Prevalence And Impact Of Chronic Musculoskeletal Ankle Problems

PURPOSE: Despite many people injuring their ankles, little is known about the long-term prevalence or impact of an ankle injury in everyday life. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to conduct a pilot survey of the prevalence and impact of chronic ankle problems in the community. METHODS: Randomised computer-assisted telephone interviews were undertaken of 751 people aged 18-64 years living in New South Wales, Australia. The interview consisted of questions about chronic ankle problems including; type and duration of symptoms, physical activity limitations, and healthcare utilisation. RESULTS: Chronic musculoskeletal ankle problems were identified in 147 people of whom 121 had sustained an injury. Chronic problems were due to ankle sprain (n = 63), arthritis (n = 30), and fracture (n = 26). The most common reported symptoms were pain (76%), weakness (71%) and instability (61%), with half of the people having had the problem for more than 10 years. Physical activity had been modified or limited in 96 people, the most commonly cited activities were walking (23%) and sport (15%). These two activities were also the most commonly nominated as the physical activity that people could not do, but wished to. Most people (n = 84) had sought no help within the last year, although 28 had consulted general practitioners and 20 sought advice from physiotherapists. The most common interventions used to manage the problem were; nothing (28%), brace/tape (27%), heat (27%), medication (23%), and exercise (7%). CONCLUSION: Chronic ankle problems are common in the general population and occur most frequently due to injury. Their impact in daily life is through the negative sequelae of persisting symptoms of pain, weakness, instability, and by placing restrictions on the individual's habitual physical activity.