A deltoid ligament sprain can be painful and frustrating, particularly if you lead an active lifestyle. The deltoid ligament is located on the inside of your ankle, and it helps to stabilize the joint during movement. This ligament can become sprained if you twist or roll your ankle inwards, or if you land awkwardly on your foot. If you’re dealing with a deltoid ligament sprain, you’re probably wondering whether you can push through the pain and continue with your usual activities. In this blog post, we’ll explore this question in greater detail and help you to make the best decision for your overall health and wellbeing so you don’t have to live with a deltoid ligament sprain.
What is a deltoid ligament sprain?
First, let’s explain what a deltoid ligament sprain is. This type of injury occurs when one or more of the ligaments that make up the deltoid complex (which includes the anterior tibiotalar, tibionavicular and tibiocalcaneal) are stretched or torn. It usually happens when you twist or roll your ankle inwards, which puts stress on the ligaments. Symptoms of a deltoid ligament sprain include pain on the inside of your ankle, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking or putting weight on your foot.
When is it ok to push through a deltoid ligament sprain?
There is no easy answer to this question, as it depends on the severity of your injury and the activities you want to engage in. In general, if you have a mild or moderate deltoid ligament sprain, you may be able to continue with low-impact activities, such as walking or cycling. However, if you have a severe sprain or are in a lot of pain, you should avoid putting weight on your foot and seek medical attention. Your healthcare provider may recommend rest, ice, compression, and elevation, as well as physiotherapy or chiropractic care to help you recover more quickly.
What are the risks of pushing through a deltoid ligament sprain?
While it may be tempting to push through the pain and keep up with your usual activities, doing so can put you at risk of further injury. If you continue to put weight on your sprained ankle, you may cause the ligaments to stretch or tear even more, which can lead to chronic pain, instability, and decreased mobility. Additionally, if you ignore the problem, you may develop secondary conditions, such as ankle instability or arthritis, which can lead to long-term complications.
How can you prevent deltoid ligament sprains?
Now that we’ve talked about what to do if you have a deltoid ligament sprain, let’s discuss how to prevent it from happening in the first place. The best way to avoid this type of injury is to practice good ankle support through proper footwear, because good ankle support can prevent overpronation of the foot, a common factor of deltoid ligament injury. Also, avoiding uneven or unstable surfaces, warming up before physical activity, and engaging in ankle-strengthening exercises, can be helpful in protecting your ankle and ligaments.
In conclusion, a deltoid ligament sprain can be a painful and frustrating injury, but with the right treatment and care, you can recover and continue to live a long life with deltoid ligament sprains. While it may be tempting to push through the pain, doing so can put you at risk of further injury, so it’s important to listen to your body and seek medical attention when necessary. Additionally, practicing good ankle support, and maintaining safe practices, can help you to avoid deltoid ligament sprains in the first place. If you are suffering from a deltoid ligament sprain or any other injury, reach out to a chiropractor or physiotherapist for advice and assistance.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Nitin Nair, BPT, R/TRO DIP, PT, or another Kitchener physiotherapist at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
