subject: What You Should Know About Ankle Sprains [print this page] Whether it occurs during an athletic event or as a part of your everyday life, an ankle sprain can happen at almost any time. An awkward step or an uneven surface can often cause a sprained ankle. It is important for you to take precautions in order for you to protect your ankles from sudden twists and movements that can cause sprain.
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 techniques, you should be able to protect your ankles from unexpected rolling motions.
How Do You Sprain Your Ankle?
An ankle sprain is often the result of a fall, sudden twist or forcing of the ankle joint out of its natural position. While participating in sporting events, ankle sprains are also common.
Your ankle sprain may often be the result of an inward-roll injury. This happens when your foot is forced to invert, putting abnormal pressure on the outside of your foot, which does not usually receive that level of stress. The pressure can stretch or tear one or more of the lateral ligaments in the joint, which results in a sprained ankle.
Symptoms Of Sprained Ankles
Depending on the severity of your ankle sprain, there are different symptoms and levels of pain that you can experience. Here are some common symptoms of an ankle sprain:
*Difficulty walking
*Bruising
*Pain or soreness
*Stiffness in the joint
All ankle sprains will produce some level of pain and the joint will become swollen and feel tender. If you experience a mild sprain, you may have a slight loss of function at the joint but in some cases your ability to walk will remain intact.
With a more serious sprain, it will be difficult for you to put weight on your injured ankle and there will be swelling and bruising. If you have sprained your ankle in the past, you may have a higher risk of future injuries because your joint will be weaker.
Treatment And Prevention
Treatment for your sprained ankle begins with self-care. The RICE method can be successful for treating a sprained ankle:
*Rest
*Ice
*Compression
*Elevation
When your podiatrist feels that you are ready to begin exercising and participating in sports, you can help prevent further sprains during the first months after being back on your ankle. Special wraps are also available to protect your ankle.
If your symptoms still persist after at-home care, you should visit your Wilmette podiatrist. He or she has a variety of techniques that can help your ankle become healthy again, including minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery.
To learn more about ankle sprains or to schedule an appointment, contact your podiatrist in Wilmette today. He or she will be able to treat and inform you.
