What is an Ankle Sprain?
A sprain is the stretching or tearing of ligaments. Ligaments connect adjacent bones and provide stability to a joint. An ankle sprain is a common injury that occurs when you suddenly fall or twist the ankle joint, or when you land your foot in an awkward position after a jump. Most commonly, it occurs when you participate in sports, or jump or run on a surface that is irregular.
It is important to know that the mechanism of injury for an ankle sprain, is the same as that of other injures, including rupture and dislocation of peroneal tendons, subtalar joint sprains, high ankle sprains, osteochondral cartilage injuries, transverse tarsal injures and fractures of the ankle, calcaneus, cuboid and 5th metatarsal. The hallmark of, and concern for additional injures that may require additional treatment, arises when there is persistent difficulty walking, the inability to walk, prolonged pain and the need for crutches crutches extending out past a week or two. Essentially, when it acts like more than just a sprain, a detailed orthopedic evaluation is recommended.
What are the Symptoms of an Ankle Sprain?
Ankle sprains can cause pain, swelling, tenderness, bruising, stiffness, and inability to walk or bear weight on the ankle. It is concerning when these symptoms persist significantly and are not improving, especially if there is difficulty bearing weight, beyond a week or two.
How are Ankle Sprains Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of an ankle sprain is usually made by evaluating the history of the injury and through a thorough physical examination of the ankle. X-ray(s) of your ankle may be ordered by your doctor to determine the presence of a fracture.
What are the Treatment Options for Ankle Sprains?
The most common treatment recommended for ankle sprains is rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE).
- Rest: You should not move or use the injured foot to reduce pain and prevent further damage. Crutches may be ordered to limit weight-bearing while walking.
- Ice: An ice-pack should be applied over the injured area for up to 3 days after the injury. You can use a cold pack or crushed ice wrapped in a towel. Never place ice directly over your skin. Ice packs help to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
- Compression: Compression of the injured area helps to reduce swelling and bruising. This is usually accomplished by using an elastic wrap for a few days or weeks after the injury.
- Elevation: Place the injured ankle above your heart level for about 2 to 3 hours a day to reduce swelling.
Your doctor may also apply a brace or splint to reduce motion of the ankle. Anti-inflammatory pain medications may be prescribed to help reduce pain and control inflammation. Physical therapy may be recommended. In general, it is acknowledged that RICE is the basic thing to do at home and will result in improvement for most true ankle sprains. However, if your recovery seems prolonged, if symptoms seem persistent and particularly, if there is continued pain with walking, additional evaluation is recommended. If this evaluation reveals more significant injuries, then treatment may be geared toward those injuries. In general, regardless of the severity of an ankle sprain, rehabilitation and therapy is necessary to avoid having the ankle become unstable, as this can lead to arthritis of the ankle.
What is the Rehabilitation for an Ankle Sprain?
During your recovery, rehabilitation exercises are recommended to strengthen and improve range of motion in your foot. You may need to wear a brace or wrap to support and protect your ankle during sports activities. Avoid pivoting and twisting movements for 2 to 3 weeks. To prevent further sprains or recurrence of injury, you may need to wear a semi-rigid ankle brace during exercise, special wraps, and high-top lace shoes.
