Sprained ankles are a frequent injury, especially in athletes. Sprains can be excruciatingly painful, and severe ones may take months to heal.
A person can, however, take a number of steps at home to quicken their recovery and lower their chance of injuring yourself again.
Anyone who thinks they have suffered an injury in the ankle needs to get medical attention. Stop putting any pressure on the ankle because doing so raises the possibility of fractures and other harm.
To lessen swelling, sit comfortably with your ankle elevated. If possible, support the joint and keep it immobile by wearing a temporary brace or bandage.
Some people discover that crutches can aid in mobility and balance while letting the foot rest. An ankle sprain is difficult to identify based just on symptoms. One should visit a doctor to get a clear diagnosis. Most family doctors and medical professionals at urgent care facilities can identify a sprained ankle promptly.
If the damage is severe, they may refer you to an orthopedist.
Learn what to do if you sprain your ankle through this quick guide.
What are the symptoms of a sprained foot and ankles?
Based on the intensity of the injury, there are several symptoms and signs of a sprained ankle. They may consist of:
• Pain, particularly when putting weight on the injured foot
• Sensitivity to touch on the ankle
• Swellingbruising
• Limitation of movement
• An ankle weakness
• Popping sounds or sensations
What causes a sprained ankle?
When the foot suddenly flips or twists, pulling the ankle joint out of its natural position, may result in ankle sprains. The ankle may rotate inward during physical activity as a result of quick or unexpected action. One or more ankle ligaments become strained or torn as a result of this.
These tears can lead to some edema or bruising. When you put weight on the injured spot, you could experience pain or discomfort as well. The sprain could also harm blood vessels, tendon, and cartilage.
Anyone, regardless of age, can sustain an ankle sprain.
This kind of injury can be brought on by playing sports, standing on uneven ground, or even wearing the wrong shoes.
How do I know if I sprained my ankle?
In order to identify which tendons have been ripped, your doctor will do a physical examination. To examine your range of motion during the examination, your doctor may twist your ankle joint in a variety of ways.
In order to rule out a bone fracture, imaging procedures like X-rays may also be prescribed. If your doctor detects a fracture, a severe ligament injury, or injury to the surface of the ankle joint, an MRI may be performed.
A powerful magnetic field and radio waves are used in the MRI test to produce precise images of the body. This enables your doctor to diagnose you correctly.
How is a sprained ankle treated?
The extent of your injury will determine how you are treated for a sprained ankle. Reduced discomfort and swelling, ligament repair, and ankle function restoration are the main objectives of treatment.
If your injuries are severe, you can be sent to an orthopedic surgeon or a doctor who specialises in rehabilitation and physical medicine in musculoskeletal injuries.
Rest- Avoid doing things that hurt, itch, or make you uncomfortable.
Ice- While you are awake, apply an ice pack or take an ice bath for 15 to 20 minutes right away, then repeat this every two to three hours. Before applying ice, see your doctor if you have diabetes, vascular disease, or reduced sensitivity.
Compression- Wrap the ankle with an elastic bandage until the swelling subsides to help halt it. Don’t wrap too tightly to restrict blood flow. At the end that is the farthest from your heart, start wrapping.
Elevation- Raise your ankle above the level of the heart, especially at night, to lessen swelling. By removing extra fluid, gravity reduces swelling.
If you’ve had chronic pain in your ankles or feet, consulting expert doctors to follow a proper treatment or surgery plan will be the right approach. Visit the London Foot and Ankle Surgery Clinic to get the best possible treatment for your injury or pain.
People Also Ask
- Can I walk on a sprained ankle?
You should avoid putting pressure on the foot for the first few days. Short distance walking can help your recuperation as the ankle begins to heal and the swelling subsides. Start building up your endurance gently at first. - Do I need surgery to treat my sprained ankle?
While surgery for an ankle sprain is uncommon, it sometimes becomes necessary due to the instability brought on by repeated sprains. Sometimes the sprain itself is so bad that surgery is also necessary. - How can I reduce the possibility of spraining my ankle?
There is no way to stop every ankle sprain. But with these suggestions, another one might be less likely:
• Stretch frequently to maintain flexibility in your ankles.
• To keep your muscles strong, perform ankle strengthening and range-of-motion exercises.
• Always warm up before engaging in any physical activity, whether it is sports, exercise, or some other type of activity.
• When running or walking on irregular or cracked surfaces, pay attention to your step.
• Don’t go overboard. An injury may be more likely if you’re fatigued.
• To support the ankle, use tape, lace-up braces, or high-top sneakers.
• Wear comfortable shoes. Ensure the shoes are as supportive as possible, tie any laces and fasten any Velcro or other straps.
• Avoid wearing heels that are too high. - How do I take care of myself?
The key to preventing sprains is to avoid overdoing things. Don’t push yourself or feel pressured to return to sports or other activities too soon; instead, follow your doctor’s recommendations. Sprains typically recover well, but it takes time for them to reach full recovery.