Understanding Sprained Ankle: Symptoms, Treatment, Types, and Recovery

What is a sprained ankle?

A sprained ankle is an injury resulting from an abnormal twisting or turning motion of your foot. This forces the ligaments beyond their usual range of motion, leading to strain or tear. The pain experienced correlates with the severity of the injury. Interestingly, these sprains primarily involve injuries to the outer side of the ankle.

What is the difference between a sprained ankle and a broken ankle (ankle fracture)?

The overlap between sprained ankle symptoms and signs of an ankle fracture often leads to confusion. Both conditions manifest as pain, swelling, bruising and limited range of motion.

However, there are certain distinguishing factors between a sprained ankle and an ankle fracture:

• A sprain typically results in pain around the soft tissues, whereas a fracture leads to pain directly on the bone.
• A fractured ankle is likely to have localised pain, while a sprained ankle may cause spread-out pain.
• In a sprain, the ankle's stability is primarily affected, whereas in a fracture, it's the structural integrity of the ankle.

Who does it affect?

Anyone, regardless of age, can get an ankle sprain from an active sports enthusiast to a homemaker stepping awkwardly off the stairs. However, people engaged in sports like basketball, football, and tennis that involve jumping or changing direction swiftly are more prone to injuries like a sprained ankle. Walking or exercising on an uneven surface also increases the risk.

What are the types of ankle sprains?

Sprained ankle types are categorized into three grades, based on ligament damage:

• Grade 1: This is a mild sprained ankle type which involves slight stretching and microscopic tearing of ligament fibres. Symptoms include mild pain, swelling, and tenderness around the ankle.
• Grade 2: This sprained ankle type signifies partial tearing of the ligament with moderate pain and slight instability when bearing weight.
• Grade 3: This sprained ankle type refers to complete tearing of ligaments causing severe pain, significant instability and hindrance in weight-bearing activities.

What are the symptoms of a sprained ankle?

The severity of sprained ankle symptoms varies widely depending on the extent of the injury.

They include:

• Pain at rest and during movement
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Tenderness on touching
• Instability or feeling that your ankle is giving way

However, It is crucial to remember that severe sprained ankle symptoms as they can mimic those of a broken bone and necessitate prompt medical evaluation.

What causes a sprained ankle?

Sprained ankle causes could be attributed to the following events or scenarios:

• Twisting the foot or ankle, which is often accompanied by a pop sound indicating severe ligament tear
• Tripping or falling
• Engaging in sports that require sudden direction changes or jumping actions

How is a sprained ankle diagnosed?

Detailed physical examination and certain tests help diagnose a sprained ankle. The doctor observes the injured ankle, palpates it for tenderness, and checks range of motion and stability. If the sprained ankle symptoms are severe, additional tests may be needed to rule out fractures.

How do I know if I Sprained my ankle?

You might have a sprained ankle if you experience pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot. A popping sound at the time of injury and a limited range of motion can also indicate a sprained ankle.

How is a sprained ankle treated?

Sprained ankle treatment typically involves the R.I.C.E. method: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.

• Rest the ankle to avoid further injury.
• Apply ice packs to reduce swelling and numb the pain, for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours.
• Use compression bandages to minimise swelling and support the ankle.
• Elevate the ankle above heart level, especially while sleeping, to reduce swelling.

Sprained ankle treatment also includes over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen that can help manage pain and inflammation. In more severe cases, physical therapy may be recommended to restore strength and flexibility. Severe sprains may require a brace or surgery if ligaments are torn. It's essential to follow a healthcare provider's advice for proper sprained ankle treatment to prevent future sprains.

What medications are used for a sprained ankle?

For an immediate relief from sprained ankle symptoms, over-the-counter painkillers like Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used. However, for a severe pain, your healthcare provider may prescribe stronger medications.

How long will my sprained ankle be swollen?

Swelling is a common symptom of a sprained ankle. While mild swelling may subside within 5-7 days with rest and proper care, severe swelling could persist longer and require professional medical attention.

Can I walk on a sprained ankle?

A typical sprained ankle causes pain and difficulty in bearing weight on the affected foot. While minor sprains might allow some mobility with discomfort, more severe injuries can make it challenging to walk. It's essential not to force movement as it could enhance swelling and prolong healing time.

Do I need physical therapy after an ankle sprain?

Physical therapy is essential after sprained ankle it plays a significant role in rehabilitation process. Therapeutic exercises help restore joint flexibility, enhance muscular strength and improve balance. It's best to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any physical therapy regimen following a sprained ankle.

Do I need surgery to treat my sprained ankle?

In most cases, non-surgical treatment techniques are sufficient for managing sprained ankles. However, In severe cases or reoccurrence of sprains might necessitate surgical intervention to repair the damaged ligaments. It's important to discuss your treatment options with your healthcare provider.

Do ankle sprains heal on their own?

While mild sprained ankle symptoms may improve with rest and self-care measures, ignoring severe or persistent symptoms could lead to complications. It's crucial to seek professional medical advice for proper diagnosis and effective sprained ankle treatment.

How can I reduce my risk of getting a sprained ankle?

Preventing a sprained ankle involves adopting safe practices such as wearing appropriate footwear, warming up before physical activities, avoiding uneven surfaces whenever possible, and strengthening your leg muscles through regular exercise.

What can I expect if I have a sprained ankle?

If you have a sprained ankle, you may experience symptoms like pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, and difficulty in moving the affected foot. Depending upon the severity, your healthcare provider will suggest a suitable treatment plan which may include rest, ice application, compression bandage and elevation of the foot.

How long does a sprained ankle take to heal?

Sprained ankle recovery time typically depends on its severity. While minor sprains might recover within a few weeks with adequate care, significant injuries may require several weeks or even months to fully heal.

How do I take care of myself?

Sprained ankle self-care involves several key steps that can aid faster and more effective recovery.

• First, rest your ankle to prevent further injury.
• Apply ice packs for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours to reduce swelling and numb the pain.
• Use a compression bandage to support the ankle and minimize swelling.
• Elevate your ankle above heart level, especially when sleeping, to decrease swelling.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage pain.

What's a high ankle sprain and how does it differ from an ankle sprain?

A high ankle sprains are associated with an injury to the ligaments connected to the tibia and fiber above the ankle joint, and the typical sprained ankle will affect the ligament around the ankle.

High ankle sprains occur due to rotational or twisting forces and are often more severe, requiring longer recovery times. Symptoms include pain above the ankle, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight. In contrast, regular sprained ankles typically involve rolling the ankle, resulting in pain, swelling, and bruising around the ankle itself.

When to see a doctor?

See a doctor for a sprained ankle if you experience severe pain, inability to bear weight, significant swelling, bruising, or if the symptoms do not improve with self-care within a few days.

Conclusion

Understanding your body's health needs is the first step towards prioritising wellness. If you face a sprained ankle, it's important not only to seek timely medical help but also to follow through with prescribed treatments and rehabilitation processes. Metropolis Healthcare offers comprehensive diagnostic services with at-home sample collection facilities for your convenience.

Remember – your health is in your hands!