Sprained Ankle
A sprain is the over-stretching or tearing of the ligaments, and in this case, those found in the ankle, causing damage to the soft tissue.
What is Sprained Ankle?
The most common cause of injury to the ankle is the lateral ligament sprain, which is a ligament that stabilises the ankle and foot during movement like walking or running. These ligaments can be overstretched or torn causing a person considerable pain
What causes a Sprained Ankle?
A sprained ankle is a very common inversion or reversion injury caused by the ankle and foot rolling inwards or outwards more than the surrounding stabilising structures will allow, damaging both the inner and outer areas of the joint.
Due to bone positioning, an inward-rolling injury is more common, which means that the lateral ligaments on the outside of the ankle become damaged. The force of the ankle rolling over causes bleeding to the tissues within the ankle causing swelling, immobility, weakness and pain.
What are the Symptoms of a Sprained Ankle?
Ankle sprains vary in severity and the symptoms can range from stiffness, mild pain and little swelling to severe swelling and pain and inability to use the joint or put weight on the foot. Bruising usually occurs at both sides of the joint.
What Treatment can you have for a Sprained Ankle?
Things you can do yourself
- Rest
- Cold therapy: Put a cold pack (typically an ice pack applied for 20 minutes) directly on the injury
- Thermotherapy: Apply heat (typically in the form of heated pads, warms packs or lamps) to the areas of the body causing pain. NB. Often Cold therapy and Thermotherapy are alternated, with the cold application happening first
- Compression
- Elevation
- Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Always seek the advice of a medical professional)
- Strengthening and stretching exercises
Rehabilitation treatment
- Soft-tissue massage
- Ultra sound
- Physiotherapy