S

Sprain

Ligaments hold bones together, while muscles move those bones. Lateral (outer) ankle sprains are the most common athletic injury. Either traumatically or due to predisposing biomechanical/soft tissue factors, the ankle may twist, thus stretching or tearing the outer ligaments of the ankle. If the sprain is minimal, a short period of rest and ice should heal the ligaments well. If a more significant sprain occurs, swelling and sometimes bruising occurs. A short period of immobilization may be necessary to allow healing. This should be followed by rehabilitation to ensure optimal strength, flexibility and balance gains. Seek the help of a physical therapist. If rehab is insufficient, sprains can be quite recurrent. A brace or orthotics may be indicated. In severe cases, an orthopedic susrgeon may suggest ankle ligament reconstruction as a last resort.

This is a difficult diagnosis to make, because the cause and symptos are generally vague. It is an inflammation of the "lining" of the joint: the synovium. The synovium is responsible for the lubrication of the joint, among other functions. When irritated, it becomes inflammed, causing pain and some swelling. The surrounding muscles may become weak, which places more load on the joint, which in turn perpetuates the inflammation. The treatment is conservative. It involves optimizing the surrounding muscles, identifying and eliminating causative factors, and icing on a daily basis. A consult with a Physical Therapist may be indicated. Rarely is surgery done, in the form of a "synovectomy" which removes the irritable tissue, but doing so can aggravate the synovium again.