The ankle sprain is a common injury in young people and adults, in fact, it is very likely that in the course of life has presented this problem.
Like any injury, a sprain is uncomfortable, especially if you lead an active life, even performing activities of daily living become more difficult.
The ankle sprains can be treated at home as long as they are not serious, i.e. there is no swelling, severe pain and hematoma among others.
First of all, what is an ankle sprain?
A sprained ankle is an injury that occurs when the foot is subjected to a torsion that exceeds its capacity and ligamentous elasticity. They often appear after a fall, a bad support or simply when performing a physical activity.
The sudden and abrupt movement causes the ligaments and tissue to tear totally or partially, and as a consequence, pain, inflammation (edema), hematoma and deformity may appear, sometimes severe.
Ankle sprains can be classified into three grades:
Grade I: Ligaments are only stretched and usually improve with rest and local cold.
Grade II: Ligaments are partially torn, but there is continuity in the fibers. In these cases, a functional bandage, rest and anti-inflammatory treatment are usually applied.
Grade III: The ligaments are completely torn. It is the most severe form of the injury and often requires surgery.
The sprains in the ankle grade I and II is important a good recovery to prevent the problem from becoming chronic and reduce future injuries.
Symptoms to help you identify the injury
Symptoms of an ankle ankle sprain vary depending on its severity, but usually involve:
- Pain when supporting the affected foot.
- Pain when touching the ankle.
- Inflammation.
- Hematoma.
- Limited range of motion.
- Snapping sensation at the time of injury.
- Instability when walking.
How to treat a sprained ankle at home?
Only grade I sprains can be treated at home, so it is important to rest and elevate the affected foot. It is important that the diagnosis be made by a specialist physician or podiatrist.
Ice helps reduce swelling or edema for the first few days. An ice pack wrapped in a towel or a “cold gel pack” can be applied to the affected area every three hours for 20 minutes for the first three days.
The ankle sprain of grades II and III should always be evaluated and treated by a medical professional. It should not be treated initially at home as time could only aggravate the problem.
Article prepared by Clínica San Román
11-10-2021
