Ankle Sprains
Treatment for Ankle Sprains in Minneapolis

Sprained Ankle It can happen to anyone whether walking, playing sports, or just stepping off a curb and landing on your foot in the wrong way. Ankle sprains are a very common injury with 25,000 people suffering from them each day.

Cause of Ankle Sprain Sprains occur when a ligament (a band of tissue which connects bones) is stretched beyond its normal range of motion. When a person rolls their ankle, it causes the ligament to be pulled in a way it does not naturally belong. This awkward landing causes stretching and/or tearing if the pulling force is strong enough. Stretching and tearing of the ligament can be very painful.

Ankle sprains are found frequently in athletes who play football, basketball, tennis, soccer, or take part in any activities performed on an uneven territory. A person is also more prone to spraining an ankle if there is any history of damage to the ankle.

Symptoms of an Ankle Sprain
-Tenderness caused by the stretching/tearing
-Swelling because of the extra fluid being retained in the injured area-Instability caused by the pain from any damage to the ligament
-Redness/Warmth due to the extra blood flow to the injury.
-Bruising from the impact of the injury

Engaging in physical activity too soon after the injury may cause a person to experience reoccurring pain and/or lasting instability in the ankle.

Treatment of Ankle Sprain
More often than not, an ankle sprain will heal itself and does not require any further medical attention. In mending an ankle sprain at home, use the RICE approach:
-Rest- stay off the ankle as much as possible
-Ice- applying ice to the injury will decrease pain and swelling
-Compression- helps to support/immobilize the injury and prevents inflammation
-Elevation- helps removes some of the excess fluid and minimizes swelling

However, some ankle sprains can turn out to be more severe and it is important to visit a doctor as soon as possible if you experience any of the following symptoms:
-uncontrollable pain that is not reduced by taking aspirin or other over-the-counter drugs
-the inability to move the ankle
-the loss of feeling in foot or toes
-the ankle or foot is misshapen further than typical swelling
-the inability to walk four steps (even with a limp included)
-pain or swelling in the higher parts of the leg

With these symptoms, the doctor may recommend:
- keep applying ice and using a brace that helps prevent the ankle from bearing too much weight.
-a stronger medication than over-the-counter medicine to relieve pain and reduce swelling.

Preventing Ankle Sprains
-Stretch the calf muscles before and after physical activity
-Wear supportive and stable shoes that are designed for the activity that is being performed.
-Tape up or wear an ankle brace to support weak ankles.
-Inspect a playing field for uneven areas or the home for any objects that might cause an injury.
-Consult a physical therapist for exercises that may help strengthen weak ankles.

Summary
Ankle sprains are a result of improper landing of a foot and the rolling of the ankle. This causes the stretching and/or tearing of the ligament. The injury may cause a person to be unstable while walking and the ankle to appear swollen, bruised, and red in color. Most sprained ankles will heal on their own, but it’s a good idea to use the RICE technique of caring for an injury: Rest it, Ice it, Compress it, and Elevate it. If the condition lasts or worsens, consult your doctor for further treatment.