A sprained ankle is an injury from stretching or tearing the ligaments surrounding the ankle joint. It can cause pain, and inflammation, resulting in walking difficulties.
That’s why it’s essential to discuss the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for sprained ankles to provide individuals with the knowledge required to prevent and manage this type of injury. This article provides a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know about sprained ankles.
Sprained ankles can pose significant health risks if left untreated, whether caused by sports-related activities, running, or stumbling over an obstacle.
By increasing awareness of this common injury and its potential consequences, individuals can take the necessary precautions to prevent sprained ankles, seek prompt medical attention if required, and facilitate a quick and effective recovery.
Symptoms of a Sprained Ankle
Let’s start by asking a simple question – how will you know if you have a sprained ankle? While it’s easy to recognize a visible injury, like a cut or a bruise, a sprained ankle can be trickier to diagnose. So, let’s look at the sprained ankle symptoms you must know:
- Pain and Tenderness
A sprained ankle’s symptoms include pain and tenderness around the ankle joint. The pain can be mild or severe, especially if the ligament is completely torn. You may experience pain immediately after the injury.
- Swelling and Inflammation
Swelling and inflammation are common sprained ankle symptoms. Swollen areas in the ankle can pose walking difficulties due to additional weight on the affected ankle. Inflammation can cause redness and warmth around the ankle, and the skin may appear bruised or tight.
- Bruising
Another symptom of a sprained ankle is bruising. It occurs when the ligaments tear or stretch, causing small blood vessels to rupture and bleed into the surrounding tissues. Bruising can be mild or severe and may not appear immediately after the injury.
- Difficulty in Movement
If you have a sprained ankle, you may experience difficulty in movement. It can be due to the pain and swelling limiting your mobility. It is one of the major sprained ankle symptoms.
Now, let’s discuss the causes of a sprained ankle discussed in detail below.
Causes of a Sprained Ankle
A sprained ankle is a common injury. Various factors can cause it, and understanding the sprained ankle causes you to take preventative measures to avoid this injury. Look at some of the major causes of sprained ankles:
- Twisting or Rolling of the Ankle
A common cause for a sprained ankle is ankle twisting or rolling. It can happen when you step on an uneven surface, miss a step while walking, or during physical activity. The ankle-twisting can cause the ligaments in the ankle to stretch or tear, resulting in a sprain.
- High-Intensity Physical Activities
Participating in high-intensity physical activities can put a lot of stress on your ankles. Pushing yourself beyond your limits, especially if you’re not wearing appropriate footwear or haven’t properly warmed up, can cause a sprained ankle.
- Improper Footwear
Wearing improper footwear can also contribute to a sprained ankle. For example, tight shoes can affect your balance and increase your risk of falling or twisting your ankle. Additionally, shoes with poor arch support can also sprain your ankle.
Treatment of a Sprained Ankle
If you’ve experienced a sprained ankle, you know how uncomfortable and painful it can be. While a sprain can be a minor injury, taking the right steps to ensure proper healing and avoid further damage is essential. Here are some common sprained ankle treatments to know about:
- RICE Therapy
The first line of treatment for a sprained ankle is the RICE method. RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Resting the affected ankle and avoiding activities that could exacerbate the injury is crucial.
Ice can help reduce swelling and inflammation, and compression can support the injured area. Elevating the ankle can also help reduce swelling by promoting proper circulation. It is one of the most used sprained ankle treatments.
- Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can be beneficial in recovering from a sprained ankle. An expert therapist will help you regain your motion, strength, and flexibility in the affected ankle through exercises and other techniques. They can also help you develop a plan to prevent future injuries.
- Surgery
Surgery is also one of the treatment options in severe cases where the sprained ankle ligaments are torn. However, surgery is typically only considered if the sprain is severe and conservative treatments have been unsuccessful.
Treating a sprained ankle involves a combination of rest, pain relief, and rehabilitation!
Prevention of a Sprained Ankle
Preventing a sprained ankle is always better than treating one. While some factors contributing to a sprain may be out of our control, we can still take several steps to reduce the risk of injury. Here are some tips for preventing a sprained ankle:
- Proper Footwear
Wearing the appropriate footwear can significantly reduce your risk of a sprained ankle. Shoes that fit well and provide good arch support can help maintain balance and prevent ankle twisting. Additionally, if you’re participating in physical activity, wear shoes designed for that activity.
- Stretching and Strengthening Exercises
Stretching and strengthening exercises can help improve the stability of the ankle joint and reduce the risk of a sprain. Exercises focusing on balance, such as standing on one foot, can help strengthen the ankle and improve its ability to support your weight.
- Avoiding Uneven Surfaces
Be mindful of your surroundings and avoid walking or running on uneven surfaces whenever possible. If you must walk on uneven ground, take small, careful steps and watch your footing.
Bottom Line
Sprained ankles can be a painful and uncomfortable experience. Still, with the right treatment and prevention measures, it’s possible to recover fully and reduce the risk of future injuries. The main symptoms of sprained ankle ligaments include pain, tenderness, swelling, bruising, and difficulty in movement.
Furthermore, several treatments are available if you experience a sprained ankle, including the RICE method, pain relievers, physical therapy, and surgery in severe cases. However, seeking medical attention is essential if you experience severe pain or cannot bear weight on the affected ankle.
Ignoring the injury or trying to “push through” the pain can lead to further damage and prolonged recovery time. By caring for your ankles and preventing injuries, you can stay active and healthy for years!