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Diagnoses and symptoms

Ligament instability in the ankle joint

The therapy for ligament instability in the foot and ankle joint depends on the cause and degree of severity. Phased treatment with an orthosis is indispensable for patients with a torn ligament.

Summary

Causes, symptoms and treatment

The ankle joint is comprised of the upper and lower ankle joint. Joints are made up of articular surfaces, articular cartilage, joint fluid, a joint capsule and ligaments.

The ankle joint complex includes various ligaments. They stabilise the joints in conjunction with muscles that encompass the joints. A corresponding stability of the ligaments is a prerequisite for proper joint mobility and stabilisation.

Congenital or acquired factors can cause ligament weakness (laxity). This commonly results in instability of the joints. Hyperextension of the ligaments or a torn ligament can even cause a complete loss of stability in a joint.

Causes

Causes

The causes of instability, which primarily occurs in the upper ankle joint, can include a congenital or acquired ligament weakness with or without the involvement of other, stabilising structures (for example, the joint capsule, articular cartilage, menisci and muscular structures). Whether external force is involved or not, twisting the ankle can cause the ligaments in the ankle joint to stretch excessively or even to rupture. In general, instabilities in the ankle joint are defined by the number of affected ligament structures. The more ligaments are affected, the more unstable the ankle joint complex will be.

Symptoms

Symptoms

Initially, instability manifests itself in uncertainty while walking, which may be associated with pain and grinding noises when more weight is placed on the joint. Swelling and discolouration occurs in the affected area with acute instabilities, for example, due to a torn ligament. Over the long term, and especially if acute injuries are not properly treated, this is often followed by chronic instability or arthrosis, which is more rapid degeneration of the articular cartilage in the joint.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis

When an instability in the ankle joint complex is confirmed by manual test procedures, such as the talar tilt test, diagnostic imaging procedures such as MRI, X-rays or ultrasound often follow.

Therapie

Terapia

Es gibt akute und chronische Instabilitäten des Sprunggelenks, die jeweils in ihrer klinischen Versorgung und Versorgbarkeit unterschiedlich behandelt werden. Die Therapie richtet sich also nach der Ursache und dem Schweregrad der Instabilität. Sie erfolgt in der Regel konservativ, das heißt ohne Operation. Bei der konservativen Therapie stehen Physiotherapie und stabilisierende Orthesen im Vordergrund der Behandlung. Bei Instabilität durch einen Bänderriss ist eine phasengerechte Versorgung mit einer Orthese entlang der Heilungsphasen unerlässlich. Eine unzureichende Versorgung führt häufig zu einer chronischen Instabilität im Sprunggelenkskomplex.

Back to everyday activities: three steps to an Ottobock orthotic

  1. Here you’ll find an overview of all the orthotics and supports that could potentially help you. Take the list with you to your next doctor’s appointment.
  2. Talk to your doctor about which orthotic is best suited to your symptoms and condition. Your doctor can then write you a prescription for the appropriate orthotic.
  3. Take your prescription to a medical supply company. They’ll give you your new orthotic and adjust it to fit your exact body measurements.
Solutions

Ottobock orthoses and supports for ligament instability in the ankle joint

The illustrated products represent treatment examples. Many different factors determine whether a product is actually suitable for you and whether you are capable of taking full advantage of the functionality of the product. Key aspects include your physical condition, fitness and a detailed medical examination. Your doctor or O&P professional will also decide which treatment is best suited to you. We’re here to support you.