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Get a Grip on Ankle Sprain
Spraining the ankle is commonplace. But if not treated
properly, it could lead to long term issues.
Twisting the ankle isn’t hard to do. An ankle sprain is
when, after a twist, the
ligaments in the ankle get
stretched or torn. It would
get painful and swollen
after your twisting episode.
While by nature an ankle
sprain is a minor injury, it could sometimes cause further
ankle problems. Repeated sprains could result in weakness
of the joint and pain in the long term. Effective treatment of
an ankle sprain is the best way to avoid more chronic
problems taking over. So don’t take your ankle sprain
lightly.
How Can You Sprain Your Ankle?
Most sprains occur as the result of a quick shifting
movement while the foot is planted which is common in
soccer or a football tackle. It causes the ankle to roll inward
while the foot moves outward, damaging ankle ligaments
that are located on its inside.
Symptoms
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The extent of damage to the ligament and the number of
ligaments damaged determine the severity of an ankle
sprain. A mild sprain would result in some pain which is
manageable, along with stiffness, tenderness or swelling of
the ankle. Serious sprains could result in tenderness and
bruising around the ankle. It would also be painful to walk.
In still more severe cases, walking becomes nearly
impossible since the ankle feels unstable and gives out. The
pain will also be more severe.
Treatment Options
Treatment options vary based on the extent of the injury to
the ankle. There are many surgical treatments carried out
such as arthroscopy, ligament reconstruction and plasma
injections. However, these are recommended only in
extreme conditions, or if non-surgical methods have failed
to work. There are plenty of non-surgical and physical
therapy options available.
• A protective brace featuring an air cushion built-in can
protect the ankle and give it support, which can
facilitate healing. Crutches may have to be used while
walking until you can walk independently without
pain. Your ankle must be given good rest.
• Ice helps to bring the swelling down, so it must be
applied for around 10 or 20 minutes for every one
hour or two hours during the initial 24 hours to 72
hours following the spraining. Ice can be applied with
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the help of a thin cloth on which the ice is placed. It
must be pressed firmly against the skin in the affected
area.
• NSAID medication is also an important element of the
treatment process. NSAIDs help reduce pain and
swelling. Compression therapy with the help of an
ACE bandage or any elastic compression wrap can
really help bring down swelling. It must be worn for
24 to 36 hours after the injury.
• Elevation exercises such as raising the affected ankle
above heart level for 2 or 3 hours a day can help
reduce bruising and swelling.
Physical therapy is very important for efficient
rehabilitation services. It is important that the ankle sprain
heals well or else the joint could get unstable, resulting in
chronic pain and the risk of further injury due to the
weakness of the ankle.
Patients should return to their sports and regular activities
only after they have fully healed. This is evident if the
person can hop on his ankle without pain. Even after
recovery, it is useful to wear a brace or to tape the ankle
during exercise.
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