An ankle sprain is an injury to one or more ligaments in the ankle, usually on the outside of the ankle. Ligaments are bands of tissues, like rubber bands, which connect one bone to another and bind the joints together. In the ankle joint, ligaments provide stability by limiting side-to-side movement.The severity of an ankle sprain depends on whether the ligament is stretched, partially torn or completely torn, as well as on the number of ligaments involved. Ankle sprains are not the same as strains, which affect muscles rather than ligaments.
Have you had a fallor a suddenly twisted your ankle?
Are you suffering from-
- Pain or soreness?
- Swelling?
- Bruising?
- Difficulty walking?
- Stiffness in the joint?
Here are some first-aid tips before you reach the foot and ankle specialist for an evaluation
- Rest. Stay off the injured ankle. Walking may cause further injury.
- Ice. Apply an ice pack to the injured area, placing a thin towel between the ice and the skin. Use ice for 20 minutes and then wait at least 40 minutes before icing again.
- Compression. An elastic wrap may be recommended to control swelling.
- Elevation. The ankle should be raised slightly above the level of your heart to reduce swelling.
- Medications. An over-the counter painkiller (NSAID) may help temporarily till you reach the doctor for an evaluation.
There are four key reasons why an ankle sprain should be promptly evaluated and treated by a foot and ankle surgeon.
- An untreated ankle sprain may lead to chronic ankle instability, a condition marked by persistent discomfort and a giving way of the ankle. Weakness in the leg may also develop.
- A more severe ankle injury may have occurred along with the sprain. This might include a serious bone fracture that, if left untreated, could lead to troubling complications.
- An ankle sprain may be accompanied by a foot injury that causes discomfort but has gone unnoticed thus far.
- Rehabilitation of a sprained ankle needs to begin right away. If rehabilitation is delayed, the injury may be less likely to heal properly. Adequate physiotherapy has to be planned and carried out accordingly in addition to other non-surgical measures.
Dr. Kamal Dureja’s centre is equipped to carry out all tests required for a proper diagnosis, and provides physical rehabilitation therapy, all under one roof.