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Ankle sprain
Compassionate Orthopedic care to help relieve your Pain
Ankle sprain is an injury to the tough bands of tissue (ligaments) that surround and connect the bones of the leg to the foot. The injury typically happens when you accidentally twist or turn your ankle in an awkward way. This can stretch or tear the ligaments that hold your ankle bones and joints together.
All ligaments have a specific range of motion and boundaries that allow them to keep the joints stabilized. When ligaments surrounding the ankle are pushed past these boundaries, it causes a sprain. Sprained ankles most commonly involve injuries to the ligaments on the outside of the ankle.
Symptoms of Ankle sprain
You may have Ankle sprains if you notice the following symptoms in the ankle:
Swelling. Because of increased fluid in the tissue: Sometimes the swelling is so severe that you can leave an indentation in the swollen area by pressing on it with your finger
tenderness
Pain. Because the nerves are more sensitive: The joint hurts and may throb. You can often make the pain worse by pressing on the sore area, by moving the foot in certain directions , or by walking or standing.
Inability to put weight on the affected ankle
Skin discoloration. Redness and warmth caused by increased blood flow to the area.
Stiffness
Causes of Ankle sprains
An Ankle sprains often occurs when the foot suddenly twists or rolls, forcing the ankle joint out of its normal position. During physical activity, the ankle may twist inward as a result of sudden or unexpected movement. This causes one or more ligaments around the ankle to stretch or tear.
Some swelling or bruising can occur as a result of these tears. You may also feel pain or discomfort when you place weight on the affected area. Tendons, cartilage, and blood vessels might also be damaged due to the sprain.
Ankle sprains can happen to anyone at any age. Participating in sports, walking on uneven surfaces, or even wearing inappropriate footwear can all cause this type of injury.
Preventing Ankle sprains
You can lower your risk for future Ankle sprains by:
- wrapping the affected ankle in an elastic bandage
- wearing a brace, if necessary
- performing strengthening exercises
- avoiding high heels
- warming up before exercising
- wearing sturdy, quality footwear
- paying attention to surfaces you’re walking on
- slowing or stopping activities when you feel fatigue
You are in Great Hands
Comprehensive treatment of Ankle sprains
Treating an Ankle sprains promotes recovery and prevents further discomfort. It’s important not to put weight on the injured area while you’re recovering from an ankle sprain.
You may be able to treat mild sprains at home. Recommended home care treatments include:
- Using elastic bandages to wrap your ankle, but not too tightly
- wearing a brace to support your ankle
- Using crutches, if needed
- Elevating your foot with pillows as necessary to reduce swelling
- Taking ibuprofen (such as Advil) or acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) to manage pain
- Getting plenty of rest and not putting weight on your ankle
- It’s also helpful to apply ice to the injured area as soon as you can to reduce swelling.
Your doctor may tell you to stay off of your injured ankle until the pain subsides. For mild Ankle sprains , this may take a week to 10 days, while more severe Ankle sprains may take up to several weeks to heal.
Although very rare, surgery may be performed when the damage to the ligaments is severe and there is evidence of instability, or when the injury doesn’t improve with nonsurgical treatment.
Arthroscopy: During an arthroscopy, a surgeon looks inside the joint to see if there are any loose fragments of bone or cartilage.
Reconstruction: For reconstruction surgery, a surgeon will repair the torn ligament with stitches. They may also use other ligaments or tendons around the foot or ankle to repair the damaged ligaments.
The type of surgery needed will depend on the severity of your ankle sprain and your activity level. After surgery, rehabilitation is an important part of the recovery process.
