Causes and Treatment for Ankle Sprain
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Though usually associated with sports, an ankle sprain can occur even in our day to day activities. Sprains are injuries to ligaments found on the ankle joint. These ligaments are band like structures which are elastic and hold the ankle joint bones together preventing excessive twisting and turning of the joint. A sprain occurs when the ankle ligaments have been overstretched and in some severe cases the ligament may end up being partially or completely torn. A sprain may occur when you step on an irregular surface, when you plant your foot awkwardly when running or walking and even inversion injuries caused by the foot rolling inwards.
There are several symptoms that are indicative of an ankle sprain. The most common is swelling which is as a result of an increase in tissue fluid. This may be accompanied by warmth and redness in the area due to an increase in blood flow. Since nerves convey messages in the body, pain will be felt and it may even get worse if the area is pressed or you move the foot in certain directions. Symptoms may become severe such as the inability to walk or severe pain as a result of walking and the ankle does not improve within a week.
There are various methods of treating an ankle sprain, depending on its severity. First and foremost you need to rest the affected area. This reduces pain, prevents a recurrence of the injury and minimizes stress on the inflamed tissue. The joint can be placed at rest by wearing a splint or brace. Crutches are used in severe conditions. Some physiotherapists may put weight bearings so as to accelerate the rehabilitation process. Ice is placed on the sprain to reduce pain, swelling and redness. If placed immediately following the injury it prevents the development of inflammation and counters the increase in blood flow to the area. However, do not place the ice directly on the skin as this may develop frostbite.
Compression or strapping reduce swelling, prevents inflammation, provides support and at times prevents bleeding. Elastic wraps should not be applied too tightly but just sufficiently enough to immobilize the ankle. Finally, keep the ankle sprain elevated at all times. This helps the body to absorb the leaked fluids from the tissue. The ankle should be propped up in a way that it is above heart level; sitting in a reclining chair or placing your leg on pillows will help. Anti inflammatory medication fight the swelling and reduce pain.
In some instances, laser treatment can be used to reduce inflammation, pain and promote healing. Cross friction massages promote healing and the scar development is reduced. You can prevent sprains by wearing the correct shoes for a particular activity or taping a weak ankle if you are participating in a sport. A podiatrist should be consulted in case you have bunions or flat feet as these could lead to ankle instability. An ankle rehabilitation program may be prescribed by a specialist to strengthen joints and prevent any recurrence of the ankle sprain.
There are several symptoms that are indicative of an ankle sprain. The most common is swelling which is as a result of an increase in tissue fluid. This may be accompanied by warmth and redness in the area due to an increase in blood flow. Since nerves convey messages in the body, pain will be felt and it may even get worse if the area is pressed or you move the foot in certain directions. Symptoms may become severe such as the inability to walk or severe pain as a result of walking and the ankle does not improve within a week.
There are various methods of treating an ankle sprain, depending on its severity. First and foremost you need to rest the affected area. This reduces pain, prevents a recurrence of the injury and minimizes stress on the inflamed tissue. The joint can be placed at rest by wearing a splint or brace. Crutches are used in severe conditions. Some physiotherapists may put weight bearings so as to accelerate the rehabilitation process. Ice is placed on the sprain to reduce pain, swelling and redness. If placed immediately following the injury it prevents the development of inflammation and counters the increase in blood flow to the area. However, do not place the ice directly on the skin as this may develop frostbite.
Compression or strapping reduce swelling, prevents inflammation, provides support and at times prevents bleeding. Elastic wraps should not be applied too tightly but just sufficiently enough to immobilize the ankle. Finally, keep the ankle sprain elevated at all times. This helps the body to absorb the leaked fluids from the tissue. The ankle should be propped up in a way that it is above heart level; sitting in a reclining chair or placing your leg on pillows will help. Anti inflammatory medication fight the swelling and reduce pain.
In some instances, laser treatment can be used to reduce inflammation, pain and promote healing. Cross friction massages promote healing and the scar development is reduced. You can prevent sprains by wearing the correct shoes for a particular activity or taping a weak ankle if you are participating in a sport. A podiatrist should be consulted in case you have bunions or flat feet as these could lead to ankle instability. An ankle rehabilitation program may be prescribed by a specialist to strengthen joints and prevent any recurrence of the ankle sprain.