When a joint is suddenly forced to move beyond its normal range of motion due to external force, causing laceration of surrounding soft tissues such as the joint capsule, ligaments, and tendons, it is called a joint sprain. In mild cases, only some ligament fibers are torn, while severe cases may result in complete ligament rupture, avulsion of the ligament and joint capsule from the bone, or even joint dislocation. Joint sprains are most common in daily life, with the ankle joint being the most frequently affected, followed by the knee and wrist joints.

bubble_chart Clinical Manifestations

1. Lateral ligament injury

is caused by forceful inversion of the foot. Due to the longer lateral malleolus compared to the medial malleolus and the weaker lateral ligaments, the range of inversion motion is greater, making lateral ligament injuries more common clinically. Partial tearing of the lateral ligament is relatively frequent, with clinical manifestations including lateral ankle pain, swelling, limping while walking, and sometimes visible subcutaneous static blood. There is tenderness at the lateral ligament site, and pain intensifies when the foot is inverted.

Complete rupture of the lateral ligament: less common, with more pronounced local symptoms. Due to the loss of control from the lateral ligament, abnormal inversion motion may occur. Occasionally, a small fragment of bone from the lateral malleolus may be avulsed along with the ligament, known as an avulsion fracture. When X-rays are taken in the inverted position, the tilt of the tibio-talar joint surface far exceeds the normal range of 5–10°, and the joint space on the injured side widens. X-ray examination may reveal the avulsed bone fragment.

is caused by forceful eversion of the foot and occurs less frequently. Its clinical manifestations are similar to those of lateral ligament injury but occur in the opposite position and direction. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and tenderness at the medial ligament site, with pain intensifying during foot eversion. An avulsion fracture may also occur.

bubble_chart Treatment Measures

When the lateral ligament {|###|}injury{|###|} is mild and ankle joint stability is normal, the affected limb should be elevated early, and cold compresses should be applied to relieve pain and reduce bleeding and swelling. After 2–3 days, physiotherapy, local injections, or external application of {|###|}subduing swelling to relieve pain{|###|} and blood-stasis-resolving medications can be used, along with adequate rest and protection of the ankle (e.g., wearing high-top boots). For more severe {|###|}injury{|###|}, 5–7 strips of adhesive tape, each about 2.5 cm wide, can be applied from the lower third of the inner calf, passing over the medial and lateral malleoli, and fixed to the middle of the outer calf. The tape should then be wrapped with a bandage to keep the foot in an everted position, relaxing the ligament to promote healing. Fixation should last about 3 weeks. For medial ligament {|###|}injury{|###|}, the wrapping and fixation positions should be the opposite.

If symptoms are severe, or if the ligament is completely ruptured or accompanied by an avulsion {|###|}fracture{|###|}, a short-leg {|###|}Gypsum{|###|} boot should be used to immobilize the affected foot in an "overcorrected" position for about 4–6 weeks. A rubber pad or other wear-resistant material can be added to the sole of the {|###|}Gypsum{|###|} boot to facilitate walking. If the {|###|}fracture of malleolus{|###|} fragment is large and poorly reduced, open reduction and {|###|}internal fixation{|###|} should be performed.

Joint {|###|}sprain{|###|} should be treated promptly, with the principles being immobilization and reduction of swelling and blood stasis to ensure proper repair of the injured tissues. If there is significant joint hemarthrosis, it should be aspirated promptly under sterile conditions to prevent intra-articular adhesions. Ligament ruptures or avulsion {|###|}fractures{|###|} that compromise joint stability require surgical reduction and repair to avoid recurrent {|###|}sprain{|###|}, joint cartilage {|###|}injury{|###|}, and traumatic arthritis.