ANKLE SPRAIN

What Is an Ankle Sprain? n ankle sprain is an injury to Anterior talofibular one or more ligaments in the Posterior A ligament ankle, usually on the outside of the talofibular ligament ankle. Ligaments are bands of tissue—like rubber bands—that Calcaneofibular ligament connect one bone to another and bind the joints together. In the ankle joint, ligaments provide stability by shoes, or walking or running on an surgeon for an appointment as limiting side-to-side movement. uneven surface. soon as possible. In the meantime, Some ankle sprains are much Sometimes ankle sprains occur immediately begin using the “R.I.C.E.” worse than others. The severity of because of weak ankles, a condition method—Rest, Ice, Compression, an ankle sprain depends on whether that some people are born with. and Elevation—to help reduce the ligament is stretched, partially Previous ankle or foot injuries can also swelling, pain, and further injury. torn, or completely torn, as well as on weaken the ankle and lead to sprains. the number of ligaments involved. Why Prompt Medical Ankle sprains are not the same as Signs and Symptoms Attention Is Needed strains, which affect muscles rather The signs and symptoms of ankle There are four key reasons why an than ligaments. sprains may include: ankle sprain should be promptly •Pain or soreness evaluated and treated by a foot and What Causes a •Swelling ankle surgeon: Sprained Ankle? • Bruising • First, an untreated ankle sprain Sprained ankles often result from a • Difficulty walking may lead to chronic ankle fall, a sudden twist, or a blow that • Stiffness in the joint instability,a condition marked by forces the ankle joint out of its persistent discomfort and a “giving normal position. Ankle sprains These symptoms may vary in way” of the ankle. You may also commonly occur while participating intensity,depending on the severity develop weakness in the leg. in sports, wearing inappropriate of the sprain. Sometimes pain and • Second, you may have suffered a swelling are absent in people with more severe ankle injury along previous ankle sprains—instead, they with the sprain. This might may simply feel the ankle is wobbly include a serious bone fracture and unsteady when they walk. Even if that could lead to troubling you don’t have pain or swelling with a complications if it goes untreated. sprained ankle, treatment is crucial. • Third, an ankle sprain may be Any ankle sprain—whether it’s your accompanied by a foot injury that first or your fifth—requires prompt causes discomfort but has gone medical attention. unnoticed thus far. If you think you’ve sprained your • Fourth, rehabilitation of a ankle, contact your foot and ankle sprained ankle needs to begin right away. If rehabilitation is walking boot, or a brace to keep • Compression wraps. To p r event delayed, the injury may be less your ankle from moving. You may further swelling, you may need to likely to heal properly. also need crutches. keep your ankle wrapped in an • Early physical therapy. Yo ur doctor elastic bandage or stocking. In evaluating your injury,the foot will start you on a rehabilitation and ankle surgeon will take your program as soon as possible to When Is Surgery Needed? history to learn more about the promote healing and increase your In more severe cases, surgery may injury. He or she will examine the range of motion. This includes be required to adequately treat an injured area, and may order x-rays, doing prescribed exercises. ankle sprain. Surgery often involves an MRI study,or a CT scan to help • Medications. Nonsteroidal anti- repairing the damaged ligament or determine the severity of the injury. inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), ligaments. The foot and ankle surgeon such as ibuprofen, may be will select the surgical procedure best Non-surgical Treatment recommended to reduce pain and suited for your case based on the type and Rehabilitation inflammation. In some cases, and severity of your injury as well as When you have an ankle sprain, prescription pain medications are your activity level. rehabilitation is crucial—and it starts needed to provide adequate relief. After surgery, rehabilitation is the moment your treatment begins. • Icing.You may be advised to ice extremely important. Completing Yo ur foot and ankle surgeon may your injury several times a day your rehabilitation program is recommend one or more of the until the pain and swelling crucial to a successful outcome. Be following treatment options: resolves. Wrap ice cubes, or a bag sure to continue to see your foot and • Immobilization. Depending on of frozen peas or corn, in a thin ankle surgeon during this period to the severity of your injury,you towel. Do not put ice directly on ensure that your ankle heals may receive a short-leg cast, a your skin. properly and function is restored. ▲

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This information has been prepared by the Consumer Education Committee of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, a professional society of 5,800 foot and ankle surgeons. Members of the College are Doctors of Podiatric Medicine who have received additional training through surgical residency programs. The mission of the College is to promote superior care of foot and ankle surgical patients through education, research and the promotion of the highest professional standards. Copyright © 2005, American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons • www.FootPhysicians.com