An ankle sprain is a common injury that occurs when one or more ligaments on your ankle are overstretched or twisted. Any awkward twists or turns may lead to abnormal joint stresses that may cause a sprain or ligament damage as severe as a tear. The ligaments that surround your ankle hold your bones together.

Why Ankle Sprain?

It is most common in people who perform sports activities. All ligaments in your ankle have a certain extent up to which they can move to protect your joints. It causes a sprain when those ligaments are forced to move out of their limits.

The major ligaments of the ankle are the anterior tibiofibular ligament, the lateral collateral ligaments, and the deltoid ligaments. There are mainly two types of ankle sprain such as medial ligament injury and lateral ligament injury. A medial ankle sprain occurs when the deltoid ligament on the inside of the ankle joint is stretched too far. The medial ankle ligaments are sturdy structures on the side of the ankle joint. Based on the severity of the twists or injury, sprains have been classified as mild, moderate, and severe. It is a rare type of ankle injury as the medial ligaments are strong. However, it will take more time to heal than other ankle sprains.

The majority of the ankle sprains are lateral ligament injuries, also known as inversion injuries. Your foot forcefully twists inward and the ligaments are torn due to the rapid shift. This type of injury is most common in sports stars, athletes, and martial artists. They are also prone to chronic ankle sprains as the history of previous injuries and poor care are the main risk factors.

Other risk factors include:

• Repeated stretching of ligaments due to daily activities
• Sports activities
• Poor or incorrectly fitted footwear
• High Heels
• Walking through risky surfaces
• Poor physical strength
• Any actions or falls that causes your ankle to move out of its normal position

When to see the doctor? : Signs & Symptoms

The primary symptom of an ankle sprain is obvious pain and swelling in the ankle. Putting pressure on your ankle with movement or placing weight will be painful and it may spread around the whole ankle. The signs and symptoms include:

• Tenderness and bruising
• Difficulty or uneasiness in movements
• Stiffness on the affected foot
• Instability in walking

How can I treat Ankle Sprain? : Treatment options

Treatment options need to be decided on the basis of the severity of injuries on your ankle. Surgeries are not required in most cases unless ligaments are torn completely.

Initial Assessment – In this step, the doctor will conduct a physical examination to study the signs and symptoms. It will be helpful in understanding the severity of the symptoms and injury. The doctor may also use an X-Ray, MRI Scan, or Ultrasound Scan during the initial assessment.

Treatment – The doctor will first educate you on your particular injury and how to manage this. He uses conservative treatments methods include:

• Ice treatment – helps to reduce inflammation in the affected area.
• Complete foot care measures – educate you about home treatments and care.
• Suggest the best shoes and suitable Moon Boots as per your condition.
• Help with physiotherapy
• Prescribe non-steroidal and anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain.
• Other options to reduce activity and limit motions
• Do the regular assessment

According to studies, more than 90% of ankle sprains are treated without surgery. However, the duration of the treatments may vary depends on the type of symptoms and injury.

WE HELP YOU STAND ON YOUR FEET

Health & Style Medical Centre, the first private podiatry practice in Abu Dhabi, aspire to provide the most up to date knowledge and understanding of the lower limb whilst delivering world-class service to our patients with the aid of state of the art Podiatry equipment.

HSMC will do the most effective and advanced treatment for ankle sprains.

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