Sprained Ankle

A sprained ankle is one of the most common injuries. It can affect people of all ages. A sprained ankle can be very painful and disruptive. So, by understanding a sprained ankle’s symptoms and causes, you can get prior treatment and ignore more serious problems.

What is a Sprained Ankle?

An injury when the ligament tissue that connects bones and stabilizes joints is overstretched or torn. In most cases, this sprained ankle injury occurs when the ankle twists inward or outward beyond its normal range of motion and damages the tissue on either side of the ankle. The injury can occur in severity from a mild sprain to a severe sprain.

What Are the Causes of a Sprained Ankle?

Sprained ankles mostly occur in physical activities. Here are some causes of a sprained ankle:

Sudden Twist or Roll
Sports and Physical Activity
Awkward Landings
Trips or Stumbles
Inadequate Footwear

What Are the Symptoms of a Sprained Ankle?

There are several symptoms of a sprained ankle, which can vary based on the ligament damage.

Pain
Swelling
Bruising
Tenderness
Reduced Mobility or difficulty walking
Instability

Types of Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains are classified into three grades based on the severity of pain:

Grade 1 (Mild): little rips and mild straining of the ligament fibers. There is little swelling and some pain as symptoms.

Grade 2 (Moderate): Ligament partial tearing, resulting in mild discomfort, bruising, swelling, and some difficulty moving.

Grade 3 (Severe): Ankle instability, severe pain, bruising, and swelling are all symptoms of a complete ligament tear.

Sprained Ankle vs. Broken Ankle

If anyone gets an injury in their ankle, it is difficult to tell that it’s a sprain or a fracture. In both cases, the person feels severe pain, swelling, and difficulty walking, but their treatment and recovery time are different. So, here’s the difference between a sprained ankle and a broken ankle:

Feature	Sprained Ankle	Broken Ankle
Cause	Ligament over-stretching or tearing	Bone fracture or break
Pain Level	Ranges from mild to moderate, depending on the severity	Usually intense and immediate
Swelling	Moderate to severe around the ankle	Often more severe, may spread up the leg
Bruising	Common, may be localized around the ankle	Usually extensive and may indicate bone trauma
Mobility	Limited but often still possible with pain	Severe limitation, typically unable to bear weight
Deformity	Uncommon unless accompanied by severe swelling	Possible, especially in severe fractures
Recovery Time	1-6 weeks, depending on the severity	6-12 weeks or longer, may require surgery

Sprained Ankle Treatment

Sprained ankle treatment focuses on reducing pain and swelling. And give quick healing to the person and restore his mobility and flexibility. Some treatments are:

1. R.I.C.E. Method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)

You can use this method for self-care. Use the R.I.C.E. method for the starting days.

Rest: Avoid those activities that can cause pain, swelling, or discomfort.
Ice: For 15 to 20 minutes, use an ice pack or ice slush bath right away. Then, every two to three hours while you’re awake, repeat the process. Talk with your doctor before using ice if you have diabetes, vascular disease, or diminished sensation.
Compression: Use an elastic bandage to compress the ankle until the swelling subsides. Avoid wrapping too tightly, as this may impede circulation. Wrapping should start at the end that is furthest distant from your heart.
Elevation: Raise your ankle over your heart, especially at night, to lessen swelling. Because gravity drains more fluid, it helps minimize edema.

2. Pain Relief Medications

There are some pain relief medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen that can help reduce pain and inflammation. However, you should always consult with a doctor to ensure that you are taking the right medication for your pain or not.

3. Bracing or Taping

Especially in the initial stages of recovery, an ankle brace or athletic tape can help support the ankle while engaging in activities. Additionally, this assistance can stop additional sprains.

Sometimes, in some severe cases, surgical conventions may require a sprained ankle to get relief from extreme pain.

Sprained Ankle Physiotherapy Exercise

Sprained ankle physiotherapy exercises can play a crucial role in treating your ankle and restoring your strength, flexibility, and mobility. Once you get rid of pain and swelling, there’s some exercise that you should follow, and it can prevent future injuries. These exercises can help prevent stiffness and reduce the risk of re-injury.

Ankle Alphabet
Towel Stretch
Calf Raises
Ankle Circles
Resistance Band Strengthening
Heel-to-Toe Walk
Single-Leg Balance

When to See a Doctor

If you feel any of the symptoms mentioned above or experience any extreme pain and swelling on your ankle, you need to seek medical attention. If fractures or more serious ligament damage are suspected, an MRI or X-ray may be required. In some severe sprains, sprained ankle treatment and physiotherapy may require physical therapy or surgery.

Final Thoughts

At Dr. Geetanjali’s PhysioWorks, we are dedicated to helping you regain mobility and reduce your pain through ankle physiotherapy. Our experts are trained in several techniques of ankle physiotherapy exercises and sprained ankle treatments, which are discussed above. With earlier treatment and diagnosis, you can get fast recovery and relief from ankle pain. Our main goal is to provide you with the best-sprained ankle treatment for your well-being.

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