What Ankle Injury do I have?
The ankle is one of the most complex areas of the body, with seven different bones, seven main muscles and four main ligaments. But, all of those ligaments also make the ankle extremely prone to a range of injuries. To help you answer the question, what ankle injury do I have, here is a breakdown of the most common - and how to treat them!
Ankle injury symptoms
The ankle joints are involved in almost every single physical movement when you’re running, walking or even just standing, making your ankles one of the most important parts of your body, especially when playing sport or exercising.
Whether it’s a rolled ankle or a ruptured tendon, most of us have had to lay our feet on a cushion while we rest up and wait until we can get back to walking. Ankle injuries can manifest in a wide range of symptoms, but the more common ones are:
- Swelling
- Aches and pain
- Instability and tenderness
While there are many ways to treat an ankle injury, it’s important if you are experiencing extreme pain, or your foot won’t move the way it normally does, that you see a doctor as soon as possible.
What Ankle Injury do I have?
Sprained Ankle
A sprained ankle is the most common ankle injury, that almost all of us have had at one time or another. This happens when your ankle twists or rolls too quickly, and the ligament is strained.
How to treat a sprained ankle: Resting the joint for a week or two helps this to recover, but repeated sprains are common and best treated with a compression brace and strap, which will stabilise the joint and muscle to help strengthen the joint without risking further damage. Try the MelleoTrain S Ankle Brace with Strap
High Sprain
This can occur when the ankle is rolling and a high level of force is pressed onto the joint, causing the ligaments at the base of the leg to pull and sometimes tear. This is often quite painful and causes swelling around and above the ankle.
How to treat a high sprain: Compression and rigid support is the best way to treat this issue, along with physiotherapy. Try the MalleolLoc L3 Ankle Brace.
Achilles Tendon Injury
The Achilles tendon joins your heel bone to the calf muscle and is a crucial muscle for foot movement and can often be injured when sudden movement occurs while standing still. When it is strained, torn or ruptured, it can be very painful, and often can swell heavily.
How to treat an Achilles tendon injury: Most cases of Achilles injury can be treated with the right brace and physiotherapy, but more serious cases can require surgery. Try the AchilloTrain Ankle Brace.
There are many other ways the ankle can be injured, the first step is to treat it using the RICE principle (Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate - see full details below). However, follow-up treatment and wearing the right support or brace, is crucial as it shortens the recovery period and can greatly minimise the risk of injury recurring.
- Rest: Avoid doing anything that may overstress your knees
- Ice: Icing your knees can help reduce inflammation and, therefore, swelling
- Compress: Compression, in the same way as ice, can help reduce inflammation and swelling; a knee brace is an excellent option as it not only provides support but also applies pressure to your knee
- Elevate: Raising the injured leg whenever possible (e.g. when you’re asleep) helps reduce swelling
Bauerfeind has a wide range of ankle supports and braces designed to help with all different ankle injuries. Our braces are often best used in conjunction with treatment by a medical specialist.
Do you have private health? Most private health extras will cover Bauerfeind Products, check to see if yours is included. Bauerfeind Private Health Insurance inquiry.
Bauerfeind products are developed at our innovation and manufacturing facility in Zeulenroda, Germany. Based on years of scientific research, our award-winning braces and support garments are highly recommended by medical professionals and athletes worldwide.
For assistance selecting the right product for your needs, book a video consultation with a Bauerfeind expert: Book Video Call, or call us on 1300 668 466