If you are one of the many people who suffer from ankle sprains, you know how frustrating and debilitating they can be. Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments that support the ankle joint are overstretched or torn. They can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about ankle sprains- what causes them, how to treat them, and how to prevent them from happening in the future.
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What Is Ankle Sprain?
An ankle sprain is the most common type of ankle injury. It happens when you roll, twist, or turn your ankle in an awkward way. This can stretch or tear the ligaments—the tough bands of tissue that hold your bones together. Most people who have a sprain can walk and put weight on their feet, but they may have pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the ankle.
There are different degrees of ankle sprains, depending on how badly the ligaments are stretched or torn:
* Grade 1: The ligaments are overstretched but not torn. This is a mild sprain.
* Grade 2: The ligaments are partially torn. This is a moderate sprain.
* Grade 3: The ligaments are completely torn. This is a severe sprain.
Most ankle sprains are grade 1 or 2. It is believed that ankle sprain is the most common injury, accounting for approximately 1 million visits to the doctor each year in the United States. If you are struggling and manage to keep yourself from falling, you can still sprain your ankle.
How Does It Feel Like?
This is how an ankle sprain usually feels like:
- Pain in the ankle that gets worse when you put weight on it
- Swelling and bruising around the ankle
- Tenderness when you touch the ankle or move it in certain ways
- Stiffness and difficulty moving the ankle
It is believed that there are over 25,000 ankle sprains every day in the United States. The feeling of a sprain is quite similar to the feeling of a muscle strain, except that the pain is usually more localized in one area with a sprain. For example, if you sprain your ankle, the pain will be concentrated in the ankle area rather than being felt throughout the entire leg.
Therefore if you ever experience any of the above symptoms, it is important that you seek medical attention as soon as possible so that your injury can be properly diagnosed and treated.
What Causes an Ankle Sprain?
There are a number of activities that can lead to an ankle sprain, such as:
- Landing on your feet after a jump with your foot turned inward or outward
- Stepping in a hole or on uneven ground
- Quickly changing direction while playing sports such as basketball, football, or soccer
- Wearing shoes that do not fit properly or provide enough support
These are some conditions that may contribute to your risk of ankle sprain:
- Having weak or tight muscles in your leg
- Previous ankle injury
- Osteoarthritis in the ankle joint
It is believed that people who have flat feet or high arches are more likely to sprain their ankles because they have less support on the outside of their feet. Because the ankle is a weight-bearing joint, it is subject to a lot of wear and tears over time. This can make the ligaments more susceptible to injury.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Well, a diagnosis of ankle sprain usually starts with a visit to the doctor. They will ask you how the injury occurred and will then examine the ankle. They will look for swelling, bruising, and tenderness. The doctor may also check for instability of the joint and for any deformity. X-rays are usually not needed but may be ordered if there is concern about a fracture.
If you have had a previous ankle injury, it is important to let the doctor know. This will help them determine the best course of treatment. When you rightly diagnose an ankle sprain, you can quickly and easily treat it at home.
You need to remember that there are treatments available to relieve your pain and help you heal. With the right treatment, you can expect a full recovery from your ankle sprain.
How Is Ankle Sprain Treated?
There are several different treatments available for ankle sprains. Which one is best for you will depend on the severity of your injury. Let’s discuss a few of the most common treatments:
Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE)
This is the treatment for most mild ankle sprains. You’ll need to put the weight off of your ankle to allow it to heal. Using ice will help reduce pain and swelling. Compressing the ankle with an ace wrap can also help. And finally, keeping your ankle elevated above your heart will also reduce swelling.
For example, you might want to prop your ankle up on a pillow when you’re sitting or lying down. RICE is usually effective for mild ankle sprains. But it might take a few days or even a week for the pain and swelling to go away completely.
Physical Therapy
If your ankle sprain is more severe, you might need physical therapy to help you recover. A physical therapist can teach you exercises that will help increase the range of motion in your ankle and strengthen your ankle muscles. They can also give you advice on how to safely return to your regular activities.
Some common examples of physical therapy for an ankle sprain may include:
- Stretching and range of motion exercises
- Strength training exercises
- Balance and coordination exercises
- Ultrasound therapy
- Electrical stimulation therapy
Your physical therapist will likely create a custom treatment plan for you based on the severity of your ankle sprain and your individual needs.
Surgery
In some severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair torn ligaments or other damage. Surgery is usually only recommended if you have a chronic ankle sprain that doesn’t heal with conservative treatment or if you have recurrent ankle sprains. It is believed that surgery may help to prevent future ankle injuries.
Recovery from surgery usually takes several months. During this time, you will likely need to wear a cast or brace and avoid putting weight on your ankle. Physical therapy may also be recommended to help you regain strength and range of motion in your ankle.
Anti-inflammatory Medications
These can be taken either orally or applied directly to the skin over the injured area. They can help reduce pain and swelling. But they don’t speed up healing time, so they should be used in addition to other treatments. There are some medications, such as ibuprofen, that can cause stomach bleeding and other problems. So if you have any medical conditions or are taking other medications, check with your doctor before using these drugs.
Overall, these are a few key points to keep in mind when it comes to ankle sprains. Because each treatment option varies in terms of effectiveness and side effects, it’s important to discuss all of your options with a doctor or other medical professional before beginning any type of treatment. With the right care, most ankle sprains will heal properly and you’ll be able to get back to your normal activities.
How To Prevent This?
It is possible to prevent ankle sprain because it is a very common injury. The best way to prevent an ankle sprain is by stretching and strengthening the muscles around your ankle. There are some prevention strategies that can help you avoid getting an ankle sprain.
- Wearing proper shoes is the most important factor in preventing ankle sprains. You should always wear shoes that fit well and support your feet. Avoid wearing high heels or shoes with no arch support.
- Stretching and strengthening the muscles around your ankle can also help prevent ankle sprains. Try doing calf raises, ankle circles, and other exercises that target your ankles.
- Also, you can try using an ankle brace or support when you exercise. This can help stabilize your ankle and prevent it from moving too much.
These prevention tips can help you avoid getting an ankle sprain. However, if you do get a sprain, it is important to treat it properly. However, if you do get a sprain, it is important to treat it properly. When you first injure your ankle, you should ice it for 20 minutes. You can also take over-the-counter pain medication to help with the pain.
If the pain is severe or does not go away, you should see a doctor. They may prescribe physical therapy or give you a splint to wear. Most importantly, make sure to rest your ankle and avoid activities that put stress on it. With proper treatment, most ankle sprains will heal within a few weeks.
Conclusion
To conclude, an ankle sprain is a very common injury, especially among athletes. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after the injury to ensure proper healing and prevent further complications. Although an ankle sprain can be a very painful injury, most people make a full recovery with proper treatment.
If you suspect that you have sprained your ankle, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. The sooner you are diagnosed and begin treatment, the more quickly you will recover.
Physical Therapy help patients recover from pain. If you’re experiencing Back pain, Shoulder pain, Knee pain, Neck pain, Elbow pain, Hip pain, or Arthritis pain, a physical therapist at MantraCare can help: Book a physiotherapy session.
