Ankle sprain: what you need for a quick recovery

Ligaments, despite their strength, can be stretched and/or torn under a significant mechanical load. When injured due to severe pain, it is difficult to determine exactly how the injured place is damaged: bone fractures, sprain or rupture of ligaments, or just a bruise. Today we will talk about one of the most common types of sprains, namely ankle sprains, which often occur when the foot is twisted while walking.

Ankle sprain – causes of injury

If you have an ankle sprain, it is best to see a doctor immediately. The basic rules of first aid that can be provided for this or any other injury, see here: http://vseopomoschi.ru/. It should be noted that with this sprain, the muscles are not injured.

As discussed above, ankle sprains often result from sloppy striding and foot tuck, whether on ice, uneven ground, or in dark environments from jumping. Often, ankle ligaments are injured in athletes (both beginners and professional ones), as well as with the wrong choice of shoes.

After an injury, you must:

1. Determine the nature of the injury (whether it was actually an ankle sprain).
2. Start treatment.

Let's consider the above points in more detail.

How an ankle sprain manifests itself: symptoms of an injury

Ankle sprains are divided into three degrees (depending on the severity of the injury):

1. Only a few fibers of the ankle ligament are damaged. This degree is characterized by moderate pain during walking. The ligament can be felt.
2. With a partial rupture of the ligament (i.e. 2 degrees of injury), there is swelling of the foot and rather strong pain. This degree of injury is characterized by limited movement (due to severe pain at the site of injury).
3. Link broken. With such an injury, stepping on the foot is almost impossible. Edema of the foot with possible hemorrhage covers the entire surface of the foot, incl. sole.

Ankle sprain: how to treat it?

We remind you that in case of an ankle sprain, you must seek help from a medical institution or call a doctor at home. Self-treatment can lead to a worsening of the situation and condition of the affected area:

1. Chronic instability of the joint.
2. Foot injury.
3. Ignoring a more serious leg injury.

At the time of the visit to the doctor, in order to reduce the intensity of pain, the ankle sprain (or potential rupture) is tightly bandaged and ice is applied. Ice, which reduces swelling and stops bleeding, must be removed after 15 minutes, and can be reapplied after an hour.

Further treatment is prescribed by a doctor (traumatologist), based on the results of the examination. As a rule, for this the doctor uses the method of palpation (palpation), if necessary – x-ray or ultrasound.

To ensure a quick recovery from an ankle sprain, your doctor may prescribe:

• anti-inflammatory drugs;
• pain relievers;
• cold compresses (after injury);
• warm compresses (during rehabilitation);
• special exercises;
• massages.

Recovery from an injury depends on the severity of the injury and can take anywhere from 1 to 5 weeks. At the same time, it is the doctor who determines the sequence of using drugs and performing exercises, based on the speed of recovery of the affected ligaments. Remember that a timely appeal to a qualified specialist in case of an ankle sprain will ensure a quick and safe recovery – and you will be able to return to your daily activities in no time.