Last Updated on 01/10/2025 by admin
Common Ankle Injuries
OPPO Health offers an extensive range of high-quality orthopaedic supports for a wide range of conditions. Whether it is to prevent injury, provide support and alleviate pain, and to enable daily life and activity to continue, OPPO will have the right solution.
Our ankle supports provide compression and protection, pain relief, promote healing and injury recovery from some of the most common ankle injuries to enable daily life to continue and get you back to activities you love. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common ankle injuries.
Ankle Sprain
An ankle sprain is one of the most common ankle injuries, characterised by damage to the ligaments surrounding the ankle joint, often caused by excessive stretching or tearing. Often occuring during activities involving sudden changes in direction, jumping, or landing on uneven surfaces. Most ankle sprains involve an inversion injury, where the foot turns inward, affecting the anterior talofibular (ATFL) and calcaneofibular (CFL) ligaments on the outside of the ankle. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, limited range of motion and instability.
Ankle braces or supports can play a crucial role in the management of ankle sprains by providing stability, support, and protection to the injured joint.
Our RA100 Agility Neoprene Ankle Support with Figure of 8 Strap is an effective way to manage ankle injury such as sprains and strains. The figure of eight strapping stabilises the ankle during activity and the tension is fully adjustable to deliver different levels of compression to help with swelling and reduce further injury.
Ankle Tendonitis
Ankle tendonitis is when a tendon becomes inflamed after an injury. It can cause joint pain and stiffness especially when you move, tenderness, swelling and affect how a tendon moves.
Immediately after the injury, to help with pain management and support, the area should be rested, with the application of ice. When the injured area can be moved without causing excessive pain, the joint should be kept moving to avoid joint stiffness. Painkillers may also help with pain management. If the pain is severe and ongoing a physiotherapy may be required.
Ankle Bursitis
Ankle bursitis is the inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs in the ankle, causing pain, swelling, and limited mobility. Often caused by overuse through repetitive motion, such as running or excessive standing, trauma and underlying conditions like arthritis. Symptoms include a dull, aching pain, especially when moving the ankle or walking. swelling, tenderness, and redness around the affected area. Increased pain and reduced range of motion. Like tendonitis, treatment includes rest plus applying ice to the affected area and the use of painkillers.
For both Tendonitis and Bursitis, an orthopaedic ankle brace may also help to provide support and compression. Our AccuTex Ankle Activator Support 2903 is suitable for both conditions plus weakness, strain or overuse from repetitive activity, arthritis, and injury, plus helps to relieve inflammation and pain. A silicone pad surrounds the Achilles tendon for compression & massage
Chronic Ankle Instability
Chronic ankle instability occurs when repeated ankle sprains weaken the ligaments, causing the ankle to “give way” frequently. It is commonly caused through Inadequate rehabilitation after previous sprains, Loose or stretched ligaments and Weak muscles around the ankle. Indications include Persistent pain and swelling, Recurrent sprains and a Feeling of the ankle being unstable. Recovery may be helped through physiotherapy to strengthen muscles and improve balance, and in severe cases surgical intervention may be required.
Ankle braces provide additional support and stabilisation, and limit excessive movement preventing abnormal twisting or rolling motions that could further strain the injured ligaments reducing the risk of re-injury and to promote healing of the damaged tissues.
The OPPO Elite Ankle Stabiliser creates a stabilising effect for extra ligament support for instability and weakness, and provides tendon & ligament support preventing further injury.
OPPO Ankle Support with Lacing & Strap supports the ankle with stabilisers to prevent rollover, inversion and eversion, and controls rotational sprains. The figure of 8 strapping offers superior support while additional compression is provided by the lacing.
Achilles Tendon Injury
The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. Injuries can range from mild strains to a complete rupture. Often caused by sudden acceleration while running or jumping, overuse from repetitive activities, inadequate warm-up or direct trauma. Symptoms can include a sharp pain in the back of the ankle or heel, swelling and stiffness, and a popping sound in case of rupture.
Ankle Dislocation
A dislocation is another one of the most common ankle injuries and can be caused by a high-force trauma such as falls or severe injury. It is where the bones of the ankle joint are forced out of position, often accompanied by fractures. Severe pain, deformity, swelling, and inability to bear weight or move the ankle. An ankle dislocation should be considered a medical emergency and immediate attention should be sought.
Ankle Fracture
An ankle fracture is a break in one or more of the bones that make up the ankle joint (tibia, fibula, or talus) and can be caused by a high-impact trauma, falls, or severe twisting of the ankle. Symptoms can include severe pain, swelling, bruising, inability to bear weight, in severe cases, the ankle may appear deformed and bent out of place in If broken ankle is suspected then immediate medical advice should be sought.
As with any injury and the use of an orthopaedic support, we recommend a medical professional is consulted to ensure correct diagnosis with a suitable treatment programme and a support which is suitable for the specific condition.
