subject: What You Should Know About Ankle Sprains And How To Treat And Avoid Them [print this page] Whether a sprained ankle is the result of a sporting event gone bad or just a wrong step, an ankle sprain can occur at almost any time and without warning. An awkward step or an uneven surface is often the cause of an ankle sprain. It is important for you to take precautions to protect your ankles from sudden twists and movements that can cause sprains.
In America, approximately 850,000 ankle sprains occur each year, making it the most common injury in the United States. With the proper treatment and prevention, you should be able to protect your ankles from unexpected twisting and rolling motions.
How Did I Sprain My Ankle?
An ankle sprain is often the result of a fall, sudden twist or forcing of the ankle joint out of its normal position. Ankle sprains also occur frequently in sporting events.
An ankle sprain is often the result of an inward roll injury. This occurs when your foot is forced to invert, putting abnormal pressure on the outside of your foot, which generally does not receive that level of stress. The pressure stretches or tears one or more of the lateral ligaments of the joint, resulting in a sprained ankle.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Sprained Ankle?
Depending on how severe your ankle sprain is, there are different symptoms and levels of pain that you may experience. Here are a few common symptoms of ankle sprains:
*Bruising
*Pain or soreness
*Stiffness in the joint
*Difficulty walking
All ankle sprains will produce some level of pain and the joint will become swollen and tender. If you experience a mild sprain, you might have a slight loss of function in the joint but your ability to walk will remain.
With a more serious ankle sprain, it can be difficult to put any weight onto your ankle and there will be bruising and swelling. If you have sprained your ankle in the past, you may have a higher risk of ankle injuries in the future because your joint will be weaker.
Treatment And Prevention
A major part of treatment for a sprained ankle is through self-care. The RICE evaluation is an effective method for treating a sprained ankle:
*Rest
*Ice
*Compression
*Elevation
When your podiatrist feels that you are ready to begin participating in exercise and sports, you will be able to prevent further sprains and ankle injuries by wearing an ankle brace during the first weeks or months after begin back on your ankle. Special wraps can also help to stabilize your ankle.
In some cases, special treatment may be necessary from your Silver Spring podiatrist. He or she has a variety of techniques available to improve the health of your ankle, including minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery.
To learn more about ankle sprains or to schedule an appointment, contact your Silver Spring podiatrist today.
