Footballer’s Ankle
What is Footballer’s Ankle?
Footballer’s ankle is the name given to the dislocation of the peroneal tendons that are located behind the bony point on the inner side of your ankle (malleolus).
What Causes Footballer’s Ankle?
An ankle sprain can be the cause of Footballer’s Ankle as long as the dislocation of the peroneal tendons occurs as a result of the sprain. A direct kick to the tendon can trigger the injury and this is the cause of its name, Footballer’s Ankle.
The tissue stabilising the peroneal tendons can sometimes be torn when an ankle is turned over and the tendons can relocate themselves on the wrong side of the malleolus. When this occurs repeatedly, it causes great damage to the tissue, resulting in inflammation.
What are the Symptoms of Footballers Ankle?
Footballer’s ankle causes great pain on movement of the foot. Other symptoms are swelling, bruising and tenderness and pain behind and around the malleolus.
What Treatment can you have for Footballers Ankle?
Things you can do yourself
- Rest
- Cold therapy: Put a cold pack (typically an ice pack applied for 20 minutes) directly on the injury
- Thermotherapy: Apply heat (typically in the form of heated pads, warms packs or lamps) to the areas of the body causing pain. NB. Often Cold therapy and Thermotherapy are alternated, with the cold application happening first
- Elevation
- Compression
- Gentle stretching
- Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (always seek the advice of a medical professional).
Rehabilitation treatment
- Soft-tissue massage
- Physiotherapy
- Ultrasound