It also helps to maintain the inner longitudinal arch. .
The final aspect of the ankle is the muscular arrangement. It is the weakest aspect of the ankle. The anterior muscles include the extensor hallucis longus, the Extensor digitorum longus, the peroneus tertius, and the tibialis anterior. These muscles aid in dorsiflexion and toe flexion. The posterior muscles include superficial, middle, and deep muscles. The superficial muscle is the gastrocnemius. The middle muscles are the soleus and plantaris. The deep muscles include the tibialis posterior, the flexor digitorum longus, and the flexor hallucis longus. These posterior muscles aid in dorsiflexion and toe extension. .
A sprain is actually a tear that occurs in the outer supportive ligaments of the ankle. Lateral ankle sprains are graded by the ligament or ligaments involved. A first-degree ankle sprain deals with the anterior talofibular ligament. A second-degree ankle sprain deals with the calcaneofibular ligament and a third-degree ankle sprain deals with the posterior talofibular ligament. In each degree, the foot is forcibly turned inward beyond it's normal range of motion. The ankle's normal range of motion is defined as the following: Inversion-40 degrees, Eversion-20 degrees, Flexion-45 degrees, and Extension- 20 degrees. For now, let's focus on a second-degree ankle sprain.
The situation: A male high school soccer player stepped into a hole in the field causing a major twist of the left ankle. He complained of a tearing sensation along with a snap as the tissue gave way. The physician on duty diagnoses the sprain as a second degree. The management plan for the athlete should go as follows:.
1. The Goal of phase one is to control hemorrhage, swelling, pain and spasm. This phase should last between two and three days. During phase one, Ice packs should be used six to eight times a day for 20 minutes at a time. The athlete should wear an elastic wrap during waking hours and should elevate the injured leg on a pillow during sleep.
