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 Volume 2 more Apr-Jun 2002 March 17-He Is Risen 16-50 years ago 15-St. Patrick 14-A Song of Drake's Men 13-Cleopatra's Needle February 12-Ankle Sprains 11-Ski Jumping 10-The Original Tom Thumb 9-Happy Birthday Mom January 8-Lustron Homes 7-Thinking About Motion Pictures 6-BNSF Rail Yard 5-Petrified Forest 4-Wake Up Jacob 3-Free Throw Specialist 2-House Numbers for Bees 1-Sloppy Joe's Bar Volume 1 December 2001 Fascinatum Main |
Vol. 2 - February - No. 12
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Joint Structure and Ankle Sprains
Here are some fascinating things I learned after a recent basketball injury left my ankle swollen and sore to the touch.Joint Structure Cartilage If a joint between two bones is examined carefully, it can be seen that the surfaces in contact are covered with a smooth, shiny layer of cartilage which reduces friction between articulating surfaces. the joint is surrounded by synovial fluid which acts as a lubricant and can be compared to the oil in the bearings of a machine. Synovial fluid is contained in the synovial cavity surrounded by a membrane and enclosed by ligaments which bind the two bones together, allowing mobility, but preventing dislocation. Damage Occasionally part of the cartilage at a joint may become detached from the bone and hinder the working of the joint. Sometimes this piece of cartilage has to be removed. A strain or sprain takes place at a joint when the capsule of ligaments becomes torn or damaged.  Question: What to do for a sprained ankle?Answer: P-R-I-C-E Protection - Your ankle may be splinted, taped or braced to prevent further injury. Rest - from all activities that cause pain or limping. Use crutches or a cane until you can walk without pain and limping. Ice - Apply ice packs, using a towel or a plastic bag, to the area that is painful. Place the ice on ankle for 15-20 minutes, 3-5 times/day for the first 24-72 hours. Leave ice off at least 1 1/2 hours between applications. Be careful to avoid frostbite. Compression - Wrap an elastic bandage from the toes up to midcalf, using even pressure. Wear until swelling decreases. Loosen the wrap if toes start to turn blue or feel cold. Elevate - the ankle above heart-level. Elevating the ankle helps in removing edema. By having the foot higher than the hip (or heart), gravity is used to pull edema out of the ankle |
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McKinley Health Center provides excellent advice on Ankle Sprains | ||