Ankle Sprain

What is an ankle sprain, and how is it treated?

An ankle sprain is a common injury that affects people of all ages and activity levels. Whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior, or just going about your daily routine, an ankle sprain can disrupt your life. Here, you will learn about the different grades of ankle sprains, their diagnosis, and treatment options. We will also discuss how you can prevent ankle sprains from happening.

Are you struggling with an ankle sprain? Our experienced team at OrthoNeuro is here to provide you with comprehensive care and guide you through the recovery process. Contact one of our offices in Columbus, OH, today to schedule an appointment and start your journey to recovery!

What is an Ankle Sprain?

An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments that connect the bones in the ankle joint are stretched or torn. This injury typically happens when the foot rolls inward or outward, causing the ankle ligaments to stretch beyond their normal range of motion.

The most common type of ankle sprain is an inversion injury. This is when the ankle rolls inwards and the ligaments on the outside of the ankle get damaged. Less common is an eversion injury, where the ankle rolls outward and damages the ligaments on the inside of the ankle. Ankle sprains can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the damage to the ligaments involved.

Classification of Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains are classified into three grades based on the severity of the injury:

Grade 1 (Mild Sprain): Minor stretching and microscopic tearing of the ligament fibers. Mild pain and swelling.
Grade 2 (Moderate Sprain): Partial tearing of the ligament. Moderate pain, swelling, and bruising. Some difficulty bearing weight.
Grade 3 (Severe Sprain): Complete tear of the ligament. Severe pain, swelling, bruising, and inability to bear weight.

Ankle sprains can occur due to various reasons, including:

Playing Sports: High-impact activities and sudden changes in direction.
Uneven Surfaces: Walking or running on uneven surfaces.
Weak Muscles: Weakness in the muscles around the ankle joint.
Other Injuries: Previous ankle injuries can lead to chronic ankle instability.

Symptoms of a Sprained Ankle

The symptoms of a sprained ankle can vary depending on the severity of the injury but generally include:

Pain and swelling around the injured ankle
Bruising and discoloration
Difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot
Reduced range of motion
Instability in the ankle

Examination and Tests

To diagnose ankle sprains, our orthopedic surgeons at OrthoNeuro will conduct a thorough diagnostic process. This may include:

Physical Exam: Assessing pain, swelling, and range of motion.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): This may be used for severe ankle sprains to check for damage to the tendons and cartilage in the ankle.
X-rays: To rule out other injuries such as fractures.

How to Treat a Sprained Ankle

The treatments for ankle sprains can vary based on the severity of the sprain, as there are several different grades of ankle sprains.

If you sustain an ankle sprain, it is important to contact one of the board-certified foot and ankle specialists at OrthoNeuro to determine the severity of the sprain.

Continuing to bear weight on the ankle, improper rest, and continuing activity can cause the sprain to progress in severity.

If you have a mild sprain, you may be encouraged to follow the RICE method. This includes the following:

Rest: Stop walking or exercising on your ankle until your ankle has recovered.
Ice: Apply an ice pack to the injured ligaments for 20-30 minutes, 3-4 times a day.
Compression: Use a bandage or other method to immobilize and support your injured ankle.
Elevation: Try to keep your ankle above the level of your heart for as much as possible for the first 48 hours.

Non-Surgical Treatment

Non-surgical treatments can treat most ankle sprains. At OrthoNeuro, our foot and ankle specialists can help with the following non-surgical treatments:

Physical Therapy: Strengthening exercises to improve stability and range of motion.
Walking Boot or Brace: To immobilize the ankle and allow healing.
Medications: Pain relievers to manage severe pain and inflammation.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is rarely needed to treat an ankle sprain. However, surgical intervention may be necessary in severe cases to repair damaged ligaments. Our surgeons can perform arthroscopic minimally invasive surgery to perform the following:

Ligament Repair: Reattaching torn ligaments.
Ligament Reconstruction: Using a graft to reconstruct the ligament.

Recovery

Recovery from an ankle sprain depends on the injury’s severity and the treatment plan’s effectiveness. Mild sprains may heal within a few weeks, while severe sprains can take several months.

A comprehensive rehabilitation program, including physical therapy, is crucial for a full recovery. It’s essential to follow your doctor’s advice and avoid returning to high-impact activities too soon to prevent future ankle sprains.

Prevention

Preventing ankle sprains involves maintaining good muscle strength and flexibility around the ankle joint. Here are some tips to help prevent ankle sprains:

Strengthening Exercises: Regular exercises to strengthen the muscles around the ankle.
Proper Footwear: Wear shoes that provide adequate support.
Warm-Up: Properly warm up before physical activities.
Avoiding Uneven Surfaces: Being cautious on uneven surfaces.
Balance Training: Improving balance to prevent falls and injuries.

At OrthoNeuro, our team is dedicated to helping you maintain healthy ankles and prevent future injuries. If you have any concerns or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Make an Appointment with an OrthoNeuro Specialist Today!

If you have been suffering the symptoms of an ankle sprain, schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified foot and ankle specialists at one of our multiple locations throughout Greater Columbus, Ohio. We look forward to helping you get back to doing what you love! Contact us today!

Medically reviewed by Jeffrey E. Gittins, DO

Sources

https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/sprained-ankle/

Foot, Ankle, and Podiatry Specialists

IF YOU HAVE AN ACUTE INJURY OR LIVE WITH CHRONIC FOOT AND ANKLE PAIN IN CALL ORTHONEURO TODAY OR MAKE AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE FOR EXPERT FOOT AND ANKLE CARE IN COLUMBUS, OHIO.