A sprained ankle is a very common injury, they are caused by an unnatural twisting or force on the ankle bones of the foot, often resulting in one or more ligaments on the outside of the ankle to be stretched or torn. Sprains often occur when wearing ill fitting shoes or walking on uneven surfaces. According to the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society, 25,000 people are treated for ankle sprains every day.
3 Types of Ankle Sprains
- Inversion – when you sprain your ankle on the pinky toe side of the ankle.
- Eversion – when a sprain is on the big toe side of the ankle
- High ankle sprain – affects the upper part of the ankle between the foot and the shin.
How Severe is Your Ankle Sprain?
Ankle sprains are categorized into grades that define the severity of the injury.
A Grade 1 ankle sprain is characterized by ligaments that are stretched or slightly torn. The ankle will have minimal tenderness and swelling.
A Grade 2 Moderated tenderness and swelling with decreased range of motion. Minor instability.
A Grade 3 ankle sprain constitutes a complete tear of the ligament. Significant swelling and pain and unable to walk.
Ankle Sprain Symptoms
- Ankle Pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Redness
- Hot to the touch
Treatment for a Sprained Ankle
If you have an ankle sprain, treating it properly may prevent chronic pain and instability.
For a Grade I sprain, follow the R.I.C.E. guidelines:
- Rest your ankle by not walking on it. Limit weight bearing. Use crutches if necessary; if there is no fracture you are safe to put some weight on the leg. An ankle brace often helps control swelling and adds stability while the ligaments are healing.
- Ice it to keep down the swelling. Don’t put ice directly on the skin (use a thin piece of cloth such as a pillow case between the ice bag and the skin) and don’t ice more than 20 minutes at a time to avoid frost bite.
- Compression can help control swelling as well as immobilize and support your injury.
- Elevate the foot by reclining and propping it up above the waist or heart as needed.
Swelling usually goes down with a few days.
For a Grade II sprain, follow the R.I.C.E. guidelines and allow more time for healing. A doctor may immobilize or splint your sprained ankle.
A Grade III sprain puts you at risk for permanent ankle instability. Rarely, surgery may be needed to repair the damage.. For severe ankle sprains, your doctor may also consider treating you with a short leg cast for two to three weeks or a walking boot. People who sprain their ankle repeatedly may also need surgical repair to tighten their ligaments.
If you have a painful ankle sprain, come to your Coastal Urgent Care so we can help determine the grade of the sprain and the right course of treatment to get you back on your feet in no time!