If you have ever taken a wrong step and twisted your ankle, then you may have suffered a sprained ankle. Ankle injuries can cause sudden pain, and you might be hesitant to put weight on your foot afterward. In some cases, a sprained ankle may not seem like a big deal at first, but you start to get concerned when swelling and bruising set in. Whether you are an athlete or just trying to go about your daily activities, a sprained ankle can really put a damper on your day. College Park chiropractors at AICA can provide you with all-natural and non-invasive approaches to sprained ankle treatment. Here’s everything you need to know about a sprained ankle, including common symptoms, the types of sprained ankle, and what to expect with treatment and recovery.
Sprained Ankle Symptoms
A sprained ankle can happen when you twist or roll your ankle at an odd angle. This can occur if you are jumping and landing on the side of your foot or while walking along an uneven surface. A sprained ankle can also occur if you suddenly fall and try to stay on your feet. A sprained ankle is also a common injury while playing sports. The most common signs and symptoms of a sprained ankle include immediate pain and tenderness around your ankle. When the sprained ankle happens, you may even hear a popping sensation. Swelling and bruising can occur with a sprained ankle. You may also experience some instability when trying to put weight on the affected ankle and foot. A sprained ankle can also restrict your range of motion and make it difficult to turn your ankle or point your toes.
Types of Sprained Ankle
When you sprain your ankle, it actually causes an injury to the ligaments that stabilize the ankle joint. These ligaments are tough connective tissues that hold the bones in your ankle together. When you twist or sprain your ankle, the ligament becomes overstretched. Your doctor can use diagnostic imaging like an X-ray or CT scan to diagnose the severity of your ankle sprain. There are three types of sprained ankle that range from mild to severe.
Mild
A mild ankle sprain is known as a grade 1 sprain. This is the most common type of sprained ankle and occurs when at least one ligament in the ankle joint becomes overstretched. Symptoms will typically last no longer than two weeks with a mild ankle sprain.
Moderate
A moderate ankle sprain is a grade 2 sprain and refers to an injury where a ligament in the ankle is partially torn. A partial tear to a ligament in the ankle joint can lead to instability and difficulty bearing weight on the joint. This type of ankle sprain can take 6 to 8 weeks to heal fully.
Severe
A severe ankle sprain is known as a grade 3 sprain. This type of ankle sprain can sometimes be mistaken for an ankle fracture because of the severity of the pain and how long the symptoms last. It can take up to 6 months to fully heal from a grade 3 ankle sprain.
Sprained Ankle Treatment Options
Depending on what grade of ankle sprain you are dealing with, you may be able to rest and recover from a sprained ankle at home. For more moderate to severe cases of an ankle sprain, your doctor may recommend additional treatment and support so you can fully regain your range of motion in the affected ankle.
R.I.C.E.
R.I.C.E. is a treatment technique you can try at home after a sprained ankle. R.I.C.E. stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. The first thing you want to do is rest your ankle. Avoid putting weight on the ankle and moving around immediately after the injury. Applying ice to the ankle can help reduce pain and swelling in the area. Compression with a wrapped bandage or brace can also help manage the swelling and also provide your ankle with a bit more support. Finally, elevating your injured ankle above the heart helps reduce blood flow to the ankle while the swelling goes down.
Chiropractic Care
A chiropractor can help provide you with an all-natural approach to pain relief from a sprained ankle and speed up your recovery time. Chiropractors can help with joint injuries in the body, including a sprained ankle. Your chiropractor can also help you improve your mobility and range of motion after a sprained ankle injury. Chiropractic care for a sprained ankle may involve ensuring the ankle is in proper alignment and going through activities that can help strengthen your ankle.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can also help you recover effectively from a sprained ankle. A physical therapist can walk you through stretches and exercises to help reduce your pain and swelling, strengthen the ankle, and support your range of motion. An ankle injury can restrict movements and leave supporting muscles feeling weak and unstable. Physical therapy provides you with a hands-on approach to stretching and exercises that help you get stronger and heal faster.
Sprained Ankle Recovery
The length of recovery for a sprained ankle will depend largely on the severity of injury to the ligaments in the ankle. In the immediate aftermath of a sprained ankle, you will want to avoid putting weight on the ankle until the swelling goes down. Once the swelling has subsided, you can even start to apply a heating pad or warm compress to the ankle to reduce stiffness and relax nearby muscles. In order to fully regain your mobility and range of motion in your ankle, you don’t want to avoid all activities. In fact, gently moving around and stretching your ankle regularly will help you get back on your feet.
If you are dealing with an ankle sprain, then visit AICA Orthopedics in College Park and learn about our twisted ankle treatment options. Our team of orthopedic doctors, chiropractors, and physical therapists can help you recover from an ankle injury as soon as possible!