IntroductionAn ankle distortion or “twisted ankle” is often the result of twisting or overextending your ankle in an awkward way. Symptoms include pain, bruising and swelling of the ankle. This type of injury is treated at the emergency department and you will be discharged afterwards. You can read more about your injury and what you should do in the coming days in this pamphlet.
Summary
- You have sprained your ankle as a result of an awkward movement, and the ligaments of your ankle have sustained a partial tear.
- This type of injury almost always heals well without any loss of function
- A routine follow-up is not necessary for this type of injury.
- The pressure bandage that you are given at the emergency department will support your ankle, but does contribute to the healing process of this injury.
- Walking will result in a faster recovery, try to walk as soon as your pain allows this.
- Try moving your ankle frequently to prevent stiffness. Biking is a good way to practice the movements of your ankle.
- You can find exercises for your ankle in this pamphlet or in the app.
- If you have any questions, or are experiencing problems with your recovery, you can call the “breuklijn” (fracture hotline), (0314) 32 92 50 on work days between 10:00 - 12:00.
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After a sudden awkward movement, your foot can twist to the inside or outside. This is called a distortion, sprain, or twisted ankle. The ligaments of you ankle will be overstretched and sustain a partial tear. Full-length tears of ankle ligaments are extremely rare. This partial tearing can also result in ruptures in some of the smaller blood vessels, which causes bruising. After a distortion, swelling may also occur, usually on the outside of the ankle.
What can you do if you have an ankle distortion? - Avoid awkward movements with your ankle, for example, by using crutches. Crutches can be rented at the hospital. Depending on your situation, you will get a pressure bandage or elastic sock (called a tubigrip).
- A pressure bandage will support your ankle, but does not accelerate healing. You can leave the bandage on for 3-5 days. The elastic sock should be removed when taking a shower and at night.
- Walking will improve your recovery, so try walking as soon as you are able. Try to keep your foot straight when walking to avoid twisting it again. If walking makes the pain worse, stop, and try again next day.
- Avoid stiffness of the ankle by moving your foot regularly, even when you are sitting or lying down.
- Elevate your foot to reduce swelling and pain. Your foot should be above your knee, and you knee should be above the level of your hips. You can put a pillow on your mattress to achieve this.
- Cooling can reduce pain, but will not reduce swelling. You can cool the ankle with ice in a plastic bag or by using an ice-pack. Wrap the ice in cloth to avoid frostbite of your skin.
- Cycling is an excellent way to practice moving your ankle.
- Be extra careful when practicing sports that have a high risk of twisting your ankle, such as field sports.
When will your ankle be re-examined? Because of the swelling, thorough physical examination of your ligaments is not possible during your visit at the emergency department. This can be done after 4-7 days, when the swelling has decreased. You should make an appointment with your general practitioner for the follow-up examination of your ankle ligaments. In some cases, we will make an appointment in the hospital in the outpatient clinic.
How long will your recovery take? Overstretched ankle ligaments - Overstretched ligaments will heal well over time. For the first couple of days, your ankle may be painful and swollen. After 3-4 days, the pain will gradually decrease and you will be able to put weight on it again. You will no longer need crutches.
- After a few days, the swelling will be reduced. It is common for the heel of your foot, the outside of your foot and your toes to become blue due to the bruising. In a later stage, this color will change to green and yellow and eventually disappear.
- You are usually able to resume all normal activities within 2 weeks, including sports.
Partial tear of the ankle ligaments - A partial tear of the ankle ligaments will heal well over time. Recovery takes slightly longer than it would take for overstretched ligaments. It will take at least 2 weeks before you can resume walking and cycling. You can use crutches in the meantime. It can take several months before you can resume sports. A partial tear is treated with a special tape or ankle brace, but only after the swelling has gone down. You can make an appointment with your physiotherapist or general practitioner to do so.
- When you ankle has almost fully healed, it is common that there is some swelling around the ankle after certain activities such as walking. This is normal and not harmful. You do not need to refrain from these activities if this happens.
When should you contact your general practitioner? - If the swelling and pain do not improve after 4 days.
- If you still have complaints after 4 days and the swelling has gone down.
- If you need more pain medication.
ExcercisesAfter a distortion of the ankle, stiffness, loss of strength and loss of coordination may occur. The following exercises can be performed to support your recovery
When to start and what to do It is important that you start exercising immediately as much as possible, if the pain allows it. This will prevent the ankle from becoming stiff. Start with non-weight bearing exercises, which are exercises you do without standing on the foot. Then start with weight bearing exercises. Exercise only when the pain allows it.
Follow the instructions below:- Perform the exercises at least 3 times per day
- Repeat each exercise 10 to 15 times
- Build up gradually, taking rest if necessary after doing exercises by putting the leg back up high.
- you can perform the exercises in warm water if preferred
Non-weight bearing exercises Watch the video’s in the Virtual Fracture Care app – under folder: ‘Ankle distortion’. Extend the exercises on advice and when the pain allows this.
Weight bearing exercisesWatch the video’s in the Virtual Fracture Care app – under folder: ‘Ankle distortion’.
Questions?
You can call us
If there are any questions after reading the information, please contact us or visit www.slingeland.nl.
Contact
Breuklijn, (0314) 32 92 50. Please call us on work days between 10:00 - 12:00. |
Virtual Fracture Care app In our Virtual Fracture Care app, you can find more information about your injury. You can also find exercises here to improve your recovery. You can find the app in the Appstore (iPhone) and in the Google Store (Android). You can also scan the QR-code, automatically you will be transferred to the app.
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