The Sprained Ankle Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment Options: A Helpful Guide
Do you think you may be suffering from a sprained ankle, but aren’t quite sure?
Sprained ankles are one of the most common injuries in the US. In fact, over 25,000 people in the US sprain their ankle every day, and over 1 million people visit the emergency room each year because of an ankle injury.
But, even though sprained ankles are very common, not everyone knows when a sprained ankle looks like or feels like. If you’re looking to learn more about sprained ankles, you’ve come to the right place.
Read on to learn about sprained ankle signs, symptoms, treatments, and more in this helpful guide.
What is a Sprained Ankle?
Before we dive into the symptoms, we first need to answer the question, “What is a sprained ankle?”
A sprained ankle occurs when there is an injury to the ligaments (tough bands of tissue) that surround and connect the bones of your leg to your foot. This type of injury typically happens when you turn or twist your ankle in an unnatural manner. This can cause the ligaments that hold your bones and joints together to twist and tear.
Sprained Ankle Symptoms
You know you’ve injured your ankle, but you’re not quite sure if it’s sprained. How can you tell? Here are the symptoms to look out for:
- Swelling, tenderness, and pain
- Bruising or discoloration
- Trouble moving your ankle
- Inability to put your full weight on your ankle
- Stiffness
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, you should see your doctor, as they’ll be able to properly diagnose the injury. During your visit, your doctor will likely perform a physical exam to figure out which ligaments have been torn. They may also order image testing, such as X-rays, to rule out bone fractures.
Degrees of Sprained Ankles
Sprained ankles fall into different grades depending on the severity of the injury. Sprained ankles are classified as:
- Grade 1: This occurs when the ankle is in pain, but there is little loss of function and ligament damage
- Grade 2: This occurs when there’s moderate damage to the ligaments and the ankle joint is a bit loose
- Grade 3: This occurs when one or more ligament is torn and the ankle is extremely unstable or loose
Treatment Options
How you treat your ankle will depend on the severity of your sprain. In general, the first phase of treatment focuses on RICE. RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
You should rest your ankle and avoid putting weight on it. You should also ice it for 20 to 30 minutes at a time every few hours. You should use an elastic wrap to apply compression to your ankle, and elevate it when sitting.
If your sprain is more severe, then you may need to wear a brace for extra stability and protection. Or, you may need to use crutches.
Some people also take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to help alleviate the pain.
You may also want to seek chiropractic care, as a chiropractor can help you get your ankle back in shape.
Sprained Ankle Signs: Are You Ready to Care for Your Sprained Ankle?
Now that you’ve read all about sprained ankle signs, symptoms, and treatment, you should have a better idea as to whether or not you have a sprained ankle.
If you’re seeking chiropractic care for your sprained ankle, contact us today.
Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment Options: A Helpful Guide
Do you think you may be suffering from a sprained ankle, but aren’t quite sure?
This particular sprain is one of the most common injuries in the US. In fact, over 25,000 people in the US sprain their ankle every day, and over 1 million people visit the emergency room each year because of this type of injury.
But, even though they are very common, not everyone knows what a it feels looks or feels like. If you’re looking to learn more about sprained ankles, you’ve come to the right place.
Read on to learn about the signs, symptoms, treatments, and more in this helpful guide.
What is a Sprain?
This occurs when there is an injury to the ligaments (tough bands of tissue) that surround and connect the bones of your leg to your foot. This type of injury typically happens when you turn or twist your ankle in an unnatural manner. This can cause the ligaments that hold your bones and joints together to twist and tear.
Symptoms
You know you’ve injured your ankle, but you’re not quite sure if it’s sprained. How can you tell? Here are the symptoms to look out for:
- Swelling, tenderness, and pain
- Bruising or discoloration
- Trouble moving your ankle
- Inability to put your full weight on your ankle
- Stiffness
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, you should see your doctor, as they’ll be able to properly diagnose the injury. During your visit, your doctor will likely perform a physical exam to figure out which ligaments have been torn. They may also order image testing, such as X-rays, to rule out bone fractures.
The degrees are classified as:
- Grade 1: This occurs when the ankle is in pain, but there is little loss of function and ligament damage
- Grade 2: This occurs when there’s moderate damage to the ligaments and the ankle joint is a bit loose
- Grade 3: This occurs when one or more ligament is torn and the ankle is extremely unstable or loose
Treatment Options
How you treat your ankle will depend on the severity of your sprain. In general, the first phase of treatment focuses on RICE. RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
You should rest your ankle and avoid putting weight on it. You should also ice it for 20 to 30 minutes at a time every few hours. You should use an elastic wrap to apply compression to your ankle, and elevate it when sitting.
If your sprain is more severe, then you may need to wear a brace for extra stability and protection. Or, you may need to use crutches.
Some people also take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to help alleviate the pain.
You may also want to seek chiropractic care, as a chiropractor can help you get your ankle back in shape.
Are You Ready For Care?
Now that you’ve read all about the signs, symptoms, and treatment, you should have a better idea as to whether or not you have this type of injury.
If you’re seeking chiropractic care for your sprained ankle, contact us today.
