Symptoms of Ankle Sprains: How to Recognize and Treat Them

Sprained Ankle Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Ankle sprains are one of the most common sports injuries, and they can occur during daily activities as well. An ankle sprain occurs when one or more of the ligaments in the ankle are stretched or torn. It’s important to recognize the symptoms of an ankle sprain and seek treatment promptly to avoid further injury.

In this blog post, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment of ankle sprains, as well as the treatment options available.

What Causes Ankle Sprains?

Ankle sprains can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Sports injuries: Activities that involve running, jumping, or sudden changes in direction can put stress on the ankle and cause sprains.

Walking on uneven surfaces: Walking on uneven surfaces can cause the ankle to roll or twist, resulting in a sprain.

Wearing improper footwear: Wearing shoes that do not fit properly or do not provide adequate support can increase the risk of ankle sprains.

Previous injuries: If you have previously sprained your ankle, you are at a higher risk of spraining it again.

Symptoms of Ankle Sprains

The symptoms of an ankle sprain can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Common symptoms include:

Pain: Pain in the ankle is the most common symptom of a sprain.Swelling: Swelling around the ankle is also common.

Bruising: Bruising may occur around the ankle, and it may extend down the foot and towards the toes.

Stiffness: The ankle may feel stiff or difficult to move.

Difficulty walking: Depending on the severity of the sprain, it may be difficult to walk or put weight on the affected ankle.

Diagnosing Ankle Sprains

If you think you have sprained your ankle, it is important to see a doctor or physiotherapist for a proper diagnosis. The doctor or physiotherapist will examine your ankle and may order imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI, to determine the extent of the injury.

Ankle Sprain Treatment

The treatment for an ankle sprain depends on the severity of the injury. In some cases, a mild ankle sprain can be treated at home with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). In more severe cases, medical treatment may be necessary.

Here are some treatment options for ankle sprains:

1-Rest and Ice

Resting the ankle and applying ice can help reduce swelling and pain. It is recommended to use ice for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day, for the first few days after the injury.

It is also important to rest the ankle and avoid putting weight on it until the pain and swelling have subsided.

2-Compression

Compression can help reduce swelling and provide support to the ankle.

A compression bandage can be wrapped around the ankle, but it should not be too tight, as this can restrict blood flow.

3-Elevation

Elevating the ankle can also help reduce swelling.

It is recommended to elevate the ankle above the heart for 2-3 hours a day, if possible.

4-Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is a key component of the treatment for ankle sprains.

A physiotherapist can help reduce pain and swelling, improve range of motion, and prevent future injuries.

They may recommend exercises to strengthen the ankle, as well as stretches and manual therapy to improve flexibility and mobility.

5-Medical Acupuncture Therapy

Medical acupuncture therapy can also be an effective treatment for ankle sprains.

It involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes.

Medical acupuncture therapy can help reduce pain and swelling, improve range of motion, and promote overall wellness.

6-Surgery

In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to repair a severe ankle sprain.

Surgery is typically reserved for cases where the ligaments are completely torn, or when the ankle remains unstable after conservative treatments have been tried.

High Ankle Sprain Recovery Time

A high ankle sprain is a more severe type of ankle sprain that affects the ligaments between the tibia and fibula bones in the lower leg. The recovery time for a high ankle sprain is typically longer than for a standard ankle sprain and may take 6-12 weeks or longer to fully heal.

High ankle sprains may require immobilization in a cast or brace, as well as physiotherapy to restore mobility and strength to the affected area.

Best Physiotherapy Clinic in Etobicoke

If you are seeking treatment for an ankle sprain in Etobicoke or Mississauga, Get Back Physiotherapy Clinic is an excellent choice.

Our team of experienced physiotherapists can provide a personalized treatment plan to help you recover from your ankle sprain and prevent future injuries.

We offer a wide range of services, including physiotherapy, medical acupuncture therapy, massage therapy in Etobicoke, and more.

Our clinic is equipped with modern equipment and a welcoming atmosphere to help you feel comfortable and at ease during your treatment.

Sprained Ankle Treatment at Home

In addition to seeking professional treatment, there are several things you can do at home to help treat a sprained ankle. These include:

 

  • Resting the ankle and avoiding activities that cause pain.
  • Applying ice for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
  • Wrapping the ankle in a compression bandage to reduce swelling.
  • Elevating the ankle above the heart for 2-3 hours a day, if possible.
  • Taking over-the-counter pain medication to help manage pain.

Conclusion:

Ankle sprains are a common injury that can cause pain and discomfort. However, with the right treatment plan, most ankle sprains can be successfully treated and prevent future injuries.

If you are experiencing symptoms of an ankle sprain, it is important to seek professional treatment from a physiotherapist or other healthcare provider.

At Get Back Physiotherapy Clinic in Etobicoke, we are dedicated to helping you recover from your ankle sprain and achieve optimal health and wellness.

About Us

We offer physical therapy services with over 13 years of experience. We also offer a holistic approach to your treatment by providing other services like- Massage Therapy, Acupuncture, Naturopathy, Osteopathy and Chiropractor.

We have Pelvic Floor physiotherapists who can help you with Pelvic pain, Incontinence and Prolapse of Pelvic Organ. Our Therapists are also Trained in treating TMJ or Jaw joint.

We are available for service during weekends and early morning hours on weekdays to help you outside your busy work hours.

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