in traffic accidents or during work activities. Restoring health after such damage takes about three months, and in some cases, four or more.

Symptoms of damage

Symptoms of injury also depend on which part of the ankle was injured during the twisting. For example, when a ligament ruptures, patients feel that their leg is swollen, and it is very painful to stand on the foot and try to walk. The foot may become bruised due to a ligament rupture. Since they no longer restrain the ankle, patients feel unsure when walking, and with a sudden movement, they can twist their leg again. If there is damage to the bone, the leg begins to hurt very much, and the patient cannot even step on it.

What to do if you twist your ankle: first aid

Often a person does not know what to do if he twists his ankle. At first, this injury seems so harmless that the victim will continue to lead a normal life, believing that the pain will definitely go away. However, the leg not only continues to hurt, but it can also swell, a hematoma will appear, and over time it will become impossible to step on the leg.

To protect yourself from possible complications, you need to know how to treat a sprained leg in the early stages after an injury. It’s not difficult to do this, the main thing is to know a few simple rules:

provide rest to the leg, do not rotate the joint too much;

apply cold to the leg and give it an elevated position so that the leg does not swell;

To relieve pain, you can take analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs, and apply lidocaine ointment to your leg.

After providing first aid, you must show the twisted leg to a traumatologist. Only after an X-ray diagnosis can a doctor decide what treatment will be for a person who has twisted his leg, what to do with the ankle - place it in a cast or prescribe a tight bandage.

Diagnosis of twisted legs is carried out as follows. The doctor examines the ankle, determines the presence of bruising or swelling, and tests for pathological mobility in the joint. Usually, when walking, a person begins to twist his leg again. Such signs indicate the need for plaster casting, which is confirmed by an x-ray. If there is bleeding in the joint cavity, surgery may be necessary. If x-rays are not enough, ultrasound and computed tomography are prescribed.

Therapeutic measures

It is very important that the ankle injury is treated completely, otherwise the patient may twist the ankle again if the ligaments or bones have not fully recovered. Treatment is carried out in a hospital, after which the patient is observed for several more days and sent home for treatment. In the first two weeks, a plaster splint is most often applied, which is subsequently replaced with a splint. Patients are administered anti-inflammatory drugs, calcium, and chondroprotectors. With their help, healing of a sprained leg occurs many times faster. It is very important that the patient is provided with complete rest during treatment.

If an injury occurs during the production process, for example, a ballerina twists her leg while performing on stage, then the organization is given a certificate about the permissible loads for the next period. Special doctors work with this category of patients who provide massage, conduct physical therapy classes, and physiotherapeutic procedures, taking into account the fact that a significant load will be placed on the joint in the near future.

What to do if you twist your leg is a question that is often heard in the office of traumatologists. This pathology is very common, especially in women who wear heels. It’s interesting that a completely healthy person can sprain their ankle; all they have to do is stumble on an uneven or slippery surface.

If you twist your ankle and have pain in your ankle, it is better to go to the emergency room to rule out a serious pathology. The ankle joint does serious work and supports the entire weight of the body; after an injury, it is easily destroyed, a person can become disabled, so treatment of any injury must be timely and correct.

You can determine the severity of the injury by the appearance of the leg and your own sensations. There are the following injuries that can occur if you twist your leg:

Sprain. This pathology occurs most often. Swelling occurs in the ankle joint, pain occurs when walking, but the patient can step on the foot.

Soft tissue bruise. Such an injury usually does not cause pain when moving; discomfort occurs when pressing on the site of the injury. A bruise forms in the area of ​​the impact.

Ligament tear. In this case, the pain is more pronounced, but the patient can still step on the foot.

Ligament or tendon rupture. This is a serious pathology in which a person feels severe pain, cannot step on his leg, and when trying to lean on the affected limb, the pain becomes very severe. Externally, swelling and redness of the skin are noticeable.

Subluxation and dislocation of the joint. In this case, the ankle joint partially or completely falls out of the joint capsule; from the outside, it seems that the bone has begun to protrude greatly, the leg swells and hurts, and it is impossible to step on it. The skin around the joint turns red and a hematoma appears.

Bone fracture. When a fracture occurs, the pain is very severe, the leg swells, turns red and then a hematoma appears, making it impossible to step on the leg. A person cannot move his toes, and pain can radiate throughout the leg.

First aid step by step

If you cannot put any weight on your leg, the first step is to call an ambulance. You can take the patient to the hospital on your own, but the leg must be immobilized and not stepped on, so as not to worsen the patient’s condition. If a fracture occurs, then when you try to stand on your leg, a painful shock and displacement of bone fragments may occur.

For fractures and dislocations, it is very important to contact a traumatologist in the first hours after the injury, since the joint and sometimes the bones have to be realigned. If the injury begins to heal incorrectly, it will not be possible to correct it using a conservative method; the person will most likely limp for the rest of his life unless he decides to undergo a difficult and expensive operation.

Immediately after an injury, it is recommended to provide first aid to the victim, and then go to the doctor:

It is necessary to apply a fixing bandage to the ankle joint and foot; an elastic bandage is best suited for this. In emergency cases, instead of an elastic bandage, you can take a regular or any clean cloth or scarf. It is necessary to wrap the leg starting from the foot with an overlap; do not tighten the bandage too tightly so as not to disrupt the blood circulation in the foot.

It is necessary to provide rest to the sore limb, not to step on it or move it unnecessarily; this applies to any type of injury, especially to dislocations and fractures. In this case, it is recommended to lie on the bed so that the leg is level with the rest of the body or slightly higher, this will ensure normal blood circulation and prevent severe swelling. If there is a need to transport a person with a fracture, then transport immobilization is carried out.

To relieve swelling and stop internal bleeding, thus preventing hematoma, you need to apply ice to the sore spot. A piece of frozen meat or vegetables in a bag is suitable for a compress; the ice should be wrapped in a terry towel. If there is no ice nearby, you can use cold water. You cannot keep the ice for longer than 15 minutes to prevent frostbite, so apply the compress at intervals.

If a wound or abrasion has formed in a sore spot, it should be treated with peroxide, but if the wound is associated with an open fracture, it should not be touched. In this case, it is enough to apply a light bandage to prevent infection. If the blood gushes out like a fountain, then they talk about damage to the artery, in which case you will have to apply a tourniquet above the fracture.

Pain can be relieved with painkillers and ointments.

If you twist your leg, you need to contact a traumatologist. This specialist will examine the affected limb and prescribe the necessary tests. If a fracture is suspected, the patient is sent for an x-ray; the image will also show subluxation or dislocation of the joint. If soft tissues are damaged, they are sent for an ultrasound.

Usually these tests are enough to detect the injury and prescribe treatment. But in some cases, a puncture of joint fluid, MRI, blood tests and other procedures may be required. All prescriptions are made by the doctor, taking into account the patient’s condition and establishing a preliminary diagnosis.

Treatment depends on the type of injury:

If the ligaments are sprained or torn, a fixing bandage on the ankle and the use of anti-inflammatory ointments are prescribed.

If the ligaments are torn, immobilization of the limb is prescribed using an orthosis or a tight bandage; the leg must be unloaded. Ointments are prescribed to relieve pain and inflammation.

In case of dislocation and subluxation, the first thing to do is to straighten the joint; this procedure is performed manually or surgically. The sooner the patient sees a doctor, the easier it is to straighten the joint. After the procedure, the leg is immobilized using a plaster cast or orthosis, the patient is prescribed painkillers, injections and ointments.

For a fracture, treatment depends on whether the bone has moved or not. If it has shifted, the doctor will correct it manually or surgically, depending on the complexity of the case. Then a plaster cast is applied, and the patient is prescribed painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. If there was an operation, then antibiotics were also given.

After a few days or weeks, depending on the severity of the injury, the patient is prescribed physical treatment, for example, magnetic therapy, UHF, and physical therapy. These procedures will help to gradually restore the motor activity of the leg, normalize blood circulation and strengthen the muscles. Also, during the treatment period, you need to eat healthy and healthy so that the tissues recover faster. For fractures, a special diet with calcium and gelatin is indicated.

Hematoma on the lower leg

Twisted legs can be treated using folk remedies, but only in a comprehensive manner. As they say, there must be moderation in everything, so you should not completely abandon visiting a doctor and using medications, as well as applying all prescribed ointments along with folk remedies. Incorrect treatment can lead to skin damage and further problems with the leg.

The following recipes will help relieve pain and reduce inflammation:

• Lotions and baths with medicinal herbs will help relieve inflammation and pain if you have twisted your leg. Chamomile, chamomile, calendula or sage should be brewed and strained. Soak the fabric with the resulting decoction and apply it to the sore spot, securing it with cling film on top.
• Baked onions with sugar are great for relieving pain and inflammation from sprains and sprains. Bake the onion until it becomes soft, sprinkle with sugar, and mash well with a fork. Place the paste on a cloth and then on the sore ankle, secure it with a bandage on top, and keep it there for an hour and a half.
• Propolis helps restore joints and ligaments well. You need to take natural propolis, heat it slightly and apply it to the sore leg at night, fix it with a bandage on top.
• Ointment with garlic and eucalyptus is recommended by traditional healers; to prepare the product, you need to mix pork fat, eucalyptus leaves and crushed garlic, rub in every day until recovery, and store in the refrigerator.
• Pharmaceutical clay should be diluted with water and apple cider vinegar added to it. Apply the mixture to the sore spot, wrap with film and leave overnight. This remedy will restore blood circulation and help get rid of stagnant processes in tissues.

Every person is interested in what to do to avoid such an unpleasant injury. Of course, you can’t completely rule out twisting your ankle, because it’s usually an accident, but you can reduce the risk of serious injuries if you follow the following recommendations:

• Eat right, exercise and strengthen your body. In this case, strong muscles, ligaments and bones are not severely injured.
• Calculate loads when playing sports. You should not overexert yourself, and before strength training you need to warm up; it is also recommended to use a fixing bandage during strength training.
• Wear comfortable shoes with low heels and non-slip soles.
• It is enough to secure the ankle tightly when skating and roller skating.
• Try to avoid walking on uneven surfaces, such as gravel.

If the patient consults a doctor on time, completely unloads the leg and follows all the recommendations, then the prognosis is generally favorable. With injuries to bones, joints and ligaments, stagnant processes in tissues can occur, followed by inflammation and degenerative changes. The most dangerous complications are arthritis, arthrosis, osteomyelitis and other joint diseases.

What to do if you twist your leg and your ankle is swollen: first aid, treatment rules

No one is immune from injury; often a simple twisted leg does not cause discomfort. Sometimes the damage is so severe that the ankle becomes swollen and the patient has difficulty walking. What to do in such a situation?

First of all, don’t panic, use the first aid recommendations (described in the following material), and visit a doctor. Self-medication is unacceptable; use folk remedies after consultation with a specialist.

Probable causes of trouble

In fact, what we used to call the ankle is the area of ​​the ankle joint. It connects the lower leg and foot and withstands enormous loads every day. The joint includes three bones: the fibula, tibia and talus. The ankle joint can move in two planes (the foot can rotate left and right or pull the toe/reverse movement, as when standing on tiptoes).

All bones in the joint are connected by a strong shell (capsule). The structure is held together by ligaments that act as shock absorbers during movement. A special membrane is stretched between the bones of the lower leg, preventing it from coming apart. Only 25% of ankle injuries are sprained ligaments, the remaining percentage are bone fractures of varying degrees. It is important to know the differences between these conditions so as not to harm yourself when providing first aid.

About 20% of extremity injuries involve ankle injuries. The reason for this is careless exercise, accidents, and unsuccessful walking in high heels. Often women over 40, professional athletes, and people who are overweight turn to the doctor.

After twisting their leg, almost all patients complain of swelling of the ankle, which may indicate serious pathologies that require immediate medical attention.

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The unpleasant consequences of an ankle injury depend on the specific area of ​​injury:

sprain. The fibers that make up the ligament are subject to microdamage, and stretching occurs at the cell level. Often the pathology occurs due to the heel turning inward. Walking during stretching is possible, but the patient feels acute discomfort. Thanks to the rapid regeneration of ligaments, the pathology goes away in 2–3 weeks (subject to bed rest and the use of special means);

torn ligaments. One or more ligaments are not completely torn, but the ankle joint can perform its functions. The damage is accompanied by severe pain and joint instability. In addition to discomfort, the ankle swells and it is difficult for the patient to step on his foot. With proper therapy, complete recovery occurs after 4 weeks;

complete rupture of ligaments. The pathology is characterized by complete rupture of one or more ligaments, even separation from the bone. During this process, a sharp pop is felt and is accompanied by severe piercing pain. Recovery requires a plaster cast and time (minimum six weeks);

subluxation of the ankle joint. The injury is often accompanied by displacement of the talus relative to the ankle bones. The pathological process is clearly visible on x-rays;

ankle sprain. The pathological process is characterized by damage to the joint, in particular its capsule. The displacement of the talus is 40 degrees. The victim feels severe pain, the ankle swells, and foot movements are significantly limited;

bone fracture. Such damage is often accompanied by dislocation/subluxation, full or partial sprain. A fracture often occurs as a result of a fall from a height, an unsuccessful landing on a limb, a car accident, or any other dangerous situation. The rehabilitation period after a fracture without displacement is about six weeks, with displacement – ​​up to 4 months.

It is important to identify the cause of ankle swelling after injury and begin treatment. Some injuries are so serious that without medical intervention they can lead to disability.

Characteristic signs and symptoms

The modern rhythm of life forces a person to constantly rush somewhere. During a twisted leg, the victim may not attach any importance to the injury, only after detecting swelling in the ankle area and pain (which intensifies in the evening) will they suspect something is wrong. Doing this is strictly prohibited! Each injury is accompanied by characteristic symptoms, knowing which you will be able to provide first aid correctly; the sooner you visit a doctor, the more positive the prognosis for the person.

Sprain (partial damage to the fibers is the most successful outcome of twisting the foot):

edema;

difficulty moving in the damaged joint;

Rarely does bruising occur in the ankle area;

pain that gets worse when trying to move the affected leg while walking.

swelling. Not only the ankle increases in size, over time the entire foot swells, which indicates the accumulation of fluid in the intercellular space;

difficulty walking, bruising (a sign of hemorrhage);

instability in the joint, nonspecific motor activity.

Fracture (considered the most severe, difficult to treat result of ankle injury):

the patient feels a sharp shooting pain in the ankle;

it is impossible to stand on the injured leg;

unnatural position of the foot, uncharacteristic movements in the joint (up to 18 degrees);

numbness of the limb, swelling over the entire surface of the ankle joint;

You can't move your toes.

After an ankle injury, consult a doctor. The doctor will conduct a series of tests and examine the sore leg. Based on the results obtained, he will make the correct diagnosis. To examine the ankle area use:

radiography. The easiest and most accessible way. The pictures show bone damage, the disadvantage of the procedure is the lack of information about soft tissues;

CT, MRI. They are informative diagnostic methods that allow you to assess the condition of the joint, bones, and nearby tissues, which speeds up the process of diagnosis and initiation of treatment.

Effective treatments

Therapy in each specific case is different, it all depends on the degree and area of ​​damage to the ankle after twisting the leg.

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What should you do if your ankle becomes swollen after twisting your leg? The specific course of action depends on the symptoms and the situation around the victim. Approximate sequence of actions:

• provide complete rest to the injured limb. It is forbidden to step on your foot, sit down or lie down, place the limb above chest level (pain is reduced, bleeding stops);
• If necessary, stop the bleeding (apply a tourniquet above the knee). Characteristic of serious injuries, fractures;
• Apply cold (any bag from the freezer will do). Compresses should be no more than 20 minutes with breaks of one hour;
• tight bandage. It is used for all situations except a fracture (with such actions you can aggravate the situation). Use an elastic bandage, wrap it tightly around your ankle in a figure eight;
• immobilize the joint (in case of a fracture). To do this, use a splint or its like made from available materials (a stick or another object tied to the leg, clearly fixing and limiting the movements of the affected leg);
• taking analgesics. Use products from your home medicine cabinet; potent medications often “blur” the clinical picture during an examination by a doctor;
• contact a traumatologist or call an ambulance (for fractures, serious injuries, other injuries to internal organs and limbs).

By correctly following the doctor’s recommendations, you will prevent the occurrence of complications and significantly improve your well-being.

Drug therapy

The approximate treatment regimen for sprains, dislocations, and ligament ruptures has common aspects; the time frame for complete recovery differs. Approximate treatment plan:

• if necessary, blood is removed from the joint capsule, which immediately reduces swelling in the ankle area;
• application of a plaster splint. Allows you to immobilize the damaged area, speeds up the healing process;
• use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The drugs relieve inflammation and pain and have a positive effect on the patient’s condition;
• chondroprotectors. Used to initiate the regeneration of bone and cartilage tissue, speed up the rehabilitation period even after a fracture;
• physiotherapy, massage, therapeutic mud. The specific choice of manipulation depends on the degree of damage to the ankle and the characteristics of the patient;
• tight bandaging. Indicated for incomplete ligament rupture, sprain, or during the recovery period after removal of the cast. Such manipulations protect the ligaments, preventing new ankle injuries.

Folk remedies and recipes

Natural drugs do not cope with the problem, but they reduce pain and swelling:

• combine several heads of garlic with apple cider vinegar, let the potion brew for several days. Apply the resulting mass to the damaged area, wrap it in polyethylene and a scarf. Keep the compress on all night;
• use onion pulp and cabbage leaves in a similar way (apply the first ingredient to the sore spot, wrap with a lightly beaten cabbage leaf);
• use green tea. Brew a strong drink, let it brew for 20 minutes. Soak the gauze in the medicine, apply it to the ankle, hold it for several hours, and if necessary, repeat the manipulations after three hours.

It is almost impossible to protect yourself from falls, sudden twisting of a leg, or an accident; a person can only adhere to special rules to prevent trouble:

• wear comfortable shoes, the heel should not exceed five centimeters (before purchasing, be sure to walk around in shoes; if discomfort occurs, refuse to purchase the model);
• exercise carefully, soberly assess your strength, do not lift weights that can harm your health;
• refuse self-medication. If an injury occurs, visit a doctor and get treatment. In most cases, improper therapy leads to dire consequences.

Video - expert advice on what to do if you twist your leg and your ankle is swollen:

What to do if you twist your ankle

An unsuccessfully twisted leg can result in seconds of pain, or maybe weeks of long recovery from torn ligaments. Challenger medical editor Dima Solovyov explains what to do if you twist your leg and what the severity of the consequences depends on. Be careful!

What does it even mean to “twist your ankle”?

So twisting the leg itself is not dangerous, but the damage that this can cause to the ankle joint and surrounding tissues is dangerous. The ligamentous apparatus is most often affected, less often - bones, muscles and nerves. on what is injured and how severely .

What can be damaged by this?

In most cases, the leg rolls inward, causing damage to the ligaments on the opposite (outer) side of the leg. This can lead to their stretching, tearing or even rupture (sometimes a click or crunch is heard at the time of injury). As a rule, the stronger and sharper the leg twists, the more severe the consequences for the ligaments. If the ligaments cannot compensate for too sharp a turn in the joint, it may dislocate, and if a person has a tendency to brittle bones, then even a fracture of the bones located nearby may occur. In short, the consequences can be very different: from mild to quite serious.

What to do if you twist your ankle

First of all, we pay attention to the nature of the pain. “Suspicious” is considered pain that remains severe for an hour, appears and intensifies when trying to step on the injured leg. Even touching the skin near the ankle can be painful. This may be accompanied by the appearance of a bruise and swelling of the surrounding tissue. A more serious symptom is a change in the shape of the joint and a violation of its mobility (especially the appearance of new, previously impossible movements - for example, an unusual deviation to the side). In the most severe cases, even the shape of the adjacent bones may change - this already makes one think about a fracture.

If you sprain your ankle and it continues to hurt, there are four things you need to do:

1. Give her a rest. Try to walk less in the next couple of days; ideally, activity in the affected ankle joint should be kept to a minimum.
2. Cool the joint area. Ice is best for this, but you can also use a towel soaked in cold water. During the first day, apply it to the ankle for 15-20 minutes every 3 hours. However, do not overdo it: if the skin becomes very pale, immediately remove the ice from your foot and warm it up.
3. Wear something tight on your foot. These may include tight socks, compression stockings or a tight bandage - the goal is to prevent excessive swelling from developing around the ankle joint. The compression should be tight, but not too squeezing, otherwise there is a risk of blood flow disruption.
4. Elevate the affected foot upward, this will also help prevent swelling. We are not talking about lifting it up high: a pillow placed under your leg is quite enough.

If the pain seems too strong to you, then, in the absence of contraindications, you can take painkillers from the group of non-steroidal drugs: paracetamol, ibuprofen, etc. There are also local ointments and gels with a similar effect.

I twisted my leg. Mechanism of damage, symptoms, diagnosis of damage and treatment.

The site provides reference information. Adequate diagnosis and treatment of the disease is possible under the supervision of a conscientious doctor.

Anatomy of the ankle joint

The articular surfaces of the bones of the lower leg (fibula and tibia) wrap around the talus like a fork. From below, this block rests on the heel bone. The articular surfaces of the bones are surrounded by a two-layer articular capsule. To facilitate gliding, the joint contains a small amount of synovial fluid.

Extensor muscles of the foot . Located on the front surface of the ankle joint.

5. extensor pollicis longus;
6. extensor longus of the other toes;
7. anterior tibial.

The ankle muscles are rarely injured. The exception is an open ankle fracture.

What are the consequences when you twist your ankle?

8. Ankle sprain – microscopic damage to individual collagen fibers that make up the ligament. When stretched, damage occurs at the cellular level. Most often, a sprain appears after the heel has turned inward. A person can walk, but experiences pain while doing so. Due to the good ability of cells to regenerate, the ligament is restored after 8-10 days. Although such an injury is painful, with proper treatment it goes away without a trace after 2-3 weeks.

Ankle ligament rupture – complete rupture of the ligament or its separation from the bone at the attachment site. During an injury, the popping sound of a torn ligament can be heard. After this, the person experiences severe piercing pain when trying to stand on his leg. A plaster cast is required, and in severe cases surgery. Treatment lasts 6-8 weeks.

Ankle ligament rupture

Symptoms of ligament rupture

Swelling . Due to swelling, the affected limb in the ankle area increases significantly in size. The reason for this is excessive accumulation of fluid in the intercellular space. This indicates inflammation, impaired circulation and outflow.

Bruising . Simultaneously with the rupture of the ligaments, the blood capillaries that feed them are also torn. Blood leaves the vessels and permeates the tissues. Purple-blue spots appear on the skin.

Difficulty walking. It is painful to step on an injured leg - the injury damages the nerve endings that innervate the joint. A person who has twisted his leg and torn ligaments loses the ability to move independently.

Impaired movement and instability in the joint . Ligaments limit movement in the joint, which gives the leg stability when walking. When the ligaments are torn, the foot can move in different planes, which leads to repeated dislocations.

First aid for injury

• Provide peace . Don't step on your sore foot. Sit or lie down with your limbs in an elevated position. Place a pillow under your foot so that your foot is above the level of your heart. This position helps reduce swelling of the periarticular tissues.
• Apply cold. A container with crushed ice is wrapped in a towel and applied to the ankle. Ice can be replaced with a bag of frozen berries, a bottle of cold water, or a wet towel. The cold is kept for 20 minutes. The procedure is repeated every 3-4 hours for 2 days. Cold causes blood vessels to constrict, helping to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
• Take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: nimesulide, paracetamol, ibuprofen or analgin to relieve pain. Locally, you can use cooling ointments with Diclofenac.
• Tight bandage. To prevent swelling and fix the joint, use a tight figure-eight bandage. The first round should be near the heel. The bandage is applied so that each next layer covers the previous one by 4 cm.
• Immobilize the joint. If pathological mobility appears and the foot moves from side to side, then it must be fixed. An L-shaped tire made from scrap materials is suitable for this. The leg is tied to it using a bandage or scarf.
• Contact a traumatologist. He will conduct an examination, determine how serious the injury is and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Remember that the speed of recovery and mobility of the joint in the future depends on whether the assistance is provided correctly.

Diagnosis of ankle ligament rupture

• swelling of the foot and ankle;
• bruising at the site of the ligament rupture;
• pathological mobility in the joint;
• sharp pain when palpating the damaged ligament;
• the pain intensifies when reproducing the action that caused the injury;
• When there is hemorrhage in the cavity of the ankle joint, the joint capsule fills with blood - hemarthrosis. When palpating, vibrations of the fluid inside the cavity are felt.

During the examination, the doctor fixes the lower part of the lower leg with one hand, and with the other hand moves the foot forward and to the sides. To compare mobility, do the same with the healthy leg. If the affected leg moves with greater amplitude in any direction, this indicates a ligament rupture.

• ankle injury;
• edema;
• pain, limitation of movements;
• hematomas and neoplasms in the ankle area;
• observation during treatment.

There are no contraindications.

• Ligament damage. Partial or complete rupture surrounded by fluid collection;
• Longitudinal tears. The ligaments have the appearance of hypoechoic areas that do not reflect X-rays well;
• Accumulation of fluid in the synovial sheath of the tendon;
• When the ligament is completely ruptured, a fluid hematoma is formed - an accumulation of fluid in a limited area.

It is large in size and has unclear boundaries. This fluid accumulation does not reflect ultrasound waves well;

• The presence of excess fluid in the joint capsule.

Radiography . The x-ray shows bone cracks, fractures, and ankle displacement. But for assessing the condition of soft periarticular tissues, x-rays are not informative.

• mismatch of the articular ends of the bones, their displacement due to ligament rupture;
• an increase in the gap between the talus and the tibia of the leg;
• increase in soft tissue volume.

X-rays are taken in two projections, this allows you to determine the angle between the bones of the leg and the talus. If necessary, take a photo with a load. To do this, after anesthesia, the foot is placed in such a position as to strain the ligaments being examined.

• suspicion of a hidden fracture or the presence of neoplasms;
• pain and impaired mobility of the ankle;
• chronic pain in the ankle joint;
• hematomas;
• when planning an operation.

Contraindications to NMR:

• pregnancy;
• presence of a pacemaker;
• implants that are exposed to a magnetic field; tattoos made with dyes containing titanium and metal compounds.

There are no absolute contraindications to CT.

• ligament and tendon rupture;
• separation of the ligament from the bone;
• hematoma at the site of ligament rupture;
• rupture of the joint capsule;
• bone damage.

Treatment of ligament rupture

Teraflex Advance 2 capsules 3 times a day for 20 days.

Ibuprofen, ketorolac, nimesulide

It is necessary to wear shoes that provide good support to the joint for 6 months. It must meet the following requirements:

• heel up to 2 cm high;
• high solid back;
• hard instep support;
• special lining under the heel for stability.

Surgery for torn ankle ligaments

• complete rupture of one or more ankle ligaments;
• open injury with ligament rupture;
• rupture, which is accompanied by massive hemorrhage into the joint and surrounding tissues.
• old age;
• severe pathologies of the heart, hematopoietic system, lungs, liver and kidneys;
• patient's state of shock.

Low-traumatic surgery for ruptured ankle ligaments is performed only in the first 3-7 days after the injury. Surgeons stitch the ligaments under the control of an arthroscope. To do this, a surgical instrument and a miniature camera are inserted under the skin through small holes. In this case, it is possible to avoid cutting the joint, due to which the rehabilitation period is reduced to 3 weeks.

• taking painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs;
• a protein-enriched diet for the speedy recovery of ligaments and soft tissues;
• physiotherapy – UHF, magnetic therapy, induction therapy;
• physical therapy;
• massage.

If you have a ruptured ankle ligament, you will lose your ability to work for 2-2.5 months.

After the cast is removed, the leg may swell and there will be pain. This is due to increased load on the joint. In this case, Deep Relief gel is used externally.

• flexion and extension of the foot;
• foot rotation;
• raising your toes;
• squatting with a fitball behind your back;
• walking with side steps;
• rolling a massage ball on the floor of the feet of the sore leg.

With proper first aid and proper treatment, a ruptured ankle ligament ends in complete recovery in 2-2.5 months.

Ankle sprain

• sharp pain in the ankle joint when trying to stand on the leg and when palpating the affected ligament;
• pain and instability of the joint when walking;
• increased pain when straightening the foot;
• joint swelling;
• poor joint mobility;
• redness and bruising over the affected ligament.

First aid for ankle sprains

• Provide peace. Make the victim sit down. Help me take off my shoes;
• Apply ice. A plastic bottle of cold water or a bag of frozen berries will also work. Ice is wrapped in cloth and applied for 20 minutes to cause vasoconstriction. In this way, it is possible to reduce the swelling of the periarticular tissues;
• Apply anesthetic ointment. Dollobene, ointments with Indomethacin and Voltaren, and Chlorethyl aerosol help relieve pain and prevent swelling. You should not use painkillers or warming ointments. Immediately after injury, they increase swelling and worsen the condition.
• Apply a tight bandage. Using a figure-of-eight bandage, the foot is fixed at a right angle to the lower leg. In this way, the ligaments are given a physiological position and blood flow in the damaged area is reduced. This helps prevent the formation of edema. In this case, it is necessary to ensure that the foot does not turn pale. This indicates that the bandage is applied too tightly. The bandage is applied for 2-3 hours to prevent squeezing of the vessels;
• Deliver the victim to a medical facility to provide qualified medical care .

Diagnosis of ankle sprain

• redness or bruising at the site of the ligament injury;
• pain in the leg intensifies when performing an action that results in injury;
• increased pain when palpating the damaged ligament.

X-rays of the ankle joint are performed in direct and lateral projections. It is advisable to pre-administer anesthesia. This allows you to fix the leg in the desired position and take an x-ray with a load - bend the foot to better examine the joint.

• for all injuries and damage to the ankle;
• dysfunction and external changes of the joint;
• suspected bone fracture.

Contraindications:

• pregnancy. However, if there is a suspicion of a fracture, then the woman’s body is protected with a screen. This allows you to avoid irradiating the fetus.

Signs of a sprain on an x-ray:

• an increase in the gap between the talus and the bones of the leg;

The ligaments themselves are not visible on x-rays. The doctor judges their condition by the location of the bones.

• ankle injuries;
• chronic pain;
• joint mobility disorders.
• displacement of the talus;
• accumulation of fluid at the site of ligament damage;
• disintegration of the ligament in the damaged area;
• thickening of the ligament due to edema, which manifests itself in a decrease in echogenicity (deterioration in the reflection of ultrasound waves);
• change in the normal direction of the ligament fibers.

NMR and CT. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI or NMR) allows you to obtain a layer-by-layer image of all organs and tissues using a nuclear magnetic resonator. A computed tomography (CT) scan is a series of two-dimensional X-ray images that are combined using a computer. CT is more informative for studying the condition of bones.

• suspicion of a fracture;
• the need for layer-by-layer visualization of muscles, bones, ligaments and tendons;
• pain at rest and with movement;
• inflammatory diseases of the joint;
• it is not possible to discern the nature of the changes on the x-ray;
• pre- and postoperative control.

Contraindications for MRI:

• mental illness;
• presence of implants.
• disintegration of the ligament section;
• accumulation of fluid on the damaged area of ​​the ligament;
• rupture of individual fibers of the ligament.

Sprain Treatment

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics: Ibuprofen
• Indomethacin
• Voltaren

Orthoses can be used. They are selected individually.

UHF therapy, magnetic therapy, ultrasound with Fastum gel

• Warming ointments:
• Ben-Gay
• Indovazin
• Capilar
• Thermal treatments
• Paraffin applications
• Warming up with warm sand or salt

Warmed sand can be used at home. It is heated to 40 degrees, poured into a thick linen bag and applied to the leg for 30 minutes.

• Flexion and extension of the foot.
• Stretching an elastic band tied to a table leg.
• In the future, swimming, water aerobics, and running on flat terrain are useful. Exercises should not be accompanied by severe pain, and the load should be increased gradually.

An ankle sprain is treated conservatively. In this case, surgery is not required.

Ankle fracture

Symptoms of an ankle fracture

• sharp pain with movement and at rest;
• inability to stand on one's feet;
• joint deformation, change in limb shape;
• abnormal limb mobility;
• severe swelling;
• numbness of the limb;
• impossible to move your toes.

First aid for an ankle fracture

• stop the bleeding. In case of an open fracture, severe bleeding is stopped with the help of a tourniquet. Because losing a large amount of blood is worse than a fracture. If blood flows out under slight pressure, then a tight bandage is applied above the fracture;
• Do not try to straighten the joint yourself or remove bone fragments or foreign objects from the wound. Do not correct a limb deformity. This may cause severe bleeding;
• treat the wound. The skin around the wound is treated with an alcohol solution of iodine or peroxide and an aseptic bandage is applied;
• creating a tire from scrap materials: boards, sticks, strips of thick cardboard. They are wrapped with a bandage on the outside and inside of the leg, fixing the knee and ankle joints. It is necessary to place the board under the back of the leg to prevent it from bending. As a last resort, you can tape the sore leg to the healthy limb. If you can call an ambulance, do not touch the injured limb. Let the doctors apply the splint;
• a splint is applied at the site of injury and the patient is then transported. During transportation, you should not lean on the injured leg, as this may cause displacement of bone fragments.

Diagnosis of ankle fracture

• pain and swelling in the ankle area;
• limb deformity;
• swelling of the ankle joint;
• purplish-blue hematoma in the ankle area;
• soft tissues are woody to the touch, the ankle cannot be felt;
• attempts to abduct the foot cause severe pain;
• movements in the joint are limited;
• compression of the middle third of the leg causes severe pain. This symptom is caused by the peculiarity of the innervation of the ankle joint.

X-ray is the main method for diagnosing ankle fractures. X-rays are taken in two projections: anterior and lateral. This is necessary so as not to miss a fracture.

• fracture line on the outer, inner malleolus or talus. The line can run horizontally, vertically or helically;
• violation of the bone contour at the fracture site;
• displacement of the articular ends of the bone due to fracture and rupture of ligaments;
• displacement of bone fragments. Wedge-shaped gaps are visible between the bone fragments;
• signs of foot dislocation - displacement of the talus in relation to the bones of the lower leg.

Ultrasound. For ankle fractures, ultrasound diagnostics are not very informative. It allows you to see only the general outlines of the bones.

• difficult to diagnose fracture;
• preparation for surgery to identify the exact location of bone fragments;
• control of treatment dynamics.

Contraindications to NMR:

• pacemaker;
• electronic middle ear implant;
• metal implants or clips in blood vessels;
• the presence of tattoos made using metal connections.
• cracks in the bones;
• hematoma - accumulation of fluid in places of damage to ligaments and soft tissues;
• presence and location of bone fragments;
• bone marrow damage;
• accumulation of fluid in the joint capsule or its rupture;
• Ligament damage:
• displacement of bones.
Categories : Lower extremity pain