WHY SPORTS ENTHUSIASTS SHOULD BE CONCERN ABOUT ANKLE INJURY?

⚽Playing sports offers numerous practical benefits, such as enhancing well-being, lowering the risk of disease, and providing the thrill of surpassing personal limits and achieving new milestones. Unfortunately, many people suffer from injuries when playing sports, often ranging from mild to severe - notably, injuries to the ankle, which play an important role in maintaining body balance. 

Let's find out more with Dr. Nguyen Van Hoang Tam, MSc, 1st Degree Specialist in Musculoskeletal Medicine, at CarePlus International Clinics! 

❗The ankle joint is a synovial joint, with a thick fibrous capsule surrounding it and a synovial membrane—a fluid-filled sac that lubricates and protects the joint - lining the space between the bones. This extra cushioning helps synovial joints move with as little friction as possible and is also called a "buffer”. 

❗Ankle injuries are injuries to the bones, ligaments, and tendons of the ankle area caused by overexertion or sudden falls while playing sports or in everyday life in general. 

When playing sports, you should pay attention to two common types of ankle injuries: ankle sprains and Achilles tendonitis. 

1. Ankle sprains 

Ankle sprains occur when you roll, twist, or awkwardly turn your ankle, often due to landing incorrectly while jumping or spinning, walking on uneven surfaces, or even being stepped on by others. By understanding these causes, you can take steps to prevent them and protect the tough bands of tissue (ligaments) that hold your ankle bones together. 

People who play sports that require a lot of movement, such as volleyball and basketball, are at a higher risk of ankle sprains than others. 

2. Achilles tendonitis 

The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body and is essential for walking, running, climbing stairs, jumping, and standing on tiptoes. Achilles tendonitis occurs when these tendons, connecting the calf muscles to the heel, become strained, torn, or irritated. Those with this condition often experience pain and stiffness at the back of the heel, particularly in the morning. 

Achilles tendinitis is usually a chronic condition caused by overuse. However, severe cases can lead to tendon tears, which require surgery. 

If not treated promptly and adequately after injury, the ankle is no longer as good as before, accompanied by excessive ligament laxity and impaired muscle control and balance, which will cause the knee, the hips, and the back to be under pressure and are required to work harder to compensate for the ankle joint. The consequence is an increased risk of injury in these areas. 

✅Treatment varies based on the type of injury. Minor injuries can often be managed at home with rest, ice, compression, and elevation. For severe injuries, a diagnosis from a sports medicine specialist is necessary, followed by a course of physical therapy to restore function.  

👉The Sports Medicine and Musculoskeletal Specialists team at CarePlus is dedicated to providing accurate diagnoses and effective treatments, helping you recover quickly and fully enjoy your passion for sports.