Lockdown has meant countless changes and one major trend that has emerged is the huge spike in usage of fitness apps like Strava and MapMyRun. With gyms and leisure centres closed down, many of us are turning to pounding the streets to get our exercise fix, but this has also meant an increase in ankle running injuries.
Mobile network EE released data usage figures to track changing habits due to quarantine and found that use of Strava had tripled during lockdown. MapMyRun, which also uses real-time GPS to track your route, distance and pace, has seen usage double.
However, in another study carried out by Bupa UK last year, it was revealed that over a quarter of adults had upped their usual intake of exercise during lockdown with one in five inspired to try a new exercise. But 7.2 million exercisers had potentially been hurt or injured during lockdown, with ankle injuries accounting for 26% of all MSK injuries.
There are two main types of ankle injuries – acute and chronic. Acute are injuries where you’re likely to be aware of the cause, such as an ankle sprain. Chronic injuries are due to overuse or overload and build up over time. These are much more common in runners, due to its repetitive nature and the fact that the foot and ankle bear your whole body weight.
Common ankle running injuries
- Ankle sprain
Typically, the lateral or external ligaments are damaged. A grade one sprain means the ligament is overstretched, but there is no actual tear. In grade two injuries, there are partial tears of the ligament and in a grade three injury, there is a complete rupture.
- Ankle arthritis
Arthritis isn’t something that exclusively affects older or hardcore runners, so it’s important to be aware of the symptoms before it gets progressively worse. Due to the wearing down of cartilage that coats our joints, it can be exacerbated if the joint has been damaged.
- Achilles tendinopathy
This chronic injury is the most common cause of posterior ankle pain, causing swelling and stiffness. It can be the result of bad mechanics, overpronation or weak calf muscles. Other tendinopathies include peroneal tendinopathy, tibialis posterior tendinopathy and tibialis anterior tendinopathy.
It’s essential you seek expert advice on any ankle injuries at an early stage as continuing to train with ankle issues can result in you developing further injuries elsewhere. Problems with the knee or hip joint can be a result of compensating for the ankle.
If you would like to contact Windsor Foot & Ankle Clinic, please call us on 01753 660840 or email us at reception@windsorfoot.com to arrange a consultation with one of our Consultant Ankle Surgeons.