Ankle Sprain
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What is an ankle sprain?
An ankle sprain is an injury that occurs in your ankles, when you twist, turn or roll your ankles at awkward angles. The bones of ankles are held together using a ligament and the injury damages these ligaments. If you have a sprained ankle, your ankle ligaments would have been moved beyond their normal range of motion. Usually, sprained ankles are associated with tearing of ligaments in the outer edges of the ankle.
For injuries of lesser magnitude, over-the-counter medication may be sufficient. But depending on the extent of damages caused, it is always suggested that you consult a doctor for a thorough medical examination. If a grave injury is left untreated, an ankle sprain might lead to chronic pain, chronic ankle instability or arthritis in the ankle.
The symptoms of a sprained ankle could be:Swelling Bruising Restricted range of motion of the ankle Pain Unable to walk or limping during waikshift body weight on the injured foot
The causes for an ankle sprain could be:Falling from heights Walking and running on uneven surfaces Landing at awkward angles after jumping and pivoting Sports on uneven surfaces and in improper shoes
These are some tips to prevent ankle sprains:Be careful when walking on uneven surfaces and snow Warm-up your body before exercises and games Avoid using high heels Wear shoes that fit your feet well Wear shoes that are meant for the activity Maintain strong and flexible muscles
How it is diagnosed?
At JIMCH , our experts might use any of the following means to diagnose an ankle sprain:Physical exam X-ray MRI scan CT scan
How it is treated?
Self-care
For self-care of an ankle sprain, use the R.I.C.E. approach for the first two or three days:Rest:Avoid activities that cause pain, swelling or discomfort. Ice:Use an ice pack or ice slush bath immediately for 15 to 20 minutes. CompressionTo help stop swelling, compress the ankle with an elastic bandage until the swelling stops. Elevation To reduce swelling, elevate your ankle above the level of your heart, especially at night.
In most cases, over-the-counter pain relievers — such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium or acetaminophen— are enough to manage the pain of a sprained ankle.
Because walking with a sprained ankle could be uncomfortable, crutches may be needed until the pain goes away.
Once the swelling and pain are lessened enough to resume movement, you will ask to begin a series of exercises to restore your ankle’s range of motion, strength, flexibility, and stability. Your doctor or a physical therapist will explain the appropriate method and progression of exercises.
