Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains are a common occurrence that will affect most of the population at one time or another. How many of us have just stepped off a curb or step and experienced a sudden sharp pain because the foot was turned inwardly with a sudden twist. With this sudden twist the individual will experience a sudden sharp pain and it will be almost impossible to put your body weight on that foot.

 The ankle and foot is a complex joint that is supported by many muscles, tendons and ligaments. When the ankle is strained or more seriously sprained, there is a disruption to the entire integrity of the foot. The foot is the foundation of the body and when there is an injury, the entire structure will react in tandem, from the knee, hip, back and even the neck.

 The most common type of injury to the ankle is called an inversion sprain. This is due to the ankle being turned inwardly. The ligaments affected are the anterior talofibular, the posterior talofibular and the calcaneofibular ligaments. The injury can occur to either one or more of these ligaments.

 There are various degrees of injuries that can occur. When there is a sprain, there will be no tearing of the muscles, tendons or ligaments. Sprains are the more serious injuries where there is a tear to one or more of the tendons and ligaments. Depending on the seriousness of the tear or tears, will determine the amount of bleeding taking place within the ankle. In severe sprains, there will be swelling, inflammation and redness that can turn to a black and blue discoloration. An injury sustaining severe tears can take 6 months or more to heal, especially if the proper treatment had not been started at the time of injury.   

When an injury such as this occurs, it is mandatory to take immediate action. If the injury appears to be serious and you cannot place any weight on the foot, it may be advisable to see your healthcare provider who may x-ray the ankle to rule out a fracture. Once a fracture is ruled out, the treatment of choice is usually called RICE, which is as follows:

R: Rest. Do not put any body weight on the injured ankle.

I: Ice the ankle as soon as the possible after the injury has occurred. Cold       applications  should be used several times daily for the first 48 hours.

C: Compression. Use an ace bandage to bind the injured ankle, but not tightly enough to  constrict blood flow.

E: Elevation. Keep the leg elevated to help gravity drain the buildup of excess fluids that occur in an injury of this type. Lactic acid can be part of this fluid buildup, and it is this lactic acid that will be instrumental in causing additional muscles spasms adding to the pain and discomfort.

 SPECIAL SUGGESTION:

 Immediately after the injury and after ice has been applied, to further reduce swelling, you may want to soak the ankle in a Burrow’s Solution. You can make your own by filling a pan with water, add enough ice cubes to make the water on the cool side, not ice cold. To this water add a cup of white vinegar. Soak the foot for 15 to 20 minutes and repeat 3 to 4 times daily. After the soak you can apply a good analgesic gel, such as Biofreeze. To learn more about Biofreeze go to: www.doctorsexercise.com. Click on products to find Biofreeze.

 As stated earlier, it is important to treat an acute injury of this type as soon as possible. Many times the person injured will take it for granted that time will heal it. Yes, let time heal it and you can end up with a chronic condition that will trouble you at the slightest impact you place on that ankle throughout your lifetime. The injured ankle will be prone to recurrent sprains at the slightest provocation.