Ankle Injuries Essay Research Paper Ankle InjuriesYes — страница 3

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therapy will probably be initiated to regain as much of the normal range of motion as possible. Once of the problems that tearing the ligaments around the ankle causes, is that small proprioceptive nerve endings in the ligaments are torn as well. These nerves function to give the brain information about where the body is in 3D space. For instance, these nerves are what make it possible for one to touch the nose with the eyes closed. The joints rely on good physical therapy program will help retrain these nerves as they repair themselves, and will strengthen certain muscles that will take over some of the functions of stabilizing the ankle joint from the loss of ligaments. If all these simple measures fail, surgery may be suggested to reconstruct the ligaments that have been torn.

Surgery involves making an incision on the side of the ankle. A portion of the tendon called the peroneus brevis is used to reconstruct the lateral ligaments. A drill hole is made in the fibula, near the attachment the original ligament. A second drill hole is made in the area where the ligaments attached to the talus. The tendon graft is then woven into these holes to recreate the ligament complex. After surgery, the patient would be put in a cast or brace for about 6 weeks to allow the tendon reconstruction to heal. Following removal of the cast, physical therapy will be required to regain full use of the ankle. It is important to note that persons who have experienced an ankle injury are at particular risk of another. This is true not only during the recovery period, but for

the rest of their lives. An injured ankle, even though healed, may be unstable and therefore prone to recurrent injury. For this reason, persons who have sustained an ankle injury should take precautions thereafter. Good-quality shoes that provide plenty of stability and support are a prudent investment, and supplemental bracing, such as with a specially fitted elastic wrap, may be recommending.