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Ankle Sprains

What is an ankle sprain?

An ankle sprain is an injury that causes a stretch or tear of one or more ligaments in the ankle joint. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect bones at the joint.

Sprains may be classified as mild, moderate, or severe.

There are many ligaments in the ankle. The most common type of sprain involves the ligaments on the outside part of the ankle (lateral ankle sprain). Ligaments on the inside of the ankle may also b injured (medial ankle sprain) as well as ligaments that are high and in the middle of the ankle (high ankle sprains).

How does it occur?

A sprain is caused by twisting your ankle. Your foot usually turns in or under but may turn to the outside.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of a sprained ankle include:

• mild aching to sudden pain
• swelling
• bruising
• inability to move the ankle properly
• pain in the ankle even when you are not putting any weight on it

How is it diagnosed?

To diagnose a sprained ankle, the health care provider will ask about your symptoms and examine your ankle carefully. X-rays may be taken of your ankle.

How it is treated?

Common ways to treat a sprained ankle are:

• Put ice on it for 20 to 30 minutes every 3 to 4 hours for the first few days or until the pain goes away.
• Elevate the ankle with a pillow when you sit or lie down.
• Wrap an elastic bandage around the ankle to keep the welling from getting worse.
• Wear a lace-up brace or ankle stirrup (an Aircast or Gel cast).
• Use crutches until you can walk without pain
• Take anti-inflammatory medicine, such as ibuprofen, or other pain medicine recommended or prescribed by your provider. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) medicines can cause stomach bleeding, kidney problems, and other problems. Take the medicine as directed. Read and follow all label directions. NSAIDs should not be taken for more than 10 days for pain or 3 days for fever. They should not be taken for other reasons unless recommended by your health care provider.
• Do ankle exercises to improve your ankle strength and range of motion. The exercises will help you return to your normal activity or sports.

Rarely, severe ankle sprains with complete tearing of the ligaments need surgery. After surgery your ankle will be in a cast for 4 to 8 weeks.

How long will the effects last?

The length of recovery depends on many factors such as your age, health, and if you have had a previous ankle injury. Recovery time also depends on the severity of the sprain. A mild ankle sprain may recover within a few weeks, whereas a severe ankle sprain may take 6 weeks or longer to recover. Recovery also depends on which ligaments were torn. A lateral sprain (outside ligaments take less time to recover than a medial sprain (inside ligaments) or a high ankle sprain (high, middle ligaments).

When can I return to my normal activities?

Everyone recovers from an injury at a different rate. Return to your activities depends on how soon your ankle recovers, not by how many days or weeks it has been since your injury has occurred. In general, the longer you have symptoms before you start treatment, the longer it will take to get better. The goal of rehabilitation is to return to your normal activities as soon as is safely possible. If you return too soon you man worsen your injury.

You man safely return to your normal activities when, starting from the top of the list and progressing to the end, each of the following is true:

• You have full range of motion in the injured ankle compared to the uninjured ankle.
• You have full strength of the injured ankle compared to the uninjured ankle.
• You can walk straight ahead without pain or limping.

How can I help prevent an ankle sprain?

To help prevent an ankle sprain:

• Wear proper, well-fitting shoes when you exercise.
• Stretch gently and adequately before and after athletic or recreational activities.
• Avoid sharp turns and quick changes in direction and movement.
• Consider taping the ankle or wearing a brace for strenuous sports, especially if you have a previous injury

Article provided by Relay Health