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With the recent rapid increase in the running population, the number of patients complaining of ankle injuries is also on the rise. Experiences such as the ankle suddenly twisting while running in a park or on a track, or persistent swelling and pain after repetitive running, are not unfamiliar to runners. While many people overlook these symptoms, thinking they will improve with a bit of rest, neglecting repeated ankle injuries can lead beyond a simple sprain to an ankle ligament tear, requiring careful attention.

Running is an exercise that applies much stronger impact and load to the ankle than walking. With every landing, a force equivalent to several times one's body weight is concentrated on the ankle. Running on uneven surfaces or while fatigued can easily lead to ligament damage as the ankle momentarily twists inward or outward. The risk of ankle injury is particularly high for novice runners, those who suddenly increase their running distance, or those wearing running shoes with insufficient cushioning. The lateral ligaments of the ankle, especially the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), are the most commonly damaged areas when an ankle sprain occurs during running.

The problem is that many enthusiasts continue running without rest even after an injury. Once the pain subsides to some extent, they assume they have recovered and resume running. however, if repetitive impact is applied before the ligament has sufficiently healed, the ligament becomes increasingly weaker, eventually leading to chronic ankle instability. If you repeatedly feel that your ankle is unstable or giving way every time you run, it may mean that ligament damage has already progressed significantly.

Director Hong-Joon Choi of Seoul Gunwoo Orthopedic Clinic, located near Gangil Station in Gangdong-gu, Seoul, emphasizes, "Many people regard an ankle twist during running as a simple sprain and neglect it. However, resuming exercise without accurately checking for a ligament tear can result in accumulated damage, leading to chronic instability and cartilage damage. If ankle pain repeats after running, it is essential to check the status of the ligaments through a precise examination."

For an accurate diagnosis of an ankle ligament tear, physical examination along with ultrasound and MRI scans are essential. Seoul Gunwoo Orthopedic Clinic reviews the test results with the patient, providing a full explanation of the damaged area and its severity, and determines the treatment direction by considering the patient's running goals and activity level. If the ligament damage is mild, recovery can be sought through sufficient rest and rehabilitation. However, if the ligament is significantly damaged or if chronic instability persists, surgical treatment may be necessary.

When surgery is required, Seoul Gunwoo Orthopedic Clinic performs ligament suturing using an arthroscope. This method involves inserting an endoscope through a small incision to suture from the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) to the connection point of the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL). By minimizing the incision range, it reduces damage to surrounding tissues and allows for a faster return to daily life. The typical surgery time is 20 to 30 minutes, with a hospitalization period of 1 to 3 days. A significant advantage is the ability to simultaneously check for cartilage damage inside the joint and treat accompanying problems together.

For patients aiming to return to running, the post-operative rehabilitation process is even more critical. One must go through a process of sufficiently restoring ankle strength and proprioception, as well as regaining the balance and agility required for running movements, to safely resume running. Rushing back to running before rehabilitation is sufficiently completed increases the risk of re-rupture. Seoul Gunwoo Orthopedic Clinic manages the entire process through a systematic rehabilitation program so that patients can safely return to their desired activity level after surgery.

While running is an exercise for health, continuing it while ignoring an ankle injury can create even bigger problems. If ankle pain repeats after running or a sense of instability persists, it is wise to receive an accurate diagnosis first rather than enduring the pain and continuing to run. Director Hong-Joon Choi of Seoul Gunwoo Orthopedic Clinic holds a Ph.D. from Korea University and is a foot and ankle specialist who served as an exchange professor at the Foot and Ankle Center of Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), affiliated with Harvard Medical School. Based on his rich clinical experience of treating over 80,000 foot and ankle patients and performing approximately 9,000 surgeries, he is dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of all foot and ankle disorders, including hallux valgus, ankle ligament and cartilage damage, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, ankle arthritis, Morton's neuroma, and tailor's bunion. Please receive an accurate diagnosis and customized treatment at Seoul Gunwoo Orthopedic Clinic, which does its best for the foot health of patients in the Gangdong, Hanam, and Misa areas.