What is an ankle sprain?
Many people have broken an ankle in their lifetime. If your ankle becomes swollen or painful after twisting it, it is most likely that you have sprained it. This is a sign that you may have torn the ligaments around your ankle.
Ankle sprains can be common but they aren’t always serious. People who have suffered repeated or severe sprains may experience long-term joint pain and weakness. A sprained ankle can be treated to prevent future ankle problems.
What causes ankle sprains?
Most types of ankle sprains occur when your foot is planted and you make a fast-shifting motion with it. This happens when you play soccer or are tackled in football. The foot often rolls inwards and the ankle rolls outwards. The ligaments around the ankle can become stretched and torn. The ankle will roll inwards less often and the foot will turn outwards. This causes injury to the ligaments inside the ankle.
A mild or severe ankle sprain could vary depending on the severity of the injury and the number of ligaments involved. An ankle sprain can cause swelling, tenderness, and stiffness. It usually feels stable and can be walked with minimal pain. An ankle sprain can cause swelling and tenderness, which can make walking difficult. An ankle injury that causes instability can cause the ankle to feel “wobbly” and make it difficult to walk. The ankle may give out, and you will not be able to walk.
What are the signs?
Most sprains are felt right away at the injury site. The ankle may swell and become bruised. It is often tender and painful to touch the ankle.
You may feel a pop, snap, or tear in more severe sprains. At first, you may feel extreme pain and not be able to walk or put weight on your feet. The more severe the ankle sprain, the longer it will take for it to heal.
What is the best way to diagnose an ankle sprain?
Your doctor will ask about the circumstances of your injury and whether you have ever injured your ankle before. Your doctor will examine your ankle, foot, lower leg, knee, and hip to determine if there are any injuries.
Sometimes, the doctor might order X-rays in order to make sure there are no broken bones in the foot or ankle.
What is the best way to treat it?
You can often first try the RICE approach to your ankle.
- R est. You might need crutches until your legs are strong enough to walk on their own.
- I ce. Apply an ice pack every hour for at least the first 24 hours, or until the swelling subsides. Keep a thin piece of cloth between your skin and the ice, and apply the ice pack to all areas.
- C impression. A compression wrap such as a Tensor Bandage or elastic compression wrap will reduce swelling. It should be worn for 24 to 36 hours. Compression wraps don’t offer protection. If you put any weight on your ankle, you will also need a brace.
- E Levation. If possible, raise your ankle to the level of your heart for at least 2 to 3 hours each day. This will reduce swelling and prevent bruising.
You may be able to reduce swelling and pain by taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as naproxen or ibuprofen if you don’t take prescription pain relievers.
Ankle sprains can be treated with proper rehabilitation exercises. An ankle sprain that is not treated properly can cause instability and chronic pain. This can lead to a weak ankle and make it more likely that you will be reinjured. It’s best to wait until your ankle is able to move again before you start returning to activities or other activities that place stress on your ankle. Your ankle can be protected by wearing a brace or taping it. Hiking boots and other high-tops, lace-up shoes may be helpful. Be careful. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort, don’t force your foot in a boot.
Your doctor may recommend surgery if your ankle remains unstable or has severe ligament damage.
Which type of rehabilitation program should I follow?
After an injury, you can start rehabilitation exercises. It is possible to walk and put weight on your feet. You might need crutches until your foot is able to walk normally. You can also do a range of motion exercises with ice on your ankle, depending on how severe your pain is. You can do these exercises by simply tracing the alphabet with your foot. This allows the ankle to move in all directions.
Talk to your Foot Care specialist about any other rehabilitation options. Balance exercises, strength training, stretching, and strengthening the ankle may all help to heal it completely.