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Old Ankle Sprains Come Back to Haunt Baby BoomersEric Caporusso, DPM Baby Boomers getting back into fitness and sports: Get your ankles checked for chronic instability caused by injuries that might not have healed properly years ago.
Pain isn’t normal in the ankle, even if you’re just getting back into shape. Swelling is another symptom the previously-injured Boomers may experience. Both amateur and professional athletes often misunderstand how serious a sprain can be, and they rush back into action without taking time to properly rehabilitate the injury. A sprain that happened years ago can leave residual weakness that isn’t noticeable in normal daily activity. However, upon subjecting the ankle to rigorous physical activity, further damage can occur to improperly healed ligaments, and cause persistent pain and swelling. For anyone hoping to regain past athletic fitness, I recommend that you have that old ankle injury checked out before becoming active again. Some sprains are severe enough to strain or tear the tendons on the outside of the ankle, called the peroneal tendons. Research shows that more than 85 percent of athletes who had surgery to repair a torn peroneal tendon were able to return to full sporting activity within three months after the procedure.
Persistent pain and tenderness after a sprain, especially if the individual felt a ‘pop’ on the outside of the ankle and couldn’t stand tiptoe, might be a warning sign that the tendon is torn or split. The injury is best diagnosed with an MRI exam. If you would like further information, you may contact Dr. Caporusso at 715-832-1400 or visit www.FootHealthFacts.org.
Dr. Caporusso – Chippewa Valley Orthopedics & Sports Medicine |
Peroneal tendon tears are an overlooked cause of lateral ankle pain. Although surgery for athletically active patients shouldn’t be taken lightly, surgical repair of the peroneal tendons is proving to be very successful in helping athletes with serious ankle problems return to full activity.