Ankle ligament tear in elderly.How to Avoid it?

Ankle ligament tear is very common in elderly patients. Normally, this type of tear happens after the ankle twist.Broadly there are 3 categories of this type of tear.From which first and second degree sprains can be treated with the physiotherapy and conservative management.

In home health care we have seen that elderly patients can easily twist their ankle while walking. That is the reason we advise our patient caretakers to always be careful while making them walk or any weight-bearing activity.

How it occurs?

There are many different mechanism by which these strain occurs.

The most common type is inversion strain. It simply means that  ankle moves inward putting whole of the body weight on outer area of foot. This sudden force on outer area leads to the tear.

The name of commonly torn ligament is anterior talo-fibular ligament.

What can be the precautions to avoid Ankle Ligament tear?

• Medical attendants can perform general ankle toe movements before making their patients stand.
• Elderly can wear ankle support with assistance of patient caretakers.
• Mild resistive band exercises with patient caregiver.Caretaker can hold Theraband. Band is tied around patients ankle.
• These type of exercises helps in maintaining Ankle musculature strength.
• Always try to avoid walking on uneven surfaces.
• Patient caretaker can keep a check on ankle position while patient is sleeping.Any sort of awkward ankle posture can put extra stress on ligaments.