Sprained Ankle: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention

 

An injury when you roll, twist, or turn your ankle awkwardly is called a sprained ankle. The strong tissue bands (ligaments) that support the integrity of your ankle bones may be torn or stretched.

Ligaments help in stabilizing joints by limiting their range of motion. When the ligaments are strained beyond their typical range of motion, a sprained ankle results. The ligaments on the outside of the ankle are typically injured in cases of sprained ankles.

The extent of the injury determines how a sprained ankle is treated. Even while self-care techniques and over-the-counter painkillers could be sufficient, a medical examination may be required to assess the severity of your ankle sprain and to decide on the best course of action.

What is sprained ankle?

Your lower leg and foot are joined at the ankle joint. The three ligaments in your ankle prevent the bones from moving. When one of these ligaments is ripped or overextended, the result is a sprained ankle. A ligament might be harmed by anything that extends your ankle beyond than it should. This typically occurs when your foot is twisted, inwardly, or outwardly turned.

You might have sprained your ankle if it hurts and swells after you fell, twisted, or rolled your ankle.

The majority of sprains result from injuries to the ligaments on the outside of the ankle. The course of treatment is determined by the severity of the pain; it may involve visiting a doctor for a checkup or simply resting the ankle and taking an over-the-counter drug.

Sprained ankle vs. twisted ankle:

Although the terms "twisted" and "sprained" ankle are frequently used interchangeably, they aren't the same. A twisted ankle is the result of your ankle twisting, bending, or rolling abnormally. As such, while they can both be painful, a twisted ankle doesn't always indicate a sprain.

Symptoms:

Depending on how severe the damage is, there are several signs and symptoms of a sprained ankle. They could consist of:

• Pain, particularly when putting weight on the injured foot

• Sensitivity to touch in the ankle

• Bruising and Swelling

• Restricted motion

• The ankle is unstable

• Popping sounds or sensations at the scene of the injury

Causes:

When your ankle is forced to move from its natural position, one or more of the ligaments may stretch, partially tear, or rupture entirely, resulting in a sprain.

A sprained ankle may result from the following:

• A fall that twists your ankle

• Landing into your foot after jumping or pivoting

• Walling or exercising out on an uneven surface

• Someone else stepping on you or landing on your foot while you're doing sports

Risk factors:

The following variables raise your chance of suffering a sprained ankle:

• Participation in sports. Ankle sprains are a common sports injury, especially in activities like basketball, tennis, football, soccer, and trail running that call for leaping, cutting, rolling, or twisting of the foot.

• Uneven exteriors. An ankle sprain might happen more frequently when jogging or walking on uneven terrain or in unfavorable field conditions.

• Previous injury to the ankle. You run the risk of spraining your ankle again if you've already done so or if you've had another kind of ankle injury.

• Poor bodily condition. When playing sports, the risk of spraining your ankles increases if your ankles are weak or flexible.

• Improper footwear. Ankle injuries are more common in those wearing high-heeled shoes or shoes that don't fit well or aren't appropriate for the activity.

Ankle Sprained Diagnosis:

Your physician will make an effort to rule out a major injury such as a fractured bone. To find out which bones are impacted and to ensure that your arteries and nerves are unharmed, they will move your ankle and foot. Additionally, they'll make sure that there is no tearing of the Achilles tendon, which runs around the back of your ankle.

X-rays may be performed to look for fractures. In case of a serious sprain, your physician could prescribe additional imaging tests such as:

• MRI. This may indicate bone chips, ruptured ligaments, or cartilage injury, among other issues.
• Ultrasound. This allows your doctor to see how your ligament moves with your ankle.
• CT scan. This creates detailed pictures of your bones using X-rays and a computer.

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Complications:

The following consequences may arise from improperly treating a sprained ankle, from spraining your ankle frequently, or from participating in activities too soon after the injury:

• Chronic ankle pain

• Chronic instability of the ankle joint

• Joint arthritis in the ankle

Treatment:

The severity of the damage dictates how your sprained ankle should be treated. The objectives of treatment are to lessen ankle discomfort and swelling, encourage ligament healing, and restore ankle function. In case of severe injuries, you might be directed to a musculoskeletal injury expert, like an orthopedic surgeon or a doctor who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation.


Self-care:

During the first two or three days following an ankle sprain, apply the R.I.C.E. method for self-care:

• Rest. Steer clear of activities that aggravate discomfort, edema, or pain.

• Ice. While you're awake, apply an ice pack or an ice slush bath for 15 to 20 minutes right away. Repeat every two to three hours. See your doctor before applying ice if you have diabetes, vascular problems, or decreased sensations.C

• Compression. Apply an elastic bandage to the ankle and squeeze it until the swelling subsides. Don't wrap too tightly as this can impede circulation. Starting from the end furthest away from your heart, wrap.

• Elevate your ankle above your heart to minimize swelling, particularly at night. Gravity drains extra fluid, which helps minimize edema.

Medications:
For cases, sprained ankle pain can be adequately treated with over-the-counter analgesics like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, etc.), naproxen sodium (Aleve, etc.), or acetaminophen (Tylenol, etc.).

Exercises for strained ankles:

About 48 hours after your sprain, you can begin exercising, and you should continue until the pain is gone. Starting the exercises while seated on a chair or the floor is a smart choice. You can perform the following kinds of workouts to improve your strength, flexibility, and range of motion:

• Flex your ankle. Repeat many times, pointing your toes out from you and then pulling them toward your body while keeping your toes Report Phrase on the floor.

• Using your big toe, sketch the letters. Using your big toe, sketch each letter of the alphabet in the air while placing your heel on the ground.

• Apply resistance by pulling your sprained foot both inward and outward with an elastic band.

• Both when sitting and when standing, extend your ankle.

• Stretch your heels by standing up on your heels.

Surgery:

Surgery is usually not necessary for ankle sprains. However, your doctor might advise surgery to restore your ligaments if you have a serious sprain that is not going to go better on its own. Surgery might be an option for you if you:

• You're experiencing persistent pain in your ankle and foot.

• Frequently sustain ankle sprains

• Own an ankle that fails to support you when you run or walk

• To repair the ligaments in your ankle, there are two primary types of procedures:

• Arthroscopy. Doctors create small cuts in your skin and examine your injured ligaments with a camera to choose the best surgical strategy.

• Reconstruction of the lateral ankle ligament. A tendon is used to replace the injured ligament in the first approach, while sutures, or stitches, are used in the second to strengthen your ligaments.

Prevention:

You may prevent suffering from a sprained ankle or a recurrent sprain by using the following advice:

• Before working out or doing sports, warm up.

• When jogging, walking, or working on an uneven terrain, use caution.

• When treating a weak or previously injured ankle, use tape or an ankle support device.

• Put on shoes that are appropriate for the activity and that fit nicely.

• Reduce your use of high-heeled footwear.

• Avoid engaging in sports or other activities for which you are not prepared.

• Keep your muscles flexible and strong.

• Engage in stability training, which should include balance exercises.

References:

• Porter DA, et al. Principles of rehabilitation for the foot and ankle. In: Baxter's The Foot and Ankle in Sport. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2008. https://clinicalkey.com. Accessed May 27, 2017.

• Papadakis M.A., & McPhee S.J., & Bernstein J. Quick Medical Diagnosis & Treatment (https://accessmedicine-mhmedical-com.ccmain.ohionet.org/content.aspx?bookid=2986&sectionid=251086882). New York: McGraw Hill; 2021. Accessed 10/15/2021.

• Safran MR, et al. Sprain. In: Instructions for Sports Medicine Patients. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2012. https://clinicalkey.com. Accessed May 25, 2017.

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Sprained Ankle (https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/sprained-ankle/). Accessed 10/26/2021.

• Kaminski TW, et al. National Athletic Trainers' Association position statement: Conservative management and prevention of ankle sprains in athletes. Journal of Athletic Training. 2013;48:528.

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Ankle Fractures (Broken Ankle) (https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/ankle-fractures-broken-ankle/). Accessed 10/26/2021.

• Merck Manual. Overview of Sprains and Other Soft-Tissue Injuries (https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/injuries-poisoning/sprains-and-other-soft-tissue-injuries/overview-of-sprains-and-other-soft-tissue-injuries#v13386203). Accessed 10/26/2021.

• National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Sprains and Strains (https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/sprains-and-strains#tab-overview). Accessed 10/26/2021.