subject: Treatment And Prevention Of 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 is often the cause for an ankle sprain. It is important for you to take precautions in order 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 proper treatment and prevention, you should be able to further 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. While participating in various sporting events, ankle sprains may commonly occur as well.
Your ankle sprain may often be a result of an inward roll injury. This occurs when your foot is forced to invert, putting abnormal pressure onto the outside of your foot, which does not generally 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.
Symptoms Of Sprained Ankles
Depending on the severity of your sprain, there are different symptoms and levels of pain you may experience. Here are some symptoms of an ankle sprain:
*Pain or soreness
*Difficulty walking
*Bruising
*Stiffness in the joint
All ankle sprains will produce some level of pain and the joint will swell and feel tender. If you experience a mild sprain, you may experience a slight loss of function at the joint but many times your ability to walk will remain intact.
With a more serious sprain, it will be difficult to put any weight on your injured ankle and there will be bruising and swelling on your ankle. Once 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 evaluation is a great 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 can help prevent further sprains by wearing an ankle brace during the first months of being back on your ankle. Special wraps are also available to protect your ankle.
If your symptoms still persist after at-home care, a visit to your Cumming podiatrist may be necessary. He or she has a variety of techniques to help your ankle be healthy again, including minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery.
To learn more about ankle sprains or to schedule an appointment, contact your podiatrist in Cumming, GA today.
