Ankle sprain: Causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention 

Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries that people experience, especially in sports. It occurs when the ligaments that hold the ankle joint together are stretched or torn due to excessive force. Ankle sprains can happen to anyone, regardless of age or activity level. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of ankle sprains.

What is an Ankle Sprain?

An ankle sprain refers to an injury of the ligaments that connect the bones of the ankle joint. It happens when the ankle twists, turns, or rolls beyond its normal range of motion. This causes the ligaments to stretch or tear, leading to pain, swelling, and instability in the ankle.

Causes of Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains can happen due to various reasons, including:

1. Sports Injuries

Ankle sprains are most common in sports that involve jumping, running, and changing direction quickly. Basketball, soccer, football, and tennis are some of the sports that put athletes at risk of ankle sprains.

2. Uneven Surfaces

Walking, running, or jumping on uneven surfaces like rocks, grass, or gravel can also cause ankle sprains.

3. High Heels

Wearing high-heeled shoes can put excessive pressure on the ankle joint, making it more susceptible to sprains.

4. Weak Ankles

People with weak ankles are more likely to experience ankle sprains. This is because weak ankle muscles cannot support the joint properly, making it easier to twist or roll the ankle.

Symptoms of Ankle Sprains

The symptoms of an ankle sprain may vary depending on the severity of the injury. However, some common symptoms include:

1. Pain

Pain is the most common symptom of an ankle sprain. The pain can range from mild to severe and may be felt on the outside or inside of the ankle.

2. Swelling

Swelling is another common symptom of ankle sprains. The injured ankle may swell immediately after the injury or over time.

3. Bruising

Bruising around the ankle joint is also common after an ankle sprain.

4. Stiffness

Stiffness in the ankle joint is also common after an ankle sprain. The injured ankle may be difficult to move or bend.

5. Instability

Ankle sprains can also cause instability in the ankle joint. The ankle may feel wobbly or weak, making it difficult to bear weight on the affected leg.

Types of Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains are classified into three types based on the severity of the injury.

1. Grade 1 Ankle Sprain

Grade 1 ankle sprains are the mildest form of ankle sprains. They occur when the ligaments are stretched but not torn. The symptoms of a grade 1 ankle sprain include mild pain, swelling, and stiffness.

2. Grade 2 Ankle Sprain

Grade 2 ankle sprains occur when the ligaments are partially torn. The symptoms of a grade 2 ankle sprain include moderate pain, swelling, bruising, and stiffness.

3. Grade 3 Ankle Sprain

Grade 3 ankle sprains are the most severe form of ankle sprains. They occur when the ligaments are completely torn. The symptoms of a grade 3 ankle sprain include severe pain, swelling, bruising, and instability.

Treatment for Ankle Sprains

The treatment for ankle sprains depends, some common treatments for ankle sprains include:

1. PEACE & LOVE

Protection: Avoid activities and movements that increase pain during the first days after injuries.

Elevation: Elevate the limb higher than the heart as often as possible

Avoid anti-inflammation: Avoid taking anti-inflammatory medications as they tissue healing avoid icing

Compression: Use an elastic bandage or taping to reduce swelling

Education: Your body knows best. Avoid unnecessary treatments and medical investigations and let nature play its role

Load: Let pain guide your gradual return to normal activities. Your body will tell you when it's safe to increase the load.

Optimism: Conditions your brain to optimal recovery by being confident and positive

Vascularisation: Choose pain-free cardiovascular activities to increase blood flow to repair tissues

Exercise: Get in contact with a physical therapist for a rehabilitation plan. exercise will help restore mobility, strength and proprioception by adopting an active approach to recovery.

2. Surgery

In rare cases, surgery may be needed to repair severe ankle sprains that do not heal with conservative treatment. Surgery may involve repairing or reconstructing the damaged ligament.

Prevention of Ankle Sprains

Taking preventive measures can help reduce the risk of ankle sprains. Here are some tips to prevent ankle sprains:

1. Wear Proper Shoes

Wearing shoes that fit well and provide proper support can help prevent ankle sprains. Athletic shoes with good ankle support are recommended for sports activities.

2. Strengthen Ankle Muscles

Exercises that strengthen the ankle muscles can help improve stability and reduce the risk of ankle sprains. Some examples of ankle-strengthening exercises include calf raises, ankle circles, and ankle dorsiflexion.

3. Warm Up

Warming up before any physical activity can help prepare the body for the stress of the activity. Doing some light stretching and warm-up exercises can help reduce the risk of ankle sprains.

4. Be Careful on Uneven Surfaces

Walking or running on uneven surfaces can increase the risk of ankle sprains. You should be careful while walking or running on uneven surfaces and wear shoes with good traction.

5. Take Breaks

Taking regular breaks during physical activities can help prevent fatigue and reduce the risk of ankle sprains.

6. Use Ankle Braces

Using ankle braces or supports can help prevent ankle sprains, especially for people with weak ankles or a history of ankle sprains.

Ankle Sprain FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about ankle sprains:

1. How long does it take for an ankle sprain to heal?

The recovery time for an ankle sprain depends on the severity of the injury. Mild ankle sprains may take 1–2 weeks to heal, while severe ankle sprains may take several weeks or even months to heal.

2. Can I walk on an ankle sprain?

You should avoid putting weight on an ankle sprain until the pain and swelling have subsided. Walking or putting weight on an injured ankle can delay the healing process and increase the risk of further damage.

3. When should I see a doctor for an ankle sprain

You should see a physical therapist for an ankle sprain if you experience severe pain, swelling, or bruising, or if you are unable to put weight on the affected ankle. You should also see a physical therapist if you have a history of ankle sprains or if you have any concerns about the injury.

4. Can ankle sprains be prevented?

Taking preventive measures such as wearing proper shoes, strengthening ankle muscles, and using ankle braces can help reduce the risk of ankle sprains. However, ankle sprains cannot be completely prevented, as they can occur during unexpected incidents or accidents.

5. Can ankle sprains lead to long-term complications?

In some cases, ankle sprains can lead to long-term complications such as chronic pain, instability, and arthritis. However, most ankle sprains heal without any long-term complications if treated properly.

6. Can physical therapy help with ankle sprains?

Yes, physical therapy can help improve ankle strength and flexibility after an ankle sprain. A physical therapist can develop an exercise plan to help you regain strength and mobility in the ankle.

Conclusion

Ankle sprains are a common injury that can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility. They occur when the ligaments that connect the bones in the ankle joint are stretched or torn. Ankle sprains can be treated with PEACE & LOVE, medications, physical therapy, and, in rare cases, surgery.

Taking preventive measures such as wearing proper shoes, strengthening ankle muscles, and using ankle braces can help reduce the risk of ankle sprains. If you experience severe pain, swelling, or bruising or are unable to put weight on the affected ankle, you should see a physical therapist.

With proper treatment and care, most ankle sprains heal without any long-term complications. If you experience any concerns or have questions about ankle sprains, consult with a medical professional.

Reference: 

Dubois, B. and Esculier, J.F., 2020. Soft-tissue injuries simply need PEACE and LOVE. British journal of sports medicine, 54(2), pp.72-73.

Fong, D.T.P., Hong, Y., Chan, L.K., Yung, P.S.H. and Chan, K.M., 2007. A systematic review on ankle injury and ankle sprain in sports. Sports medicine, 37, pp.73-94.

Ivins, D.J., 2006. Acute ankle sprain: an update. American family physician, 74(10), pp.1714-1720.

Russell, J.A., 2010. Acute ankle sprain in dancers. Journal of dance medicine & science, 14(3), pp.89-96.