It is a known fact that the ankle is a highly stable joint in the body. It works as a hinge joint and should be able to support 1.5-8 times the weight of the body. The ankle joint is formed by the ends of the two leg bones which form a socket for the talus bone of the foot.
The joint is held together by several ligaments which attach one bone to another. Remember that it is possible for these ligaments to be damaged during an ankle sprain. By enrolling in a course on first aid today, you can readily manage this injury.
How ankle sprains occur
The ankle joint is a highly complex structure and sustaining an ankle sprain is considered as the most common injury to the joint. It is important to note that an ankle sprain occurs once the ligaments in the joint are overly stretched and possibly torn, usually due to the twisting or turning over of the ankle.
An ankle sprain is likely to occur during sports that involve side-to-side movement such as in basketball or tennis but can also occur at any time during weight-bearing activities including walking.
What are the types and possible causes?
An ankle sprain can be caused by overly stretching or tearing of the ligament while the joint is under stress. When it comes to an inversion sprain, it is caused when the ankle rolls out and the foot is turned under. This is the most common type of ankle sprain and it will cause the ligaments of the exterior of the ankle to stretch out and tear.
As for an eversion sprain, it occurs once the ankle is turned inwards while the foot turns outward, thus damaging the ligaments of the interior side. Once a ligament is ruptured during an ankle sprain, there is a perceivable popping sound.
What are the symptoms?
When it comes to a severe case of ankle sprain, the symptoms typically include bruising, pain and inflammation that occur right after the sprain was sustained. In some cases, there is inability to move the affected joint or bear weight.
If there is a popping sound heard right after the injury, it can indicate that a ligament has ruptured or torn. Take note that this popping sound indicates a severe sprain which might also include a fracture that requires assessment by a doctor.
Treatment
Severe cases of sprains that involve an overly stretched or torn ligament entail medical care. An X-ray can determine if there is a fracture while an MRI can determine the severity and location of the torn ligaments.
A brace or cast might be required for 4-6 weeks during the healing process. NSAIDs such as ibuprofen can help reduce the swelling and pain. In case the ankle sprain is severe, crutches might be required to reduce weight-bearing. As for torn ligaments, it requires surgery to repair them.
Preventive measures
Right after treatment, physical therapy is vital for the strengthening of the ankle. In most cases, cutting down weight might be recommended as well as avoiding wearing high heels and platform shoes and proper stretching before exercising or playing sports. In case there is likelihood for the ankle to twist, orthotics and a foot or ankle brace can be used to stabilize the ankle as well as prevent sprains.