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An ankle sprain is one of the most common injuries and is experienced by almost 25,000 people everyday in the United Sates. It can happen to athletes, bodybuilding enthusiasts, housewives, children, older adults, runners, football players or anyone else. It can be caused when anywhere and at any point of time irrespective of the fact whether you participate in sports and fitness activities or not. You can twist your ankle while running, walking, falling climbing the stairs or hiking.
The joint between the foot and the leg is called the ankle and injury to one or more ligaments in the ankle is called ankle sprain.
What is a ligament?
The ligaments of the ankle hold the ankle bones and joint in together. They protect the ankle joint from abnormal activities such as turning, twisting, rolling, jerking etc. A ligament is a flexible structure that can stretch only within its limits and then go back to its normal positions. A sprain occurs when a ligament is stretched beyond its normal range of motion by the application of sudden impact or force.
You can sprain your ankle if the foot is placed haphazardly on a surface, beyond the normal force of the stride. This causes the ligaments to stretch beyond their normal range in an irregular position.
Some ankle sprains are much worse than others. The seriousness of an ankle sprain depends on whether the ligament is stretched, moderately torn, or entirely torn.
Symptoms of Ankle Sprains-
Symptoms of a sprained angle depend on the severity of the sprain which is divided into three categories.
Mild sprain (grade 1) - A ligament in the ankle stretches beyond its normal range of motion and may also undergo microscopic tears. Nominal tenderness and inflammation of the ankle can be accompanied with pain. Weight can be put on the ankle.
Moderate sprain (grade 2) – This is characterized by partial tearing of the ligament. Moderated tenderness and swelling, possible unsteadiness is prominent. It is painful to put weight on the ankle or to try to move it. Abnormal bagginess of the ankle joint occurs.
Severe sprain (grade 3) – It is marked by complete tear of the ligament, significant swelling, tenderness and instability, resulting in severe pain. It is very painful to move the ankle or put any weight on it.
Other symptoms include difficulty in walking and stiffness in the joint.
Causes of Ankle Sprains:
The most general cause of an ankle sprain is the application weight on the foot when it is in an upturned position. This causes the ligaments to stretch beyond their normal length. This may cause you to lose your balance resulting in a fall followed by acute pain. You might even hear a ‘pop’ when the ankle gets injured. This usually happens while running, jumping or hopping on an uneven surface. You can also twist your ankle due to a fall by landing clumsily on the foot.
Factors increasing risk:
Participating in sports activities- Ankle sprains are a very common sports injury. Sports that require rolling or twisting your foot, such as basketball, tennis, football and soccer can increase the chances of spraining your ankle, particularly if you\'re overweight. Playing sports on an uneven surface can also result in an ankle sprain
Prior ankle injury. Once your ankle has been sprained, or you have had another type of ankle injury, you\'re more likely to sprain it again
Prevention:
The best way to prevent ankle sprains is to maintain a strong musculature, flexibility, balance and coordination.
Focus on the surface while walking, running or working.
Wear appropriate shoes.
In case you feel tired or fatigues, slow down.
Treatment for Ankle Sprains-
It takes about four to six weeks for an ankle sprain to heal completely. It is essential to incorporate movement during the early phase of the healing process in order to prevent stiffness. A complete ligament tear can also heal without surgery if the necessary precautions are taken.
For a Grade 1 sprain, use R.I.C.E (rest, ice, compression and elevation):
Rest your ankle. Avoid walking.
Ice should be applied for 20 minutes to 30 minutes, three or four times daily to reduce swelling.
Compression must be provided to support the injured ankle.
Elevate your ankle above your heart level for 48 hours.
For a Grade 2 sprain, use R.I.C.E. therapy and give proper rest to the ankle.
A Grade 3 sprain can be associated with permanent unsteadiness. A short leg cast or may be used for two weeks to three weeks.
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