Signs of Serious Ankle Sprains: When to Seek Help for It

A sprained ankle is a common injury that can occur when you twist, roll or turn your ankle in an awkward way. It is often accompanied by pain, swelling, and difficulty in walking. While most ankle sprains heal on their own with time and rest, some may require medical attention. In this article, we will discuss when to worry about a sprained ankle and what signs to look out for.

Understanding Ankle Sprains

An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments that connect the bones in your ankle are stretched or torn. This can happen when your ankle is forced to move in a direction beyond its normal range of motion, causing the ligaments to overstretch or tear. Ankle sprains are common in sports that involve jumping or running, but they can also happen during everyday activities such as walking on an uneven surface.

Signs of a Sprained Ankle

The most common signs of a sprained ankle include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty in walking or bearing weight on the affected ankle. The pain may be mild to severe, and the swelling may be accompanied by stiffness and tenderness. You may also experience some numbness or tingling in the ankle or foot.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While most ankle sprains can be treated at home with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), some may require medical attention. You should seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Severe pain or swelling that does not improve with RICE

• Inability to bear weight on the affected ankle

• Numbness or tingling in the ankle or foot

• An ankle that looks misshapen or deformed

• A popping sound at the time of injury

• Pain that persists for more than two weeks

Types of Ankle Sprains

There are different types of ankle sprains, depending on the severity of the injury. A mild sprain involves stretching of the ligaments without tearing, while a moderate sprain involves partial tearing of the ligaments. A severe sprain involves complete tearing of the ligaments, which can cause significant pain and swelling.

Treatment for Ankle Sprains

Most ankle sprains can be treated with RICE and over-the-counter pain medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. You may also need to use crutches to avoid putting weight on the affected ankle. In severe cases, your doctor may recommend physical therapy or surgery to repair the torn ligaments.

Preventing Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains can be prevented by taking some precautions such as wearing proper footwear, warming up before exercising, and strengthening the muscles around your ankle. You should also avoid walking or running on uneven surfaces and be careful when participating in sports that involve jumping or running.

Recovery from Ankle Sprains

Recovery from an ankle sprain can take several weeks to months, depending on the severity of the injury. During this time, you should avoid putting weight on the affected ankle and follow your doctor's instructions for rest and rehabilitation. You may also need to wear a brace or wrap the ankle to provide support and prevent further injury.

Conclusion

An ankle sprain is a common injury that can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty in walking. While most ankle sprains can be treated at home with rest, some may require medical attention. You should seek medical attention if you experience severe pain, swelling, or numbness in the ankle or foot. With proper treatment and rehabilitation, most people recover from ankle sprains and can return to their normal activities. Taking precautions to prevent ankle sprains can also reduce your risk of injury.

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