Treating Ankle Sprains and Strains: The Ultimate Guide

Ankle sprains and strains are common injuries that can range from mild to severe. They occur when the ligaments or tendons around the ankle are stretched or torn. Sprains are more common than strains, and they typically occur when the ankle rolls inward or outward. Strains occur when the ankle is twisted or turned too far.

Treating Ankle Sprains and Strains: Complete with Prevention and Rehabilitation Strategies (The Physical Therapy Advisor's Guide Book 1)

by Ben Shatto

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Ankle sprains and strains can be very painful, and they can make it difficult to walk or participate in activities. In most cases, these injuries will heal with rest and conservative treatment. However, some sprains and strains may require surgery to repair the damaged ligaments or tendons.

Symptoms

The symptoms of an ankle sprain or strain can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Common symptoms include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Instability
• Difficulty walking

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor to rule out a more serious injury.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will diagnose an ankle sprain or strain based on your symptoms and a physical examination. Your doctor may also Free Download an X-ray to rule out a fracture.

Treatment

The treatment for an ankle sprain or strain will depend on the severity of the injury. Mild sprains and strains can typically be treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). More severe sprains and strains may require surgery.

RICE is an acronym for the following treatment principles:

• Rest: Avoid activities that aggravate your pain.
• Ice: Apply an ice pack to the injured area for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
• Compression: Wrap the injured area with an elastic bandage to help reduce swelling.
• Elevation: Keep the injured area elevated above your heart to help reduce swelling.

In addition to RICE, your doctor may also recommend the following treatments:

• Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help improve range of motion, strength, and stability in the injured ankle.
• Surgery: Surgery may be necessary to repair a torn ligament or tendon.

Prevention

There are a few things you can do to help prevent ankle sprains and strains:

• Wear proper footwear: Wear shoes that fit well and provide good support.
• Warm up before exercising: Warm up your muscles before exercising to help reduce the risk of injury.
• Strengthen your ankles: Strengthen your ankle muscles by performing exercises such as calf raises and ankle circles.
• Avoid uneven surfaces: Avoid walking or running on uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones or trails.

Ankle sprains and strains are common injuries that can be painful and debilitating. However, most sprains and strains will heal with rest and conservative treatment. If you experience an ankle sprain or strain, it is important to see a doctor to rule out a more serious injury.

By following the tips in this guide, you can help prevent ankle sprains and strains, and you can also promote healing if you do sustain an injury.

Author Bio:

Dr. John Smith is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with over 20 years of experience treating ankle sprains and strains. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and a member of the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society.

Treating Ankle Sprains and Strains: Complete with Prevention and Rehabilitation Strategies (The Physical Therapy Advisor's Guide Book 1)

by Ben Shatto

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6794 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	123 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE