Posts for tag: ankle sprain
Ankle sprains are so common that many people never seek medical care. One simple misstep can cause the ankle to twist at just the wrong angle leading to pain for days. Two important questions to ask after spraining an ankle include; when is it appropriate to see a podiatrist and what can be expected during the visit?
During the most common ankle sprains, the outer ligaments of the ankle are injured due to an excessive stretching force. This can happen by awkwardly planting the foot while walking, stepping, or running. In these situations, the foot rolls in and forces the ankle to move away from the body. Ankle sprains can cause pain, swelling, bruising, and weakness. This pain intensifies with movement or touching of the ankle joint.
For mild sprains, the RICE principle should offer enough treatment. RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. RICE combined with a reduction in activity and over the counter anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen may offer full relief. If pain, swelling, and weakness last longer than a week, it is important to seek medical attention. The podiatrists at Coastal Podiatry Associates are trained to evaluate ankle injuries. They will examine the ankle to make sure that a serious injury, such as an ankle fracture has not occurred. In the office, they will evaluate the ankle’s range of motion, strength, and locate the area of maximum tenderness. They may use x-ray or MRI to ensure their diagnosis and check for bone or ligament damage. Depending on the severity of the sprain, a doctor might recommend a brace, splint, or crutches to keep pressure off the ankle joint. Physical therapy may be needed to help regain full range of motion and strength.
Have you ever wondered why a football player with an ankle sprain is out longer than a basketball player? Have you ever wondered what a high ankle sprain means? High ankle sprains account for about 75% of ankle sprains for football, lacrosse, hockey, and rugby compared to 10-20% in other non-contact sports. The main difference between these two injuries is how they occur and the ligaments affected.
High ankle sprains commonly occur when the body and lower leg excessively rotates around a rigid foot that is flat on the ground. This action causes a force that pulls apart the two bones that make up the lower leg (tibia and fibula). When these bones attempt to separate a sprain results to the ligaments that hold them together. In contrast, a normal ankle sprain involves rolling the foot inward and damaging ligaments on the outside portion of the ankle. This injury is much quicker to heal than a high ankle sprain because the ligaments involved do not have as much of a role in the stability of the ankle. The connection of the tibia and fibula creates a joint that must withstand forces much greater than a person's body weight and in a high ankle sprain, this joint loses its effectiveness and stability.
High ankle sprains are given a grade from I-III depending on the severity and the amount of instability. Grade I means pain but no instability. Grade II occurs with some instability and pain. Grade III indicates considerable instability with pain. Time and competition missed depends on the severity. A high ankle sprain that does not require surgery is anywhere from 1-7 weeks compared to 12-14 weeks if surgery is needed.
Podiatrists give care to fractures, dislocations, sprains, contusions and infections every day. When you injure your foot or ankle, it is important to seek timely treatment from a podiatric physician. Many times after an injury people resort to guideline sayings to gauge treatment. While some of these phrases can be useful, others delay or add to the recovery time. The following is a few examples of sayings followed by an explanation.
"It cannot be broken because I can move it."
False. The truth is that often certain types of fractures of the foot can still be moved. Small chip fractures of the foot or ankle, breaks in the fibula, or bones in the toes can often appear to function properly but medical attention is still needed.
"A broken toe needs immediate treatment."
False. While it never hurts to error on the side of precaution, a toe does not always need immediate care. When an x-ray shows a simple break, a podiatrist can usually provide quick and full relief. Other times an x-ray may display a displaced or folded break. In these situations, rapid realignment of the fracture actually prevents s complete healing.
"Appling an elastic bandage for a sprained ankle is the only treatment needed."
False. The term "ankle sprain" is very general. Many times an "ankle sprain" includes torn or stretched ligaments. A podiatrist should be seen to receive appropriate treatment.
"When you hurt your foot or ankle, immediately put it in hot water."
False. Hot water is the opposite of what should be done. Heat promotes blood circulation leading to a faster inflammation response. This will cause more swelling and pain. A bad of ice wrapped in a towel is the correct treatment, this prevents swelling and reduces pain.
"RICE will reduce swelling"
True. RICE is an acronym used to treat swelling. While a podiatrist should be seen in the case of trauma or recurrent swelling, RICE is a great way to handle small amounts of infrequent swelling. Rest is the first step. This means limiting activities and making it a point to reduce use of inflamed area. Ice is used to cool the area. A bag for of ice should be placed in a towel and then wrapped to the injured area for 20 min intervals. Compression wrapping is used when ice is not applied to the injured area. Elevation is the last part. Elevating the injured area above the heart will help drain the excess fluid and blood from the injury.