Thesis: Ankle Injuries

2.0 Literature Review
2.1.0 Autonomy of the ankle:
The foot and ankle combine flexibility with stability, thus providing two main functions – propulsion and support. (M. A. Hutso) The ankle joint is made up of the shinbones (tibia and fibula) and the foot bones (talus and calcaneus). On the outside, the bones are held together by three ligaments. This is where a high percentage of ankle injuries occur because these ligaments are laxer than the inside ligaments. (Internet 1) Refer to figure 1.

Figure 1 (Internet 1)

2.1.1 Types of injuries:
2.1.1 Sprain:
Ankle sprains are usually caused by a twist of the ankle. An ankle that sprains because the athlete rolls over on the outside of the ankle is known as an inversion sprain; sprains caused by turn-ins are eversion sprains. (Dr L.J Micheli, et al)
Sprains are graded in to three categories, minor, moderate and severe. A mild sprain usually affects only the anterior talofibular ligaments, causin...