Ankle

Tendoachilles Injury

The tendoachilles, or Achilles tendon, is the strongest tendon in the body. It serves as a common tendon for the calf muscles, specifically the soleus and gastrocnemius, and attaches to the back of the heel bone (calcaneus).

Function

The Achilles tendon plays a crucial role in walking and running, providing the necessary strength and flexibility to propel the body forward.

Causes:

Tendoachilles injuries can occur due to several factors, including:

• Overuse: Repetitive stress on the tendon can lead to degeneration.
• Trauma: Direct impact or injury to the tendon can cause damage.
• Sudden Contraction: A sudden contraction of the calf muscles during sports activities can lead to tears or ruptures.

Clinical Features

Common symptoms of a tendoachilles injury include:

• Pain and swelling in the back of the ankle.
• Difficulty walking or bearing weight on the affected foot.
• A gap or defect can be felt in severe injuries.
• A popping sound may be heard at the time of injury.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis is typically confirmed through imaging studies, such as:

• X-Ray: To rule out any associated fractures.
• Ultrasound (USG): To assess soft tissue injuries.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): To evaluate the extent of the injury in detail.

Treatment

Treatment options for tendoachilles injuries may include:

• RICE Protocol:

  • Rest: Avoid activities that aggravate the injury.
  • Ice: Apply ice to reduce swelling and pain.
  • Compression: Use compression bandages to minimize swelling.
  • Elevation: Elevate the affected leg to decrease swelling.

• Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs):

  • Medications to alleviate pain and inflammation.

• Immobilization:

  • Keeping the ankle immobilized with a brace or cast to promote healing.

• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection:

  • Injections of PRP, derived from the patient’s blood, to stimulate healing in the damaged tendon.

• Surgery:

  • Arthroscopic or Open Surgery: May be necessary for severe tears or ruptures to repair the tendon.

• Physiotherapy:

  • A structured rehabilitation program to restore strength and flexibility, improve range of motion, and facilitate recovery.

Ankle Sprain / Ligament Injuries

The ankle joint is primarily supported by medial and lateral collateral ligaments, crucial for its stability and function.

• Medial Collateral Ligament: Also known as the deltoid ligament.
• Lateral Collateral Ligament: Known as the talofibular ligament.
• Tibiofibular Ligament: Also referred to as syndesmosis, which helps stabilize the joint

Among these, the most commonly injured ligament is the talofibular ligament.

Causes

Ankle sprains and ligament injuries typically occur due to:

• Twisting: Rapid twisting or turning of the ankle can strain the ligaments.
• Trauma: Direct impact or falls can lead to ligament injuries.

Clinical Features

Common symptoms include:

• Pain and swelling around the ankle joint.
• Limited range of motion (ROM) due to pain.
• Bruising may also occur in some cases.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis can be established through:

• X-Ray: To check for fractures or bone injuries.
• MRI: To assess the extent of soft tissue damage.

Treatment

The treatment plan for ankle sprains and ligament injuries may involve:

• RICE Protocol:
  • Rest, ice, compression, and elevation to reduce swelling and pain.
• Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs):
  • For pain relief and to minimize inflammation.
• Immobilization:
  • Keeping the ankle immobilized and avoiding weight-bearing activities to allow healing.
• Surgery:
  • In severe cases of complete rupture, surgical intervention may be required to repair the damaged ligaments.
• Physiotherapy:
  • A rehabilitation program focused on restoring strength, flexibility, and function to the ankle joint.

Conclusion

Both tendoachilles injuries and ankle sprains are common musculoskeletal injuries that can significantly impact mobility and daily activities. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential for optimal recovery and return to normal function.