Have you ever heard about sports injuries? Ankle injuries are referred to them. Being an athlete or a sportsman can put you at high risk of ankle injuries. Multiple factors can increase the risk of such injuries, such as weak bones or performing intense physical activity. Sometimes, walking on an uneven surface can lead to a sprain. There is no age factor, as it can occur at any age. To evaluate the condition and pain-causing factor, doctors perform an Ankle Ultrasound for real-time imaging results.

This article will help you learn how to prevent ankle injuries and why an ultrasound is important.

What are the Most Common Ankle Injuries?

The most common injuries are sprains and fractures that can affect the bones and ligaments in your ankles. You can also experience tears or strained tendons. Ankle injuries are defined by the tissues, bones, tendons, and ligaments. There are three bones in your ankle, the tibia, and the fibula of the lower leg with the talus of the foot. Ligaments hold together these bones at the ankle joint, which has a strong elastic band of connective tissues that keep bones in place. 

Fractures can break one or more than one bone. A sprain can also occur that shows ligament damage when it is stretched beyond the normal range of movement. Having a strain is also potential as it involves the damage of muscles and tendons when stretched too far. 

Muscles and tendon strains are also common in the lower back and legs. Two tendons are located here that are strained. It can bring on multiple symptoms, such as swelling, pain, etc. The inflammation of a tendon is also known as tendinitis. 

What are the Causes of Ankle Injuries?

An ankle joint twist can cause an ankle injury. During sports, most people experience such types of injuries. Walking on uneven surfaces can also put you at high risk of a twisted ankle. Women who wear high heels are also at risk as such sandals are more likely to cause a twisted ankle. An ankle injury can occur due to:

• An ankle rolling
• Falling or tripping
• A sudden effect on the ankle after an accident
• Landing in an unnatural position
• Running or walking on an uneven surface
• Rotating or twisting of an ankle 

What are the Signs or Symptoms of Ankle Injuries?

The signs and symptoms of a fracture are almost similar. Sometimes, it is difficult to evaluate a condition based on signs and symptoms. It makes an ankle ultrasound crucial for diagnosing the right causing factor. The signs include:

• Bruising
• Swelling
• Inability to lift the weight on the injured side
• Swelling
• Pain ranges from mild to severe

How to Diagnose Ankle Injuries?

When a person visits doctors for an injury, they ask multiple questions and perform a physical exam to evaluate swelling, inflammation, bruising, and pain. To determine the tissue around the bones in ankles, an ankle ultrasound is performed that helps to see damaged tissues, tendons, and muscles. A probe is used for an ultrasound which involves sound waves that help to see ligaments in the affected ankle, says NCBI. Doctors move the probe on the skin to get clear images of the ankle and its surrounding area. Before they perform sonography, they apply a gel to get clear real-time imaging results.

Final Thought

If you have a fall or a twisted ankle, you should get medical help. Pain, inflammation, and bruising are the common symptoms that you may experience. You should visit a doctor immediately. An ankle ultrasound helps to determine injuries and allows doctors to see the damaged area. RIZ Ultrasound is a leading Ultrasound clinic in Glasgow. We use advanced equipment to provide you with effective results. You can book your appointment anytime with us!