Sprained Ankle

What Is a Sprained Ankle?

A sprained ankle is a common injury occurring when the ankle is turned or twisted abnormally, resulting in an overstretched or torn ligament. Sprained ankles affect all populations and are especially prevalent in sports. The long-term prognosis for a sprained ankle is good, but addressing the issue right away will help to avoid severe symptoms and chronic ankle issues. 

What Are the Causes of a Sprained Ankle?

Ligaments, connecting one bone to another, are vital to joint stabilization. When a ligament is forced beyond its normal range of motion, it can be overstretched or torn, resulting in a sprained ankle.

Many sports-related injuries and daily activities can cause a sprained ankle to occur. Sprained ankles are usually the result of an awkward landing or fall, which can happen while playing a sport, descending a flight of stairs, or traversing an uneven surface. Sprained ankles are also a result of someone stepping or landing on the foot.

People with high-arched feet are predisposed to the condition due to the increased susceptibility of their ankles being turned. Sprained ankles also pose a greater risk to those who have dealt with ankle injuries before.

A lateral sprain, which impacts the outer ligaments, is most common and results from the foot rolling inward. Medial sprains are less common and affect the ligaments inside the ankle. 

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Sprained Ankle?

When an ankle is sprained, the victim may feel or hear a pop, but sometimes, a sprain can go undetected. Subsequent symptoms will vary based on the severity of the injury and how stretched or torn the ligaments are. A sprained ankle's signs and symptoms will classify it as one of three grades, with a grade 1 sprain being the most mild and a grade 3 sprain being the most severe.

A grade 1 ankle sprain results from slight stretching or tearing of the ankle ligament. This injury grade is characterized by mild pain, swelling, and tenderness with no bruising. A grade 1 ankle sprain is stable and can still bear weight.

A grade 2 ankle sprain is a partially torn ligament resulting in moderate pain, swelling, tenderness, and mild bruising. With a grade 2 sprain, there is a correlation between pain and the amount of weight placed on the ankle, and the ankle will experience mild instability.

A grade 3 sprain is the complete tearing of the ligament, and symptoms will be most severe. If you’re suffering from a grade 3 sprained ankle, you’ll experience noticeable pain while sedentary and significant pain during weight-bearing activities. The ankle will also become very swollen, and bruising will be visible. 

When Should I See a Doctor?

If you suspect a sprain, don’t try to tough it out, as that will only heighten symptoms and compromise the stability of your ankle. Instead, schedule an exam with your doctor, who will observe the ankle, assess pain levels, and conduct range of motion assessments before confirming the condition. If symptoms are severe, an X-ray may be taken to rule out an ankle fracture.

How Is a Sprained Ankle Treated?

Nearly all isolated ankle sprains can be fully healed through non-surgical treatment methods. The enactment of these methods is usually broken down into three phases.

Phase one requires the R.I.C.E. method- rest, ice, compression, and elevation. The ankle should be immobilized for 24-48 hours, with 20-minute rounds of ice, compression wraps or bandages, and ankle elevation used in tandem to mitigate symptoms. Enacting the R.I.C.E. method will alleviate pain and swelling while keeping the ankle stable. 

During this phase of treatment, heat should be avoided, as it's known to increase swelling. A walking boot or crutches may be used for grade 2 and 3 sprains to keep the ankle from bearing unnecessary weight.

Phase two of recovery involves rehabbing the muscle, often done through physical therapy. The goal is to restore balance and range of motion, and exercises and weight-bearing activities will be phased in slowly as progress allows.

Phase three signifies the slow return to normal activities. During this phase, physical therapy should continue, and the ankle should receive added support, such as a splint or taping. Movements that limit quick turns will be conducted first, and testing the ankle with more intense movements is the final step in the rehabilitation process.

Grade 1 sprains may only require a few weeks to complete all three recovery phases. Grade 2 will likely need at least 3-6 weeks, and grade 3 sprains will require at least 2-3 months for a full recovery.

What Complications Can Occur With a Sprained Ankle?

Chronic ankle sprains, chronic ankle joint stability, and arthritis of the ankle joint are each more likely to occur if any part of the healing process is skipped. This is why taking each phase slowly and ensuring there are no setbacks with swelling or pain before moving on to the next step of the recovery process is crucial. 

What Are Preventative Methods to Avoid a Sprained Ankle?

There is no guaranteed way to avoid an ankle sprain, as even athletes with world-renowned trainers are still at risk of suffering from them. Despite that, you can take several preventative measures to lessen your chances of experiencing a sprained ankle.

When conducting physical activities, dedicate time to warming up and refrain from training on uneven or compromised surfaces. Be sure to wear proper footwear and prioritize the stabilization of your ankles through strength training and exercises that improve flexibility. If you have had prior ankle issues, use a brace or tape to support your ankles and minimize your chance of re-injury. 

To learn more about sprained ankle treatment options in the Fort Myers area,contact the Institute for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine.