It doesn’t take much. Stepping off a curb wrong or wobbling in your high heels can lead to an ankle sprain as quickly as a misstep during a run. An ankle sprain is a common injury that can affect anyone. Delaying or avoiding treatment can result in chronic pain and ankle instability.
What Does a Sprained Ankle Feel Like?
Ankle sprains are painful, and it may not be clear whether you have suffered a sprain or a fracture. Seeking medical attention is important to understanding the severity of your injury. Imaging technology and a physical exam of the ankle and foot will reveal the best course of treatment to ensure a strong foundation in the future.
The question is not if it will hurt, but how badly. Depending on the extent of the injury, sprains are divided into three categories. Grade 1 means the ligaments that hold the ankle bones together have been stretched beyond their normal range. You may have twinges of pain when you take a step and mild swelling, but some people can still move about fairly normally. With a Grade 2, the ligament is partially torn. Pain is more intense, there is more swelling and possibly bruising, and the ankle may feel a bit loose when manipulated. Grade 3 is when the ligament is completely ruptured. You may even hear a snap when it happens. The pain and swelling will be so severe you won’t be able to put weight on it, and your ankle will be very unstable.
Take Time to Heal from an Ankle Sprain
Don’t be one of the people who ends up with ankle problems for the rest of their lives. Whenever you twist your ankle and have pain and swelling, it’s a good idea to have it checked out. Chiropodist Tony Abbott is a runner, and he understands how important it is to heal properly from any injury. He can diagnose your sprain and provide the best treatment option so problems don’t develop in the future.
Simple injuries may only require staying off the foot, icing and wrapping to reduce pain and swelling, and taking any prescribed pain medications if needed. Splints or braces may be used for more serious ankle sprains, to keep the joint stable while it heals. Even torn ligaments can heal naturally if proper care is taken. They may be immobilized with a leg brace or cast, but only rarely will surgery be required.
You Can Reduce Your Risk
There are ways to build strong ankles that have a better chance of withstanding stress. Aim for muscles that balance each other and joints that are flexible. We can show you exercises or set up physical therapy that will increase your strength and flexibility. Then you will be better able to prevent a sprain or lessen its severity when you land from a jump or twist your foot on uneven ground. Call Abbott Foot & Ankle Clinic in Collingwood, ON for more information or to have a foot problem examined. You can reach us at 705-444-9929, or contact us through our website.