Risks of a Twisted Ankle

Cleveland baseball fans may have been concerned this week when Mike Clevinger twisted his ankle. The pitcher fell down on Monday and is reportedly recovering from what team doctors determined was a minor injury. Baseball players are particularly vulnerable to twisted ankles. As podiatrists who are particularly interested in serving athletes, we at Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates in Lorain want our patients to understand the importance of having ankle injuries assessed.

An ankle sprain is what occurs when a person stretches or tears one of the ankle’s many ligaments by pulling too hard on the outside of the foot. About half of these types of injuries occur during athletic activity. The word “strain” is used to describe tears to muscles and tendons, while “fractures” are small cracks in bones. When tendons are torn, they may trigger the immune system’s inflammatory response, which is described as “tendonitis.” Elevating the foot will help swelling go down faster.

When injuries are mild, they can likely heal on their own and our concern is to provide the patient with pain relief and ensure they are rehabilitated successfully. The ankle will be weak and tender, and the patient may need anti-inflammatory injections or oral medications. But a large break may require surgery and a carefully monitored program of stretching and strength building. Patients with more severe injuries will be fitted for a customized brace to wear when not doing physical therapy. A minor injury is less likely to lead to chronic ankle instability if we are able to intervene quickly, but people who have suffered sprained ankles in the past are at greater risk for repeats. Patients can prevent relapses by wearing properly fitted shoes that are in good condition, keeping their toenails short, and by maintaining the strength of their ankle muscles.

Doctors David J. Hintz and Michael A. Wenowitz run Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road #B, Lorain, Ohio, 44053. To schedule an appointment, visit Integrity Foot and Ankle or call 440-282-1221.