Persistent Nerve Injury and CRPS After Ankle Sprains

Abstract

A number of patients continue to experience prolonged pain, swelling, instability, and disability after a lateral ankle sprain, which is sufficient to limit their activity. There are several conditions that are misdiagnosed as chronic lateral ligament injury. In this review, we highlight common nerve conditions, with specific attention to the peroneal nerve, and chronic regional pain syndrome that can mimic chronic lateral ligament injury and can cause persistent ankle pain after lateral ankle sprain. We also offer advice for effective diagnosis and treatment of these associated pathologies. Sprained ankle syndrome, as it has been referred to, continues to be an unsolved problem in many, but we hope to better elucidate the diagnostic and treatment dilemma in most of these patients. Level of Evidence: Diagnostic Level V. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.