Ankle Sprain

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Ankle Sprain

What is an ankle sprain?

Ankle sprains are the nemesis of many active sports participant. Immediately painful and incapacitating, the injury can often develop into a chronic problem. If treated quickly and properly, the ankle should heal well, and allow a safe and early return to activity. The injury is usually a result of the ankle turning in. Ankle sprains may be graded into three degrees of severity. The severity of the injury will dictate how long it will take before you can return to full activity.

Degrees of sprains

The first degree injury is the most common and most minor if not neglected. It is actually a sprain of the ligaments connecting the bones of the ankle. They are stretched but not torn, with very little swelling and no instability. The person is usually back to sports within a couple weeks. The second degree injury is more serious. The ankle ligaments are partially torn. There is some blood in the tissues and there will be some bruising of the ankle after a couple days. This condition requires at least 3-6 weeks before return to full activity. The third degree injury is the most severe. It is a more serious tear of the ligaments, but rarely requires surgery. It takes 8-12 months for the ligaments to fully heal in the third degree injury.

Is it acute or chronic?

If you have sprained your ankle in the past, you may continue to sprain it if the ligaments did not have time to completely heal. If the sprain happens frequently and pain continues for more than four weeks to six weeks, you may have a chronic ankle sprain. Activities that tend to make an already sprained ankle worse include stepping on uneven surfaces, cutting actions and sports that require rolling or twisting of the foot, such as trail running, basketball, tennis, football and soccer.

Possible complications of ankle sprains and treatment include abnormal proprioception. There may be imbalance and muscle weakness that causes a re-injury. If this happens over and over again, a chronic situation may persist with instability, a sense of the ankle giving way (gross laxity) and chronic pain. This can also happen if you return to work, sports or other activities without letting the ankle heal and become rehabilitated.

Treatment

The crucial part of the treatment is rehabilitation. Physiotherapy is the best way to improve your ankle strength and flexibility. A home program is also important. It is important that your ankle be strong before you return to activity. To early a return will lead to re-injury and a chronic problem

Initially the pain and swelling must be reduced.

1. Ice the ankle during the day for several hours.
2. Compression of the ankle will limit the swelling. A Tensor bandage is usually sufficient but a therapist or doctor may apply a more effective support.
3. Elevate the ankle as much as possible.
4. Your doctor may prescribe pills to alleviate pain and reduce the swelling and inflammation.

After and injury your ankle will bet stiff, it is important to maintain the range of motion of your ankle. You can diagram the alphabet with your big toe making the letters as large as possible.

Writing the Alphabet with the toe.

Contrast baths can be started at this time as well.