When the ligaments that support the ankle become unduly stretched or damaged, it is called an ankle sprain. It can happen if you twist your ankle when walking or jogging, step into a hole, or place too much weight on one foot. Ankle injuries are usually unpleasant and disturbing because the ankle is always used.
Ankle sprains are prevalent, accounting for 25% of all sports-related injuries. Most ankle sprains heal in 4–6 weeks with rest and proper care. Others, on the other hand, may demand more time. We will dive more into ankle injuries in this post, including what causes them, how to cure them, and how to avoid them.
Lateral Ligament Ankle Sprain
The lateral ligament ankle sprain is statistically the most common ankle injury. Footballers aren’t the only ones who suffer from it; basketball players, tennis players, and rugby players all suffer.
Football places additional strain on the ankle beyond what is required in everyday life by its very nature. The things we rely on our ankle for daily, such as walking up and downstairs, are vastly different from needing to change direction fast on the football pitch or leaping up for a header and landing awkwardly. This type of injury can occur in almost any sport that requires a change of direction.
What Causes Ankle Sprains?
Most ankle sprains occur when the ankle twists or the foot rolls to one side. The majority of them occur during athletic activity. Ankle sprains can occur from taking an odd stride or tripping on the stairs, and they aren’t always related to sports.
Anyone can avoid ankle sprains with flexibility, strength, and good balance. If you don’t have these qualities, your doctor may recommend taping your ankle or using an ankle brace when exercising.
What Are the Symptoms and Signs of Ankle Sprain?
The symptoms of an ankle sprain vary depending on the severity of the injury. Symptoms that are common include:
- swelling
- pain
- soreness
- bruising
- have difficulty bearing weight or walking on your ankle
Doctors examine and ask questions about the injury to diagnose ankle sprains. They will examine the ankle’s bones and soft tissue, as well as the person’s range of motion and strength.
The doctor may conduct an X-ray or other imaging study to see other injuries, such as a fractured bone.
What Is the Treatment for Ankle Sprains?
Ankle sprains are commonly treated with:
- Pain relievers
- A heating pad or warm compresses (only after the swelling goes down)
- Taping, wearing a lace-up ankle brace, or wearing an ankle splint are all options for protecting the ankle.
- There are various methods available to aid swelling, including, every 1–2 hours, applying ice wrapped in a towel to the affected area for 20 minutes.
- You can do stretching exercises once the soreness and swelling have reduced.
- Rest to avoid re-injury and to keep swelling to a minimum. The level of the injury determines the length of time someone should rest. If no ligaments were torn, 10–14 days might suffice.
An injured person may use a splint or temporary cast to treat a more severe ankle sprain. A person may require surgery on an uncommon incident.
Is it Possible to Prevent an Ankle Sprain?
No one cannot completely avoid ankle sprains. These recommendations, on the other hand, can reduce the possibility of getting injured:
- It would be best to warm up before participating in sports, exercising, or engaging in other physical activities.
- Watch your steps when walking or running on uneven or cracked surfaces.
- Avoid wearing high-heeled shoes.
- Stretch your ankles daily to maintain them flexible.
- Keep your muscles strong by doing ankle range of motion and strengthening exercises.
- Support the ankle with tape, lace-up ankle braces, or high-top shoes.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Tie any laces or other straps firmly to make the shoes as supportive as possible.
- Don’t go overboard. An injury is more likely when you are tired.
Conclusion
There is no denying that ankle injuries are among the most severe injuries. They are frequently misdiagnosed, treated, and rehabilitated. Fortunately, you now know what to do if one happens again.
You may also read our blog on PATELLAR TENDONITIS: CAUSED AND TREATMENT
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