LATERAL INVERSION SPRAIN

Most people will suffer an ankle sprain at some point in their life. The lateral ankle, situated on the outside of the foot, is one the most frequently injured parts of the body among athletes and physically active people.

Lateral ankle inversion sprains occur when the foot rolls outward, forcing the weight of the entire body to the outer edge of the foot and stretching, spraining or tearing ligaments (tissue that connects bone to bone) on the ankle joint. This type of sprain is common among basketball players and people who participate in sports that require a lot of running, jumping, or sudden stopping and starting. Uneven playing fields, like those in baseball or soccer, can also contribute to ankle injuries.

But athletes aren’t the only ones susceptible to later ankle inversions sprains. Many times, simply stepping off a curb or walking on uneven ground can cause the ankle to slip outward, resulting in a sprain or tear in the ligaments in the foot. Studies show that weak ligaments, joint stability and old age also contribute to a greater risk of experiencing a lateral ankle sprain. In addition, females are more prone to this type of injury, because they generally have smaller muscles and looser ligaments, especially during pregnancy, which means they less stability in the leg to maintain the ankle’s position.

It’s not hard to tell when an ankle sprain has occurred. People who experience the injury sometimes hear a pop or a snap. They also usually complain of pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty in walking, and these symptoms can be so severe that patients with the condition sometimes think their foot is broken. An x-ray can determine whether a bone fracture has actually taken place.

Proper care incorporates a variety of safe and effective techniques that can successfully reduce pain, prevent the buildup of scar tissue and restore proper motion to the foot. You should be aware, however, that ligament injuries often take too long to heal, and that it could take weeks or months for you to fully recover from an ankle sprain.

ACHILLES TENDINITIS

Achilles tendinitis, commonly known as tendinitis of the heel, is a painful condition affecting the heel (calcaneus bone) and surrounding tissues. Activities such as walking, hiking and running all put stress on the achilles tendon, resulting in tiny, painful tears and inflammation.

Symptoms of achilles tendinitis include pain, tenderness and sometimes swelling on and around the heel. Those with patellar tendinitis often complain of pain when bending flexing the ankle or loading weight to the ankle while standing.

Given that physical activity usually causes achilles tendinitis, it’s no surprise that athletes are most commonly affected. However, even people that lead more sedentary lives can have the condition. Factors like muscular imbalance and poor foot structure are among the many possible causes.

If you have achilles tendinitis, a variety of safe and effective techniques can help.