Running is a very popular sport, regularly practiced by 13 million French people. Although it's great for your health, running, like any other sport, can also lead to injury. Do you feel a Sharp ankle pain in your ankle while running? It could be a ruptured Achilles tendon.
Symptoms of ankle pain on a run
The ankle is a vulnerable joint, highly susceptible to injury in runners. A Sharp ankle pain felt while running can be a sign of a number of pathologies.
Ankle pain: which pathologies?
Ankle pain when running can be a sign of :
A sprained ankle, a very common injury that always occurs after trauma (twisting, falling).
A fractured ankle, which manifests itself as a sudden, intense pain following trauma.
Achilles tendonitis, a very common ailment among runners, corresponding to inflammation of the Achilles tendon.
Achilles tendon rupture, i.e. a tear in the tendon caused by a sudden movement of the ankle or foot.
Main symptoms of Sharp ankle pain
When you experience severe pain when running, it's usually the result of trauma: twisting of the ankle, a badly landed jump or a fall. Some Sharp ankle pain, such as tendonitis, appear more gradually, as they are linked to overuse of the ankle.
In the case of sprains, fractures or ruptures of the Achilles tendon, the pain is so severe that the runner has to stop running. These traumatic injuries also cause swelling of the ankle and bruising. In most cases, the runner can no longer put his or her foot on the ground; that said, some may be able to move around for a few minutes after a fracture. A medical diagnosis is essential to determine the cause of the pain.
How can I tell if I've ruptured my Achilles tendon?
A ruptured Achilles tendon is usually the result of a sudden change of direction while running. This injury is common among runners who lack training or are insufficiently warmed up.
When the Achilles tendon is torn, the pain is Sharp ankle pain and sudden. In some cases, the runner will notice a loud snapping sound. The pain is located in the lower calf, but often radiates down the rest of the leg, and can sometimes be felt as far down as the lower back. Finally, this injury is also characterized by heel depression and ankle swelling. An effusion (bruise) may form on the ankle.
In many cases, the runner can continue to walk despite the tendon rupture, which helps to minimize the injury. This is why, in the event of severe pain while running, it is important to consult a doctor as soon as possible; even when the pain does not prevent walking.
Treatment of Achilles tendon rupture
Achilles tendon rupture can be treated either conservatively or surgically. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the injury, and the characteristics of the patient. Generally speaking, surgery is always proposed for active and athletic patients, as the Achilles tendon must be repaired to prevent recurrence of the injury.
In all cases, this treatment includes rehabilitation of the ankle by a physiotherapist. This rehabilitation involves treatments and exercises that help to:
reduce pain and swelling
Gradually improve the mobility of the operated or non-operated ankle.
strengthen the ankle to prevent injury
Gradually resume sporting activities, including running.
Rehabilitation takes place over several months, depending on the patient's pace of progress and goals.
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