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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