Eversion Ankle Sprain

by Sharon Hopkins

Since the ankle supports the entire weight of the body when we run, walk or stand, it is extremely susceptible to injury, and an ankle sprain is one of the most common injuries to occur among athletes as well as non-athletes. When the ligaments supporting ankle get overly stretched or torn, an ankle sprain occurs.

An eversion ankle sprain is a condition in which the foot rolls outward instead of inward, and it is common in sports such as hockey. Tearing of the deltoid ligaments on the inside of the ankle results in an eversion sprain. It is rare because the medial ligaments are stronger than lateral ones and the fibula bone tends to prevent over stretching of the ligaments. Injuries to the ligament of the ankle cause an eversion injury of ankle and a fracture of the fibula bone may occur along with it.

Causes

Weight bearing activities that require rapid changes in direction cause eversion sprain. This results in forceful inward rotation of the foot that causes an injury to the medial or the inside ligament of the ankle. An eversion ankle sprain generally occurs when playing sports like football, basketball, volley ball, etc. The heel as well as the foot pushes outwards, or in other words, in the opposite direction to the other foot, and this causes the deltoid ligament, which can be found on the inner part of the ankle, to stretch or tear.

Symptoms

There are obvious signs that can indicate an eversion ankle sprain. The symptoms of ankle sprain include:

Audible snap or tearing sound at the time of injury
Acute pain
Swelling
Bruising and stiffness
Difficulty in bearing weight
Decreased range of motion

Treatment

The treatment of eversion ankle sprain is also similar to other ankle sprains. Usually, ankle sprains heal within a few weeks. RICE, that is, rest, ice, compress and elevate, can enhance the recovery and ease the discomfort. Ensure that you rest adequately and avoid playing. Applying an ice pack or other cold therapy can reduce the swelling and the pain. Using a compression bandage and elevating the affected part also helps in reducing the swelling. Other treatment options include using drugs like ibuprofen, and non-steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs. These medications can help to alleviate the pain.

Activities that pressurize the ankle joint should be avoided. Avoid sports which require running and avoid exercises which involve jogging and hiking until the ankle is properly healed. In severe cases, a podiatrist may recommend a cane or walking boot to help take the weight off. Ankle braces can minimize the feeling of instability in the joint.

Eversion ankles take time to heal compared to common ankle sprains. In order to restore full mobility and to strengthen the ankle, exercises are essential. Once the pain and swelling have subsided, ensure that you perform stretching and strengthening exercises.

Whenever a medial ankle sprain occurs, an X-ray should be taken as eversion ankle sprains are commonly associated with an ankle fractures. In severe cases, an MRI scan can be performed. Taking a rest from any activity that increases the pain can enhance the recovery process.

There are several home remedies that help to treat a sprain.

Applying a cold compress over the affected area can reduce swelling and pain.
After applying an ice pack, cover the affected area with a bandage.
Wrapping hot cabbage leaves around the area can reduce swelling.
Mix almond oils and garlic oil and massage the affected ankle.

References:

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

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