Ankle sprains are graded in increasing severity from Grade 1 to Grade 3
FITNESS & NUTRITION
ANKLE SPRAINS
and Pickleball
BY DR. ALAN H. BRAGMAN
Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments that support the ankle are stretched beyond their limit and they tear, or avulse. As you might imagine, this is a common injury for pickleball players.
Ligaments are strong fibrous connective tissues that attach bone to bone, and are named according to the bones for which they connect. They stabilize and maintain proper position in the foot and ankle. The vast majority of sprained ankles result when landing on the outside of the foot with the foot turning inward. This is known as an inversion sprain and it represents over 90 % of all sprained ankles. With an inversion sprain the most commonly injured ligament is the anterior talofibular ligament( ATFL), which prevents forward displacement of the ankle.
With a more severe ankle sprain, the calcaneofibular ligament( CFL) may also be damaged. This is a much stronger ligament than the ATFL and is not as easily damaged. The posterior talofibular ligament( PTFL) is rarely injured unless there is a complete dislocation of the ankle. Rarely seen is an eversion sprain where the person lands on the inside of the foot injuring the inner or medial ligaments. Ankle sprains not only damage ligaments but they may also result in damage to other surrounding structures, including connective tissue, tendons, muscles and even bones. This is why a severe ankle sprain should be carefully assessed by a trained medical professional to determine the extent of the injury.
Ankle sprains are graded in increasing severity from Grade 1 to Grade 3
Grade 1 Sprain
• The injured person can walk with some difficulty and pain.
• Mild tenderness, swelling, stiffness and pain are present.
• There is a mild stretching and microscopic tearing of ligaments.
• The ankle joint is still very stable.
Grade 2 Sprain
• There is considerable difficulty when walking, with severe pain.
• There is moderate and partial tearing of ligaments.
• Moderate pain, tenderness, swelling and bruising are present.
• Some looseness and instability is noted in the joint.
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