The articulation that connects the lower leg and foot helps us move, keep the body in a straight position, bend and unbend the limb, twist the foot. At the same time, significant loads fall on him, because the weight of the whole body is distributed on two feet. Because of this, the situation when the legs, feet and ankles hurt is not uncommon. Pain may occur due to fatigue or overload. In this case, it is enough just to rest - and the muscles with ligaments will return to normal. However, ankle injuries should not be ignored.

According to statistics, 5% of damage to this joint is due to subluxations and dislocations, 10% - damage to the ligamentous apparatus, in 85 percent of cases, doctors have to deal with a fracture. In general, 20% of leg pathologies are characteristic of the ankle. In the case when the legs swell in the ankle area, the causes and symptoms are different. As a rule, they are quite serious and require medical attention.

Causes of pain and swelling in the ankle

The fast pace of life active classes sports, physical activity, excess weight are factors that put the joint at risk of injury. In the case of the ankle, uncomfortable women's shoes are added.

If the leg is turned up, then there is a great danger of getting a number of unpleasant consequences in the form of:

• tendon sprains;
• tear and rupture of ligaments;
• subluxation of the bone;
• joint dislocation.

If a person sprained his leg and his ankle was swollen, you should find out what kind of injury had such an impact on the state of the limb.

1. Sprain - the damage is closed, while the fibers that make up the ligament are torn, the patient feels pain and discomfort, but can hardly walk. It will take two weeks for the ligaments to recover
2. Tearing and tearing of ligaments is a more serious and painful injury. You can't walk, your ankle is swollen. It is impossible to touch, and even more so step on a limb. If a rupture occurs, a person hears a pop, followed by a sharp pain syndrome. These injuries cannot be cured on their own, therapeutic and surgical measures are necessary, wearing a fixing bandage for up to one and a half months
3. An ankle bruise is the easiest to manage. She also swells, but everyone knows what to do from childhood. It is necessary to give the leg rest and apply a cold compress. If more serious injury is suspected, seek medical attention
4. If a subluxation of the bone occurs, then the ankle is somewhat displaced and the ligamentous apparatus is injured. It is likely that conservative methods will not work, and surgery will be needed.
5. Dislocation of the joint is characterized by a strong displacement (up to 40 degrees) of the bone and trauma to the joint capsule. The pain is unbearable, it swells very much, the limb fails until it is set. This can only be done after anesthesia, and not at home. In case of significant damage to the capsule, resort to the help of a surgeon.
6. An ankle fracture can be with or without displacement of the bone, open or closed. Treatment will take a month or more

Due to the fact that the injuries of this joint are quite numerous, the answer to the question: I dislocated my leg, my ankle is swollen, what to do, will not be treated on my own and not let things take their course. Chronic injuries, even minor ones, eventually become the cause of arthritis and arthrosis, and these ailments are practically incurable and dangerous with disability.

As a rule, the ankle reacts to injuries with sharp pain, swelling of the ankle or the entire foot, hematomas are possible, due to which the foot increases several times. If the foot has acquired an unnatural position, you cannot try to correct it yourself. This can only be done by a qualified person. It is forbidden to apply heat, warm the injured area.

Sprained her leg, swollen ankle: what to do

No matter how significant the injury, first aid may consist of:

1. Fixing the foot with a splint - real or homemade
2. You should not step on this foot, so as not to cause even more harm.
3. Apply ice to relieve pain. It will also reduce puffiness. Such a compress without harm to health can be kept for up to 20 minutes. Reapply - only after an hour
4. If possible, it is good to apply a tight bandage
5. Better if the leg is raised.

After first aid, a consultation with a doctor and a determination of the condition of the ankle and the entire foot must be followed.

Injury diagnosis

In the case when the bone on the ankle is swollen from the outside, you need to find out what kind of damage the person received and prescribe the necessary treatment. As a rule, the symptoms are expressive enough so that the traumatologist or surgeon can determine the nature of the injury. However, for absolute certainty, doctors send a person for an x-ray, which shows damage to the ankle. This is the cheapest and most informative way. True, it does not give a result if you need to know the condition of the soft tissues. In addition, it happens that the leg is swollen so much that the x-ray image is blurry. In such cases, a tomogram is made.

Treatment of ankle pain from the outside and inside

If a fracture is not detected, then the patient is prescribed an anesthetic and anti-inflammatory, fluid is removed from the joint, and a splint is applied. After the ligaments are restored, the limb is developed with the help of exercises and physical therapy. In case of fractures, the leg is fixed with a plaster cast, you can only move with the help of crutches. All parts of the joint must be immobilized, plaster is excellent for this purpose.

Preventive actions

It is clear that it is impossible to protect yourself one hundred percent from any injury. But it is quite possible to try to prevent a situation where the leg in the ankle area hurts and treatment is needed.

• Strong leg muscles are able to resist dislocations and subluxations somewhat, they nourish articular tissues well and they will not be fragile
• It is easy for women to protect themselves with comfortable shoes in which the heel is not higher than 5 centimeters.
• It is better to dose physical activity and not "go for a record" if you do not world star sports
• If some damage did occur, it won’t hurt to go and check the condition of the ankle, because it is extremely important for movement.

An unsuccessfully twisted leg can turn into seconds of pain, or maybe weeks. long recovery after broken links. Medical editor of the Challenger Dima Solovyov explains what to do if he sprained his leg and what determines the severity of the consequences. Be careful!

This has probably happened to each of us: you are walking, it would seem, on a flat surface, without looking under your feet, and suddenly - on a bump that you did not notice, the foot turns to the side, it pierces with a sharp pain. This means that you twisted your leg. Today we will find out what happens in this case, whether such an injury is dangerous and what to do if it does happen.

What does it mean to "tuck your leg"

“Turn the foot” is not a medical term, as this combination of words means only a mechanical process of how you can turn the foot in an unusual and unsafe way for it. This usually occurs when touching a surface that a person is walking on, although in some sports (such as football) similar injuries can occur when touching a ball or any other object.

So the tucking of the leg itself is not dangerous, but the damage that the ankle joint and the tissues surrounding it can receive is dangerous. The ligamentous apparatus suffers most often, less often bones, muscles and nerves. Precisely from that what gets hurt and how strong depend on the consequences of the injury.

What can be damaged

All the consequences of an unsuccessfully turned up leg are assumed by the ankle joint. It is located near the ankle and connects the bones of the lower leg and foot. Alas, this is a rather fragile and generally “problematic” joint. In order for us to walk easily and freely, it must be sufficiently mobile and therefore consists of small bones, which together form a complex system. The situation is aggravated by the fact that the ankle joint accounts for the mass of almost the entire body, and during loads, such as running or even fast walking, the pressure on the joint only increases. So the consequences of twisting the leg are injuries in the ankle joint: sprains, tears and even torn ligaments, as well as dislocation of the leg and, in the worst case, bone fractures.

In most cases, the leg is twisted inward, resulting in damage to the ligaments on the opposite (outer) side of the leg. This can lead to their stretching, tearing or even rupture (sometimes a click or crunch is heard at the time of injury). As a rule, the stronger and sharper the leg is twisted, the more severe the consequences for the ligaments. If the ligaments cannot compensate for too sharp a turn in the joint, it can dislocate, and if a person has a tendency to brittle bones, then even a fracture of the bones located nearby can occur. In a word, the consequences can be very different: from mild to quite serious.

What to do if you sprained your leg

If you just twisted your leg, after ten seconds the pain goes away and you can move on - nothing needs to be done. However, if the pain still persists, you need to examine the leg in the area of ​​the affected ankle joint.

First of all, we pay attention to the nature of the pain. “Suspicious” is considered to be, which remains strong for an hour, appears and intensifies when you try to step on an injured leg. Even touching the skin near the ankle can be painful. This may be accompanied by bruising and swelling of the tissues around. A more formidable symptom is a change in the shape of the joint and a violation of its mobility (especially the appearance of new, previously impossible movements - say, an unusual deviation to the side). In the most severe case, even the shape of adjacent bones can change - this already makes you think about a fracture.

If you twist your leg and it continues to hurt, there are four things you need to do:

1. Let her rest. Try to walk less in the next couple of days, ideally, activity in the affected ankle joint should generally be minimized.
2. Cool the joint area. Ice is best for this, but you can also use a towel soaked in cold water. During the first day, apply it on the ankle for 15-20 minutes every 3 hours. However, do not overdo it: if the skin is very pale, immediately remove the ice from the leg and warm it up.
3. Put something tight on your leg. It can be tight stockings, compression stockings or a tight bandage - the goal is to prevent excessive swelling around the ankle joint from developing. The compression should be tight, but not too squeezing, otherwise there will be a threat of impaired blood flow.
4. Raise the affected foot up, this will also help to avoid swelling. We are not talking about the fact that you need to lift it high: a pillow placed under the leg is enough.

If the pain seems too strong for you, then in the absence of contraindications, you can take painkillers from the group of non-steroidal drugs: paracetamol, ibuprofen, etc. There are also local ointments and gels with a similar effect.

Photo: Morian Marroni / freeimages.com

There are also a few things NOT to do:

1. Warm baths in the early days are contraindicated. Warm water activates the blood supply to the damaged area, which threatens to increase swelling and inflammation.
2. You should not continue to walk a lot and play sports, overcoming the pain. So you can additionally damage an already diseased joint, which threatens to aggravate existing injuries.
3. Massage in the area of ​​injury at first, too, may not be very helpful. The reasons are the same - massage improves the blood supply to the tissues, and this is not at all what we need: it will increase inflammation, swelling and may even cause bruising.
4. There is one more thing to avoid: staying too long. Rest in the first day or two is necessary, but in the subsequent gradual increase in activity in the ankle only contributes to healing. The only exceptions are the most severe injuries, when pain simply does not allow walking, but in such cases it is also impossible to lie at home - you should consult a doctor.

When to Seek Medical Care

The most common ankle injury, a sprain, usually resolves on its own and without sequelae. However, in some cases, the injury can be much more serious, and one cannot do without going to the doctors. Here are some signs of such an injury:

1. if, after damage to the joint, unusual movements became possible, its stability was disturbed;
2. if there is a visible deformation of the bones;
3. if on the second day when you touch the skin over the damaged joint, severe pain persists;
4. if after 4 days the affected leg is still difficult to step on;
5. if you experience very severe pain, swelling or bleeding;
6. if you find that all or part of your foot is numb (a sign of nerve damage).

In all these cases, you should contact a traumatologist. He should ask you about the circumstances of the injury and will most likely take an x-ray. As a rule, these data are enough to make a diagnosis, but sometimes additional studies may be required: ultrasound of the joint, CT or MRI.

If you don't have any of the symptoms listed above, it makes sense to wait and see how your ankle will behave. There is evidence that in case of damage to the ligaments, the examination after 5 days is less than the examination during the first 2 days. So if there are no pronounced symptoms, in the first days you can wait for the pain to disappear.

Most often, dislocations occur due to some kind of injury. They make up 90% of the total, of which the remaining 10% are congenital. The latter occur in the fetus during fetal development. Among the latter, dislocations of the hip joint are most common, manifesting themselves with age, when the child learns to walk.

Traumatic dislocation is a more relevant topic. It occurs when the leg is damaged, followed by deformation of the joint. Signs of a dislocation are swelling, bruising, and sharp pain. If the joints are completely displaced relative to each other, do not touch, such a dislocation is called complete. With incomplete (or subluxation), contact remains, but partial.

It should be noted that any such injury is always accompanied by a rupture of the joint capsule. In some cases, tendons may rupture, and hemorrhage occurs in the damaged area. Therefore, if you do not seek medical help in time, there is a high risk of subsequent complications.

The symptoms of a dislocation of any part of the leg are the same - a sharp pain, a change in the shape of the joint, a partial or complete loss of the ability to move. All attempts to change the position of the victim can be accompanied by severe pain, so it is important to leave him calm after first aid until the doctors arrive. Pinched nerve endings can cause numbness in the injured leg.

First aid and treatment of dislocation of the leg

As soon as such an injury occurs, the victim and the people around him have a problem: what to do if the leg is dislocated? The most important task in the event of a dislocation is to deliver the victim to the nearest emergency room or hospital. A sprained leg needs rest and, if possible, the most stable fixation with bandages and splints - boards. It is recommended to apply ice or a towel soaked in advance to the sore spot. cold water.

It is forbidden to correct the dislocation on your own, since such actions are likely to lead to complications and further damage the joint. It is better to wait for a specialist doctor who will correct the situation himself.

First, the doctor examines the victim, then takes an x-ray to clarify the situation. After establishing an accurate diagnosis, the course of treatment begins. Using various improvised means, the specialist sets the joint and puts a cast on the leg, which is removed after 8-10 weeks. During the reduction procedure, anesthesia or anesthetics are used to relieve the pain of the victim.

Gypsum is applied to fix the joint. During the whole time, the ruptured capsule is restored. To avoid re-injury, the patient is forbidden to step on the cast leg. Sometimes patients may be disturbed by severe pain - then painkillers are prescribed to him. After removing the plaster, a course of physiotherapy continues. The patient performs a physiotherapy complex, which helps to develop a joint damaged during dislocation.

In rare cases (usually with damage to the knee joint), the doctor prescribes surgery. In order to avoid problems with the joints, it is necessary to systematically engage in physical education.

What are the injuries of the lower extremities

There are dislocations:

• ankles
• hip joint;
• knee joint;
• feet;
• hips;
• toes.

Dislocation - the foot is perhaps the most common among other injuries. It affects athletes, people leading an active lifestyle or having overweight. This problem happens to everyone, regardless of age. Need to figure out what to do with a dislocation of the foot? It should be remembered that under no circumstances should you step on a sore foot.

After examining the leg by a doctor, a plaster is applied from a third of the thigh to the fingers. Then, as soon as the plaster is removed from the patient, he is prescribed a set of exercises. In addition, the victim must wear special orthopedic shoes. Sometimes, if a dislocation of the foot occurs, surgical intervention is prescribed. Orthopedic shoes are worn for six months.

Although dislocation of the foot is a rather dangerous injury, the results of treatment are favorable. But in some cases, such injuries can lead to other consequences, such as arthritis or gout. Often, when reading forums, one often stumbles upon topics such as “I sprained my leg, what should I do?” The most correct solution would be to immediately consult a doctor and minimal self-intervention in the area of ​​​​damage.

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Symptoms, first aid and treatment for a bruised toe

A bruised toe is one of the most common. This type of injury is especially common in summer period when we wear more open shoes. Often we do not pay due attention to the injured area.

Let's try to figure out if this is right and what to do if you hurt your toe.

The structure and function of the toes

The skeleton of the toes consists of short tubular bones - phalanges. Each finger consists of three phalanges: main, middle and terminal. The only exception is thumb, which does not have a middle phalanx.

Although the toes are less active than the fingers, their structure still contains movable joints located between the phalanges.

The mobility of these fingers is determined by the contraction of the tendons set in motion by the muscles of the lower leg. The main phalanges of the fingers are concentrated around the central part of the foot with the help of the metatarsal bones.

The feet support the body and provide it with the ability to move. Standing still, a person can lift their toes off the floor without disturbing their balance.

However, when walking, it is the toes that help the body maintain balance. They perform a similar task when the body is tilted forward.

The occurrence of injury

A contusion of the toe is a mechanical closed injury with a slight violation of the integrity of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. As a rule, a bruise occurs as a result of a fall or from a blow with a blunt object. It is also possible to get a bruise due to a fracture or dislocation.

Later, usually after a few hours, but sometimes after several days, swelling occurs at the site of the bruise - swelling, pain may return. This is due to the fact that soft tissue suffers when bruised.

Getting a bruise can be accompanied by damage to blood vessels, which leads to the appearance of a hematoma (bruise). If the area where the skin adheres to the bone is injured, that area of ​​the skin may subsequently become dead, and a crack or even fracture of the toe may form in the bone itself.

Trauma symptoms

With a bruised toe, it is important to distinguish the symptoms of a bruise from a fracture:

1. Pain in the injured area. The intensity of pain after an injury gradually decreases, however, after a few hours, with the appearance of edema, it resumes. A bruised toe is accompanied by acute and sharp pain.
2. Swelling and swelling of the site of injury. It usually occurs within a few hours of the injury.
3. The occurrence of a hematoma as a result of damage to blood vessels. With a slight degree of injury, they are point, but if the injury is more serious, then the hematoma can even cause damage to neighboring tissues. A severe contusion of the toe, for example, may be accompanied by exfoliation of the nail plate as a result of the formation of a hematoma.
4. Maintaining mobility of the injured area. With the onset of edema and hematoma, the ability to move the toe may disappear, but immediately after the injury it persists, which distinguishes a bruise from a dislocation or fracture.

Classification of bruises by severity

There are four levels of injury severity:

1. I degree bruise. It is characterized by minor damage to the skin, the external manifestation may be abrasions or scratches. As a rule, there will be no trace of such a bruise in a few days. Bruise I degree does not require special treatment.
2. Bruise II degree. Accompanied by the occurrence of edema, hematoma as a result of damage to muscle tissue. The pain is quite sharp.
3. Bruise III degree. A bruise of this degree is usually preceded by a sufficiently strong blow, which leads to significant tissue damage. Such an injury may be accompanied by a dislocation.
4. Bruised IV degree. The most severe injury. The functioning of the bruised area is completely disrupted. Most often accompanied by dislocations, bone fractures, fractures.

First aid for injury

What to do if you have severely bruised or bruised your toe in the first place? You should start with the following procedures:

• Inspection of the injured area. First of all, it is necessary to inspect the damaged area, check its functions. If the toes flex-unbend normally, then there is only a bruise, and not a more serious injury. If mobility is impaired, then you need to seek help from a traumatologist.
• Cold compress. It not only helps relieve pain, but also constricts blood vessels, thereby reducing a possible hematoma. In order not to aggravate the situation with hypothermia, it is recommended to apply cold through a layer of tissue, such as a towel. Cold must be applied for 10 minutes, repeating compresses 3-4 times with breaks of 20 minutes. Note that the sooner a compress is applied after injury, the greater the positive effect will be achieved.
• Processing and disinfection. If there are external damage to the skin (abrasions, scratches) at the site of the bruise, they must be washed and disinfected. Please note that it is NOT recommended to use iodine as an antiseptic, as it has a warming effect.
• Bandage application. Additionally, it may be recommended to apply a tight bandage to immobilize the damaged area in case the joint is injured.
• Prevention of circulatory disorders. To this end, it is recommended to give the injured foot an elevated position.
• The use of painkillers and ointments for bruises. Perhaps if the bruise is of minor severity and you do not need to see a doctor. Do not use aspirin for pain relief, because this drug can increase bleeding.
• If the nail plate was damaged during a bruise, it is imperative to apply a pressure bandage or a disinfectant adhesive plaster.
• Provide rest to the damaged area.

What to avoid with bruises

• Rub, massage the site of injury. The consequence of such actions may be thrombophlebitis (blockage of the veins).
• On the first day after the bruise, steam the injured area, apply a heating pad.
• Try to forcefully bend-unbend the joints, set them in place. This should only be done by a specialist!
• Use medications without a doctor's recommendation, especially if the bruise is of serious severity and is accompanied by additional damage.

Healing procedures

Prolonged pain, severe swelling, non-descending hematoma are signals to seek help from a doctor. After an examination and x-ray, the specialist will be able to prescribe the correct treatment for a bruised toe.

Pay special attention if, as a result of a bruise, a crunch appears when pressing on the damaged area, the finger changes its normal position.

These symptoms may indicate a broken toe. In this case, it is also necessary to consult a doctor so that he takes the necessary measures for recovery.

Treatment Methods

In case of injury, the following methods are used:

• Medical. To eliminate the consequences of a bruise, special ointments can be prescribed, which usually contain ibuprofen, ketoprofen, sodium diclofenac. They relieve inflammation, eliminate puffiness. Pain medications may be prescribed for severe pain.
• Physiotherapy procedures. Treatment with UHF devices, electrophoresis, magnetotherapy is used. The purpose of such procedures is the speedy resorption of the hematoma and the restoration of the tissues of the damaged area.
• Surgical intervention. It can be prescribed for significant hematomas.

Possible Complications

It may seem that a bruised toe is a trifle. Pain from an injury, especially of a minor severity, quickly passes and the person believes that he is completely healthy. However, it is not.

The fact is that with a strong bruise of the toe, not only soft fabric but also tendons. And after a certain period of time, the injury can remind itself of the pain that has appeared during physical activity, changes in weather conditions, wearing a certain type of footwear.

If the bruise was severe, then insufficient attention to treatment can lead to arthritis of the toes in the future.

As a preventive measure, you can advise:

• General strengthening of the body. The use of vitamins and other useful elements is recommended, for example, vitamin B, C, K, beta-carotene, supplements containing chlorophyll.
• Compliance with safety regulations in the workplace (for example, wearing special shoes, if provided), during active rest, in special weather conditions (for example, ice).
• If a bruise is nevertheless obtained, it is recommended to seek medical help to prevent complications.

Video: How to reduce swelling with a bruise

Dislocation of the leg: how to treat at home, first aid

Dislocation of the leg occurs in physiologically weak areas, which have a large load due to the location and physiological characteristics. The most common localization will be a dislocation of the ankle, the treatment of which will be carried out at home according to the scheme prescribed by the doctor.

Traumatic dislocation is damage to the ligamentous apparatus, joint capsule and displacement of the joint surfaces due to hard hit or falls.

Distinguish between true dislocation, when there is a complete displacement of the joint and subluxation - partial preservation of the position and contact of the articular surfaces. Depending on the cause, there are congenital, acquired and traumatic dislocations. The latter occur as a result of a fall or impact, which leads to rupture of the joint capsule and damage to surrounding tissues.

Congenital and acquired dislocations require special treatment, and in some cases surgery is indicated. Traumatic dislocations are eliminated conservatively, first reduction is performed, then the doctor prescribes treatment, which is already being carried out at home.

How to treat a dislocation

Dislocation home treatment includes the following activities:

Treatment at home is unacceptable if qualified medical assistance has not been provided in advance. After an injury, it is necessary to straighten the joint, and only then begins a comprehensive treatment for recovery.

First aid

The dislocation is accompanied by a characteristic click and you can see the shift in the position of the foot. Regardless of the degree of injury, urgent assistance is required, after which the victim must be taken to the trauma department, he cannot move independently.

First aid for dislocation:

When the victim is taken to the hospital, the doctor conducts an external examination of the injured limb and, if necessary, prescribes additional diagnostics. It can be computed or magnetic resonance imaging. After assessing the degree of dislocation, the doctor prescribes treatment, gives recommendations for caring for the sore leg, and the patient is sent home. From this moment, an important stage of treatment begins, on which the condition of the joint and other tissues of the ankle after healing will depend.

Immobilization in case of dislocation

After reduction, complete immobilization of the damaged area is necessary. For this purpose, immobilizing bandages are applied. If the dislocation occurred with damage to the integrity of the skin, then medicinal dressings are indicated, which are changed daily to treat the wound.

The fixing bandage on the ankle completely immobilizes the damaged joint, reduces the load and accelerates recovery. There are different bandaging techniques, depending on the affected area and purpose. The most reliable fixation method will be an 8-shaped bandage.

The algorithm for applying an eight-shaped bandage on the ankle:

In the process of applying a bandage, it is extremely important that it is well fixed, but at the same time does not interfere with normal blood circulation. This can be ensured if the bandage is applied evenly in compliance with important rule bandaging - each subsequent round overlaps the previous one by half. It is necessary to change the bandage as it gets dirty and the need to apply the medicine.

Medicines

Treatment of the dislocation will be carried out with the use of local agents for application to the diseased area and tablets for pain relief. Depending on the symptoms that appear after a dislocation, absorbable, decongestant, warming, analgesic and anti-inflammatory ointments can be used.

The topical medicine is applied to gauze or skin, after which it is fixed with a bandage.

With a hematoma, the following agents are used:

With an ankle injury, medicines with arnica help well. They have anti-inflammatory, regenerative and analgesic effects. Arnica is found in some ointments and cosmetics- Arnigel and Vitatek.

Heparin ointment and Troxevasin will help to simultaneously remove the hematoma, somewhat anesthetize the ankle and speed up the removal of fluid.

Your doctor may prescribe the following tablets:

1. Paracetamol. This is the safest drug of the analgesic group, it is allowed for pain relief for injuries in adults and children. Continues to work for 3 hours.
2. Ibuprofen. Helps to relieve pain and remove fever, acts for 6 hours.
3. Diclofenac. It quickly removes pain after an injury, with severe pain syndrome it is used as a solution for intramuscular injection.

Tablets are also prescribed to accelerate the resorption of hematomas. For this, enzyme preparations Phlogenzym, Wobenzym are used.

Folk recipes

Traditional medicine offers the treatment of bruises with the use of medicinal herbs for compresses, rubbing and lotions.

Wormwood will help to cope with pain after an injury. The leaves must be crushed to a pulp, applied to the joint and covered with a bandage soaked in cold water. Lavender oil can be used to rub a sore leg. The grass and flowers of the plant should be crushed and mixed with sunflower oil in a ratio of 1/5. The mixture should be infused for an hour, after which it can be rubbed into the damaged area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe leg.

The treatment of dislocation of the leg with bryony is carried out using a compress. The root of the plant must be dried, then crushed and poured with hot water. After the decoction has been infused for an hour, gauze can be moistened in it and applied to the leg. Bryonia can also be used to make a rubbing agent. To do this, a teaspoon of dry root is mixed with sea buckthorn, olive or fir oil.

To remove pain due to sprain during dislocation of the leg, cornflower and tansy are used. The flowers of the plant are poured with boiling water and infused for an hour. After cooling, the decoction is applied to a cold compress.

As a compress, it is also useful to use common agrimony, bay leaf tincture and hot milk.

Rehabilitation

During the recovery period after a leg injury, the following folk recipes are used:

• a mixture of grated onions and sugar as lotions;
• infusion of elecampane root for compresses;
• infusion of an ordinary cuff for lotions and compresses.

For oral administration, barberry root and black poplar buds are used. Decoctions of these plants are general tonic.

In addition to traditional medicine recipes, the recovery period includes a gradual increase in the load on the sore leg by performing a special set of exercises. You need to start with a light charge, which involves rotation, flexion and extension of the foot.

Complete recovery of the leg after dislocation in the absence of complications and compliance with the rules of prevention occurs within a month.

A set of exercises

Therapeutic exercises during the recovery period:

Walking on toes will be a useful exercise, but it is acceptable already in the late rehabilitation period. Before going to bed and in the morning, it is recommended to do a warm-up for the toes, rotational and flexion movements. During sedentary work you can put a bottle of water under your feet and roll it on the floor with your feet.

Prevention of complications

To protect a sore leg, prevent an ankle fracture or ligament tear, a number of recommendations from a traumatologist should be followed.

Conditions for normal leg recovery after an injury:

• complete rest for the damaged joint;
• permanent fixation of the ankle with a bandage;
• taking prescribed medications;
• regular treatment of the wound with medicinal ointments;
• observation by a traumatologist;
• temporary refusal of work that requires a load on the leg.

Without appropriate treatment, there is a risk of a number of complications:

• the formation of osteophytes, growths on the bone;
• exacerbation or onset of development of arthritis and arthrosis;
• formation of scar tissue;
• restriction of movement of the injured joint;
• soft tissue inflammation and muscle atrophy;
• violation of blood flow in the leg;
• frequent dislocations of the foot.

Severe dislocation of the ankle or knee joint may require surgical treatment. As soon as an injury occurs, it is necessary to be examined by a traumatologist and take a picture of the joint in order to choose the right treatment regimen. Attempts to cope with a dislocation without consulting a doctor can result in a complete loss of joint function.

The cause of complications is often incorrectly rendered assistance at the stage of ligament restoration. During this period, there are indications for surgical treatment, if this is ignored, irreversible processes will start and a complex operation will be required.

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You can often see how people are surprised: literally out of the blue she twisted her leg in the ankle area, did not stumble, and the heels are low. How did it happen? Most likely, once in the past this ankle was already injured, so the joint is no longer so stable.

Habitual dislocation is a re-traumatization, the first weeks are especially dangerous, when the victim is already starting to walk. It seems that everything is in order, and the important things postponed for the duration of the treatment force us to hurry.

Habitual dislocation lurks at every step - you can just go down the stairs, and at the most unexpected moment, the foot seems to “break down”. What can be done to avoid retraumatization?

Causes and symptoms

You don't have to be an athlete to twist your leg. An ordinary person can earn an ankle injury literally from scratch, stumbling, stumbling, twisting his foot, or just taking an awkward step.

Of particular note are the representatives of the weaker sex, who adore high heels. The rule here is simple - the higher the heel - the more likely to be injured.

How to determine that you sprained your leg and bruised the joint? The first symptoms are pain in the joint, it hurts to step on, the ankle is swollen or the bone is swollen. At the first sign of symptoms (especially ankle swelling), go to the nearest hospital and have an X-ray taken.

Note! Untimely (early) removal of the cast in this injury can lead to the formation of a habitual dislocation of the ankle.

First aid for ankle injury

Timely provision of first aid is the key to successful treatment of an injury.

In case of an ankle injury, you must:

• free the injured limb from shoes and socks;
• provide complete rest to the leg;
• place a piece of tissue folded in several layers under the injury site;
• fix the leg with an impromptu stand so that it is above the level of the heart in order to reduce blood flow;
• apply ice to the injury site (if it is not at hand, a piece of meat from the freezer will perfectly cope with its role, or, in extreme cases, a rag moistened with cold water).
• if you twisted your leg in the foot, then you should bandage the foot and lower leg with an elastic bandage (the bandage should be tight, but so that the pain in the leg does not increase);
• take some kind of painkiller if the pain does not give rest at all.

If the injury caught you in the park or during a trip to the forest, you will have to get out of the situation with the help of improvised means. For example, a scarf is suitable as a bandage for rewinding a leg, you can tear a handkerchief.

If the injury is serious and the leg hurts, it is necessary to apply a splint, which can be any suitable tree branch. A scarf, or even sneaker laces, will again come in handy as a fastening material.

Try to find some kind of pole or stick that you can lean on while walking. Remember that your the main task- get to a crowded place faster, which means you have to move around somehow.

The main causes of injury:

excess weight;

sudden movement, fall, blow;

uncomfortable shoes;

circulatory disorders.

Some people believe that injuries appear in those who lead an active lifestyle, so they try to take care of themselves and do not play sports. Considering the structure lower extremities, limiting the load leads to weakening of the muscles, contraction of the ligaments, impaired blood flow.

At atrophied muscles and short ligaments, the weight of the body is transferred to the bones, the joints are overloaded. In addition to protecting bone tissue and providing the function of movement, muscles affect blood circulation - by contracting, they drive blood to the heart.

For reduction, a load is needed, otherwise the blood stagnates, vascular diseases develop (varicose veins, thrombosis, varicocele).

Therefore, any household push, fall, jump, blow lead to dislocation. With a dislocation, the joint moves out of its normal position, the ligaments are stretched due to rupture of microfibers, sometimes there is an extensive rupture.

Types of possible damage

So, on a flat road, the leg treacherously turns to the side, maybe you stepped on a pebble or a small hole, or just not your day. A sharp pain pierced your ankle, perhaps you even fell or jumped a couple of meters on one leg due to inertia.

The situation means that the foot at the moment of contact with the surface turned in an unusual and unsafe way.

Of course, the main thing is to find out whether there is an injury or not, and if there is, then what is its nature and severity. In such cases, ligaments are usually affected, but bones can also be damaged, such as the styloid process of the fifth metatarsal bone of the foot, as well as muscles and nerves.

It is precisely on the affected part of the body that the consequences will depend, and, in principle, our further actions too.

The main victim with an unsuccessfully turned up leg will be the ankle joint, which, despite the small size of its constituent bones, is pressed by the entire body weight. And in cases of dynamic loads, this pressure becomes even greater. The result can be such injuries:

• stretching;
• torn or damaged ligaments;
• dislocation;
• fracture or broken bones.

I twisted my leg, swollen ankle - what to do? In the vast majority of cases, in such a situation, tucking falls on outside feet. Thus, the ligaments are the first to suffer, that is, the person gets sprained, torn or torn.

By the way, in the case of the latter, a click is heard, although the notorious styloid process can also crackle, and this is already a fracture. When the ligaments fail to cope with their compensatory function, the joint suffers - it can be either a dislocation or a fracture.

Traumatology examination and treatment

After you sprained your leg and took the first steps to help, you should go to the doctor. You will be examined by a specialist, take the necessary pictures and prescribe treatment. The treatment plan includes physiotherapy procedures, as well as taking medications.

When you have sprained your leg and the results of the examination are more serious than expected, the doctor may order an observation in the hospital.

What if there is no fracture? In this case, the doctor will advise you to treat at home. In this situation, you can do the following procedures:

1. If there is pain and a swelling appears, you should use foot baths with sea salt (water temperature - 36 degrees). The course of treatment reaches 10 days.
2. Usage folk methods won't hurt either. Compresses from burdock, aloe juice or ordinary cabbage leaf are considered effective. These methods will significantly reduce the tumor in size.
3. You can just leave your injured leg alone. If it happened that you sprained your leg, then it would be best to remove any physical activity from it.

Undoubtedly, it is best to move carefully, thereby not injuring your legs.

You already know what to do if you twist your leg and your ankle is swollen, and how to provide first aid. Now it's time to talk about treatment at home.

Baths with sea salt

You will need: sea salt, water, basin, terry towel, aromatic oils. Take 2 liters of warm water and a basin in which to place your feet comfortably. Dissolve in water 4 tbsp. l. sea ​​salt. The greatest effect is achieved by adding mint, eucalyptus, pine or spruce oil.

Compresses

Is it possible to do without a visit to a traumatologist? Of course, if you are sure that this is just a stretch, you can count on efficiency. simple methods treatment.

Moreover, now, before going to the doctor, many rush to call their friends right away, asking a question something like this: “I twisted my leg, my ankle is swollen and it hurts to step on - what should I do?” .

If there are abrasions on the surface of the skin due to a fall, then they need to be treated with hydrogen peroxide - the foam will raise the smallest particles of dirt that can be easily removed with a piece of cotton wool.

You should not keep a cold compress all the time, but apply it for 10-15 minutes, after which you must take a break for up to half an hour, and apply cold again.

Elastic bandage will help to apply a moderate pressure bandage. You can lubricate the affected area with such means as Finalgel, Fastum Gel, Nimid, Diclofenac or any similar.

At the same time, it is not necessary to rub with force, light movements are enough to evenly distribute the medicine over the entire ankle with the capture of the ankle and arch of the foot.

Analgesics can help relieve some of the pain.

It is important to remember that when stretching, these measures are enough to make you feel better by the end of the second day. If the symptoms worsen, then you most likely made a mistake with the diagnosis and the situation is much more serious - it is not too late to contact a traumatologist.

Products that can be purchased at the pharmacy

There was a nuisance: I sprained my leg, my ankle was swollen - what can I do? Folk remedies, of course, can be treated, but it is better to consult a doctor. On his recommendation, you can purchase some products that will help relieve inflammation, swelling and pain relief:

• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that reduce swelling, relieve inflammation and pain: Ketonal, Fastum-gel, Naftalgin, Diclofenac;
• coolants based on menthol, camphor: "Bengin", "Troxevasin", "Menthol ointment";
• to improve blood circulation, relieve inflammation, accelerate regeneration processes and prevent the formation of blood clots: Heparin, Lyoton.

When going to the emergency room, patients with dislocation are often advised to apply a cast. The gypsum fixes the ankle, eliminating the possibility of additional injury.

Some doctors believe that a cast is necessary, while others say that a dislocation can be managed with a bandage, because it is impossible to develop joint mobility in a cast.

A few weeks in a cast is bad for muscles, ligaments, and blood vessels.

Examination and first aid after an injury

Whether you're helping another person, or you're injured and have to take care of yourself, the procedure is always the same.

If I sprained my leg, my ankle was swollen - what should I do first? It is necessary to calm down and cancel everything that a moment ago seemed so important. Everything, there is no hurry.

A sharp pain in the ankle joint clearly signals that it is necessary to ensure the immobility of the leg in order to avoid aggravating the problem.

It is more difficult if the child twisted his leg. The ankle is swollen, what to do is unknown, besides, the baby was probably frightened, crying and cannot really explain what exactly hurts and how much.

The algorithm of actions does not change - you need to calm the child, keep calm, because the nervous state of adults frightens children even more. A simple bandage is applied to the ankle, designed to fix the foot relative to the ankle.

As soon as possible, you need to apply a cold compress - ice, a bag of frozen food from the freezer. If there is nothing at hand, then just a wet cold handkerchief will do.

It is advisable to go to the emergency room, especially if the pain is very severe, and the swelling continues to increase.

What are the consequences of twisting your leg?

The consequences of an ankle injury depend on which structures of the joint are damaged.

The consequences of an ankle injury depend on which structures of the joint are damaged.

• Ankle sprain is a microscopic injury to the individual collagen fibers that make up the ligament. When stretched, damage occurs at the cellular level. Most often, the sprain appears after the heel has turned inward. The person can walk but is in pain. Due to the good ability of cells to regenerate, the ligament is restored after 8-10 days. Although such an injury is painful, with proper treatment it disappears without a trace in 2-3 weeks.
• An ankle ligament tear is an incomplete tear of one or more ligaments. The ligament is partially torn, but at the same time continues to perform its function. This injury is accompanied by severe pain and joint instability. A person can step on the foot, but experiences acute pain. Recovery occurs in 3-4 weeks, subject to proper treatment.
• Rupture of the ligaments of the ankle joint - a complete rupture of the ligament or its separation from the bone at the point of attachment. During the injury, the pop of a torn ligament is heard. After that, a person experiences severe piercing pain when trying to stand on his leg. A plaster cast is required severe cases operation. Treatment lasts 6-8 weeks.
• Subluxation of the ankle joint - when the external ligaments are torn off, the talus can move relative to the bones of the ankle. Subluxation differs from dislocation by the angle of displacement of the talus, which is determined on an x-ray.
• Dislocation of the ankle joint - damage to the integrity of the joint, in which the structure of the joint capsule is disturbed. Dislocation is possible only when the ligament is torn. The angle of displacement of the talus reaches 30-40 degrees. Treatment continues for 8-10 weeks. The danger of this injury is that with improper treatment and premature removal of the plaster cast, a habitual dislocation of the ankle may develop.
• Ankle fracture is a fracture of the bones that make up the ankle joint. This injury is often accompanied by a dislocation of the joint and partial or complete rupture of the ligaments. A fracture can occur when falling from a height on straight legs, running, jumping. Mechanism - tucking the foot or external influence, that is, a blow. Rehabilitation of a fracture without displacement of fragments takes 4-6 weeks. A displaced fracture of both ankle bones can take more than 4 months to heal.

What to do if you sprained your leg - this is a question that is very often heard in the office of traumatologists. This pathology is very common, especially in women who walk in heels. Interestingly, a completely healthy person can twist his leg, just stumble on an uneven or slippery surface.

If you twisted your leg and there was pain in the ankle, it is better to go to the emergency room to rule out a serious pathology. The ankle joint performs serious work and holds the entire weight of the body, after an injury it is easily destroyed, a person can become disabled, so the treatment of any injury must be timely and correct.

The severity of the injury can be determined by appearance legs and on their own feelings. The following injuries are distinguished, which can occur if the leg is sprained:

Usually, these studies are enough to detect an injury and prescribe treatment. But in some cases, it may require blood tests and other procedures. All appointments are made by the doctor, taking into account the patient's condition and establishing a preliminary diagnosis.

Treatment depends on the type of injury:

• In case of sprain and tear of the ligaments, a fixing bandage is prescribed for the ankle, use.
• When ligaments are torn, immobilization of the limb is prescribed using or tight bandage, the leg needs to be unloaded. Ointments are prescribed to relieve pain and inflammation.
• In case of dislocation and subluxation, first of all, it is necessary to set the joint, this procedure is carried out manually or surgically. The earlier the patient went to the doctor, the easier it is to set the joint. After the procedure, the leg is immobilized with a plaster cast or orthosis, the patient is prescribed painkillers, injections and ointments.
• In a fracture, treatment depends on whether the bone has moved or not. If, then the doctor adjusts it manually or surgically, depending on the complexity of the case. Then a plaster cast is applied, the patient is prescribed painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. If there was an operation, then also antibiotics.

After a few days or weeks, depending on the severity of the injury, the patient is prescribed physiotherapy, for example,. These procedures will help to gradually restore the motor activity of the leg, normalize blood circulation and strengthen muscles. It is also necessary and useful during the treatment period that the tissues recover faster. For fractures, a special and is shown.

Folk

Hematoma on the leg

Tucking the leg can be treated with folk remedies, but only in a complex way. As they say, there should be a measure in everything, so you should not completely refuse to visit a doctor and use medicines, as well as apply all prescribed ointments along with folk remedies. Improper treatment can lead to skin damage and further foot problems.

The following recipes will help relieve pain and relieve inflammation:

• • Lotions and baths with medicinal herbs will help relieve inflammation and pain if you twist your leg. A string, calendula or you need to brew and strain. Soak the fabric with the resulting broth and apply to the sore spot, fix it with cling film on top.
  • Baked onions with sugar are excellent for pain and inflammation in sprains and sprains. Onions need to be baked so that they become soft and sprinkle with sugar, knead well with a fork. Put the gruel on the fabric and then on the sore ankle, fix it on top with a bandage, keep it for an hour and a half.
  • Well helps to restore joints and ligaments propolis. It is necessary to take natural propolis, slightly heat it and apply it to the sore leg at night, fix it with a bandage from above.

• Ointment with garlic and eucalyptus is recommended by traditional healers, to prepare the remedy, you need to mix pork fat, eucalyptus leaves and crushed garlic, rub every day until recovery, and store in the refrigerator.
• Pharmaceutical clay should be diluted with water and apple cider vinegar added to it. masses apply to the sore spot, wrap with a film and leave overnight. This tool will restore blood circulation and help get rid of stagnant processes in the tissues.

Prevention

Everyone is interested in what to do to avoid such an unpleasant injury. Of course, you cannot completely eliminate the twisting of the leg, because this is usually an accident, but you can reduce the risk of serious injuries if you follow these recommendations:

Inappropriate shoes

• Eat right, exercise and keep your body strong. In this case, strong muscles, ligaments and bones are not severely injured.
• Calculate the load while doing sports. Don't overexert yourself, but strength training you need to warm up, it is also recommended to use a fixing bandage during strength training.
• Wear comfortable shoes with low heels and non-slip soles.
• It is enough to fix the ankle tightly when skating and rollerblading.
• Try to avoid walking on uneven surfaces, such as gravel.

If the patient went to the doctor in time, completely unloaded the leg and followed all the recommendations, then the prognosis is mostly favorable. With injuries of bones, joints and ligaments, stagnant processes in the tissues can occur, and then inflammation and. The most dangerous complications are, and others.