What is an ankle sprain?
An ankle sprain is an injury involving the ligaments in your ankle. Ligaments are tough connective tissues that join bones together in your joints. If the ligaments overstretch, it results in a sprain. Strains are similar injuries, but they affect tendons, which are the connective tissues that join muscles to bones.
It can be hard to tell the difference between a sprain, a strain, and a fracture, and it’s possible to damage bones, tendons, and ligaments simultaneously. It’s crucial to visit Candria Foot and Ankle for a proper diagnosis if you twist or turn your ankle painfully.
What are the symptoms of a sprained ankle?
Common sprained ankle symptoms include:
- Pain, possibly severe
- Difficulty bearing weight
- Ankle is tender to touch
- Swelling and bruising
- Inability to circle the ankle
- Ankle weakness
If you injure yourself and have these symptoms, using the correct first aid techniques can make a significant difference to your recovery.
What first aid should I use for sprained ankles?
The key to first aid for a sprained ankle is to follow the RICE method:
Rest
Keep weight off your ankle as far as you can.
Ice
Use ice packs, cold compresses, or even a bag of frozen peas to help reduce inflammation. Wrap the peas in a towel first to avoid burning your skin.
Compression
Use a pressure bandage around your ankle to give it support and minimize swelling.
Elevation
Raise your ankle above the level of your heart to help blood flow away from your ankle and avoid swelling.
Using the RICE first aid method can significantly reduce the severity of your ankle sprain.
What treatments are available for sprained ankles?
When you visit Candria Foot and Ankle, Dr. Cancelliere can assess the severity of your ankle sprain and prescribe the most appropriate treatment. Options include:
- Crutches
- Compression bandages
- Ankle brace
- Immobilization aids
- Physical therapy
- Strengthening exercises
- Balancing exercises
Keeping the weight off your sprained ankle using crutches, a splint, a cast, or a brace gives your ankle a chance to heal. You might need to take pain-killing medication, but don’t be tempted to resume walking on the sprained ankle, or you could make the damage worse.
Prompt attention and expert rehabilitation should ensure your sprained ankle heals without any complications. However, if it’s severely sprained, your ankle might need surgery to repair the ligament. If the ligament ruptures completely, you need to undergo reconstruction surgery.
Failing to get the right treatment can cause you to have permanent weakness in your ankle, making you more likely to turn it or twist it and cause another sprain.
If you have a fresh ankle injury, or you’re still feeling the effects of an old ankle sprain, call Candria Foot & Ankle Specialists today, or book an appointment online.
