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Orthopedics and orthopedic surgery with Prof. Dr. Werner Anderl

Sprains and dislocations are among the most common injuries of the lower limbs and, without recovery, the injuries can worsen. Prof. Werner Anderl, specialist in orthopedics and orthopedic surgery at the Wiener Privatklinik, explained what the correct treatment is and what complications patients are exposed to if recovery is delayed.

GALENUS: Physical activity is an essential element in the prevention of many diseases. However, people who do sports occasionally are prone to injuries. The most common sports injuries are sprains and dislocations. What are their characteristics?

Typically, a sprain is a fairly common complication where one or more ankle ligaments are subjected to excessive stress because the foot is outside its area of ​​flexibility and the ligaments are twisting. The sprain is actually the twisted ankle. The severity of the injury can be spread over three levels, from minor to severe injury. On the other hand, dislocation means the movement of bone in the joint.

What is first aid in case of sprain or dislocation?

Many people feel that it is enough to apply ice to the affected area to reduce inflammation. What are the correct steps to treat these sports injuries?
For the initial treatment of sprains and dislocations, RICE (rest-icing-compression-elevation) therapy is recommended. The RICE technique consists of four stages: rest-ice-compression-leg raising. We advise patients to rest and not walk for the next 3-4 days after the trauma.

Sometimes, depending on the severity of the injury, we recommend that patients use orthopedic footwear to be able to walk or crutches / foot prostheses so that the ankle heals as quickly as possible. Moreover, for sprains or acute dislocations, we can use techniques of mobilization and manipulation of the joints to minimize pain and maximize foot mobility. For the return of the ankle muscles to normal, a stability and balance training is also recommended.

What complications can occur in the long run if the sprains
and dislocations are not treated in time?

If patients delay treating these injuries in time, the ligaments will heal in an incorrect, stretched position, and this can lead to chronic instability of the joints with an increased risk of suffering other sports injuries when exercising. Specialist studies on the prevention of dislocations show that, especially when it comes to risky sports activities, it is better to protect our ankles by wearing appropriate equipment (ankle prostheses) to reduce the risk of dislocation or other complications in the long run. long.

Is gypsum needed to treat these types of injuries?

Depending on the severity of the trauma, I recommend wearing a knee-length cast, prosthesis or orthosis for a short time.

Can these problems be prevented?

What should people who play sports occasionally consider when choosing running shoes?

Prevention of dislocations and sprains consists of:

  • strengthening the muscles of the lower leg (calf muscles);
  • avoiding running on uneven surfaces;
  • wearing ankle protection equipment;
  • avoiding heeled shoes or shoes with an unsuitable platform for sports activities;
  • choosing special running shoes.

Keywords: running, sprains, ankle, inflammation, dislocations

*This article was published on revistagalenus.ro