Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation of the large tendon at the back of the ankle (Achilles Tendon). This is normally caused by overuse and leads to inflammation, pain, and swelling. Bracing Recommendation: Bauerfeind AchilloTrain Pro
Ankle Strain
An ankle strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon. Muscles are made to stretch, but if stretched too far, or stretched while contracting, an injury may occur. A strain can either be a stretching or tear of a muscle or tendon. Bracing Recommendation: Bauerfeind MalleoTrain S, Ossur Gameday Ankle
Ankle Sprain
An ankle sprain is an injury to the ligaments of the ankle. The most common type is the Inversion Ankle Sprain and occurs when the foot is inverted or you roll over on the outside of the foot. When this type of ankle sprain happens, the outer, or lateral ligaments are stretched too far. There are three ligaments that attach to the outer side of the ankle. About 90% of ankle sprains are inversion injuries. Pain is always on the outside of the ankle, and there is usually no pain on the inside of the ankle joint. An Eversion sprain is when you roll over on the inside of the foot and the deltoid ligament (medial ligament) is stretched too far.
Grade I ankle sprains cause stretching of the ligament. Most patients can walk without crutches, but may not be able to jog or jump. Grade II ankle sprain is more severe partial tearing of the ligament. There is usually more significant swelling and bruising caused by bleeding under the skin. Patients usually have pain with walking, but can take a few steps. Grade III ankle sprains are complete tears of the ligaments. The ankle is usually quite painful, and walking can be difficult. Patients may complain of instability, or a giving-way sensation in the ankle joint. Patients often notice bruising over the area of injury. This bruising will move down the foot towards the toes in the days after the ankle sprain due to gravity pulling the blood downwards in the foot. Bracing Recommendation: Bauerfeind AirLoc, Ossur Gameday, Donjoy Surround Gel Ankle Stirup
Foot Drop
Foot drop is a weakness of muscles that are involved in flexing the ankles and toes. As a result, the toes droop downward and imped the normal walking gait. Foot drop can a consequence of injury to muscles known as dorsiflexor muscles, injury to certain nerves, a stroke, brain injury, diabetes, multiple sclerosis and other medical conditions. Bracing Recommendation: Ossur Foot up, Standard or Supra Lite AFO’s (Ankle Foot Orthosis)