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ANKLE SPRAIN : EXPLAINED WITH HOME TREATMENT

Ankle Sprain Treatment

SPRAINED OR TWISTED ANKLE
  • An ankle sprain is an injury to the tough bands of tissue (ligaments) that surround and connect the bones of the leg to the foot.
  • When ligaments surrounding the ankle are pushed past their boundaries, it causes a sprain.
  • These ligaments help stabilize the joint hence preventing excessive movement. 
ANATOMY OF TWISTED ANKLE
  • Most commonly involved ligaments are the one present outside of the ankle.
What Causes Ankle Sprain ?
Placing foot wrong way when running

Wearing high heels or shoes that don’t fit well


Signs and Symptoms of Ankle Sprain
  • swelling
  • tenderness
  • bruising
  • pain in ability to put weight on the affected ankle
  • skin discoloration 
  • stiffness
  • Tenderness to touch
  • Instability of the ankle—this may occur in severe cases
How to Diagnose Ankle Sprain
  • Anterior Draw - tests 
  • ATFL Talar Tilt - tests (anterior talofibular ligaments)
  • CFL Posterior Draw - tests (calcaneofibular ligaments)
  • PTFL Squeeze test - for syndesmotic sprain (posterior talofibular ligaments)
  • External rotation stress test 
When to visit a doctor for Ankle Sprain
These tests should be performed 4-7 days after injury. Just to allow the initial swelling and pain to settle.
One must visit the doctor if person can't walk, or if  ankle doesn’t feel better even after 5 to 7 days of rest.
If there is no broken bone, the doctor may be able to tell the severity of your ankle sprain based upon the amount of swelling, pain, and bruising.
Grades of Ankle Sprain
Sprains are graded based on how much damage has occurred to the ligaments.
  • Grade I Mild - Little swelling and tenderness with little impact on function
  • Grade II Moderate - Moderate swelling, pain and impact on function. Reduced proprioception, ROM and instability
  • Grade III Severe - Complete rupture, large swelling, high tenderness loss of function and marked instability
Home Treatment for Mild to Moderate Ankle Sprain
Follow the RICE protocol as soon as possible after your injury:
  • Rest your ankle by not walking on it.
  • Ice should be immediately applied to keep the swelling down. It can be used for 20 to 30 minutes, three or four times daily. 
  • Compression dressings, bandages or ace-wraps will immobilize and support your injured ankle.
  • Elevate your ankle above the level of your heart as often as possible during the first 48 hours.
  • Medicines such as ibuprofen and naproxen can help control pain and swelling.
Ankle Bracing and Taping


Ankle Bracing and taping is often used as a preventative measure. 
Ankle taping may be used to help stabilize the joint by limiting motion and proprioception. Ankle taping is said to have a greater effect in preventing recurrent strains rather than an initial sprain.
You can use elastic bandages (such as an ACE bandage) to wrap your ankle or even crutches to keep weight off the ankle.

Physical therapy for TWISTED ANKLE
  • Rehabilitation exercises are used to prevent stiffness, increase ankle strength, and prevent chronic ankle problems.
  • Exercises that involve range-of-motion or controlled movements of your ankle without resistance.
  • Balance exercise is standing on the affected foot with the opposite foot raised and eyes closed. Balance boards are often used.
  • Exercises to be followed
  • Flexes.
  • Ankle alphabet.
  • Press down, pull back.
  • Ankle eversion.
  • Ankle inversion.
  • Standing stretch.
  • Seated stretch.
  • Rises.
Summary
Ankle Sprain is an injury that occurs when the ankle rolls, twists or turns in an awkward way. It is quite a common injury and it can be recovered with bit of rest and physical therapy.

Comment us about your own experiences on injuries while playing.

Your comeback story will be featured on this blog in a special section.

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Comments

  1. AnkitaJune 8, 2020 at 11:21 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnkitaJune 8, 2020 at 11:21 PM

    Explained very well!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. James ZicrovJune 28, 2021 at 3:34 PM

    This post is very interesting and informative. Thank you for sharing. Do share more.

    Foot & Ankle Therapy

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownDecember 6, 2021 at 4:17 PM

    Indeed, This post is really amazing. Thanks a lot for sharing such an information. Just keep up the good work.


    Ankle Support

    ReplyDelete
  5. Arina GeorgeMay 3, 2022 at 12:54 PM

    This blog is very informative Thank you for providing such information. I received excellent care from USA Sports Therapy and I am presently 10 months post treatment for Ankle injuries and have been pain free.. To know more for Ankle injuries treatment Aventura and Shoulder impingement treatment Aventura ,


    ReplyDelete
  6. Kyile SwettMay 3, 2022 at 1:06 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Kyile SwettMay 3, 2022 at 1:06 PM

    Wonderful information, Thanks for sharing, I just had an Ankle sprain therapy in Aventura, Now i Fell Pain FREE. To know more for Ankle sprain therapy Aventura and Golfers elbow treatment Aventura ,

    ReplyDelete
  8. JanaweberMay 3, 2022 at 1:10 PM

    Wow nice post, My name is Jana Weber Thank you for providing such information. I received excellent care from USA Sports Therapy and I am presently 10 months post treatment for Ankle injuries and have been pain free.. To know more for
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