Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains are one of the most common lower body issues and because of the myriad of ways that injury can occur they affect a broad spectrum of ages and activity levels. Sprained ankles happen when the ligaments that protect the joint from abnormal or hyper mobility (such as twisting, turning, or excessive rolling of the foot) are stretched beyond their ability to contract normally. If the elastic fibers of the tendon actually tear it would be considered a severe sprain.
While sprains often occur during physical activity they can also result from stepping onto an uneven surface or when ascending stairs or steps. In fact, any activity where the foot can twist or roll beyond the ligaments usual limits can cause this type of injury.
The amount of discomfort experienced depends entirely on the degree of stretching and tearing that has occurred in the ligament; so pain can range from uncomfortable to severe. Swelling is usually a primary symptom and in some cases a ‘popping’ noise is heard, followed by tenderness, discoloration and the inability to put any pressure on the ankle and foot. Serious instability is the usually the result of a full tearing of the ligament or dislocation of the ankle joint.
Medical treatment should be sought if a sprain is suspected of having occurred. Due to the tenderness and inflammation of the injured ankle examination may be painful, but it is important to determine if tearing of the tissues or dislocation has occurred to preserve the integrity of the joint. An MRI may be ordered to determine the nature and severity of the injury. If ankle sprains are not properly treated or given sufficient time to heal the injury may become chronic and leave the joint vulnerable to muscle weakness, muscular imbalances, and re-injury.
Sprained ankles are often treated with REST, ICE, COMPRESSION and ELEVATION. They also often require the use of crutches as swelling and pain may make it difficult to walk, however, if the sprain is severe removable cast-boots or air splints may be prescribed. Most sprains take four to six weeks to fully heal and only require a cast or crutches for a short period of time. Complete ligament tears may require longer periods of immobilization to heal. Movement is often introduced early in the healing process (within 1-3 days after injury) in order to prevent muscle stiffness from occurring and to regain flexibility in the calf muscle, which is essential for foot and ankle health. Surgery is very rarely used to treat ankle sprains.
There are a few steps that can be taken to help prevent ankle sprains from occurring, such as maintaining good balance (people with balance issues suffer 2-3 more times the amount of ankle injuries than people with good balance), warming up before engaging in physical activities, wearing supportive footwear with a low, wide heel if you must wear heels, performing specific exercises to strengthen the muscles and tendons in the ankle, and maintaining flexibility in the ankle joint. While prevention of ankle sprains is not guaranteed these measures can seriously reduce the risk of this type of injury.
While sprains often occur during physical activity they can also result from stepping onto an uneven surface or when ascending stairs or steps. In fact, any activity where the foot can twist or roll beyond the ligaments usual limits can cause this type of injury.
The amount of discomfort experienced depends entirely on the degree of stretching and tearing that has occurred in the ligament; so pain can range from uncomfortable to severe. Swelling is usually a primary symptom and in some cases a ‘popping’ noise is heard, followed by tenderness, discoloration and the inability to put any pressure on the ankle and foot. Serious instability is the usually the result of a full tearing of the ligament or dislocation of the ankle joint.
Medical treatment should be sought if a sprain is suspected of having occurred. Due to the tenderness and inflammation of the injured ankle examination may be painful, but it is important to determine if tearing of the tissues or dislocation has occurred to preserve the integrity of the joint. An MRI may be ordered to determine the nature and severity of the injury. If ankle sprains are not properly treated or given sufficient time to heal the injury may become chronic and leave the joint vulnerable to muscle weakness, muscular imbalances, and re-injury.
Sprained ankles are often treated with REST, ICE, COMPRESSION and ELEVATION. They also often require the use of crutches as swelling and pain may make it difficult to walk, however, if the sprain is severe removable cast-boots or air splints may be prescribed. Most sprains take four to six weeks to fully heal and only require a cast or crutches for a short period of time. Complete ligament tears may require longer periods of immobilization to heal. Movement is often introduced early in the healing process (within 1-3 days after injury) in order to prevent muscle stiffness from occurring and to regain flexibility in the calf muscle, which is essential for foot and ankle health. Surgery is very rarely used to treat ankle sprains.
There are a few steps that can be taken to help prevent ankle sprains from occurring, such as maintaining good balance (people with balance issues suffer 2-3 more times the amount of ankle injuries than people with good balance), warming up before engaging in physical activities, wearing supportive footwear with a low, wide heel if you must wear heels, performing specific exercises to strengthen the muscles and tendons in the ankle, and maintaining flexibility in the ankle joint. While prevention of ankle sprains is not guaranteed these measures can seriously reduce the risk of this type of injury.
Suzy Pickhall, who has got been a foot care expert for more many years has written a functional guide on how to combat Top of the Foot Pain , also view her other site View Insoles and Orthotics.