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What is Ankle Sprain? Causes, Types, & Treatment Options

QI Spine Clinic, 5 days ago

Ankle sprains can occur to anyone. It is a common injury that occurs due to prolonged stretching and tear in the ligaments that support the ankle joint. The severity of ankle sprain depends on the number of ligaments involved and to the extent they are torn. In most cases, sprains can be treated at home using ice, elevation, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and exercises. But, if it does not get better after a few weeks and pain and swelling persist then you must consult with a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment. 

Causes of Ankle Sprains

The most common cause of an ankle sprain is a twist to the foot or ankle. Different causes of ankle sprains are:
Walking on an uneven surface: When you walk on an uneven surface, your ankle can get twisted, which may cause it.
Falling or tripping: Falling from a certain height or tripping can be its cause.
Taking part in certain sports: Participating in sports such as running, football, tennis, soccer, etc. People who take part in different sports, such as running, soccer, and football, are more prone to it.
Strenuous exercise: Doing strenuous exercises involving the legs and feet. Some people practice heavy and strenuous exercises without the guidance of an expert, which can cause an injury to the ankle. 

Symptoms of Ankle Sprains

Symptoms of ankle sprains vary depending on the degree of sprain. The main symptoms are:
  • Pain in the foot during rest as well as while putting pressure on the foot. 
  • Bruising and swelling are present. The torn tendons of the ankle will produce bruises and swelling around the ankle.
  • The ankle becomes unstable, and there is a feeling as it is giving out, and it becomes difficult to walk.
  • Ankle becomes tender to touch. Injury to the ankle ligaments and tendons makes it tender to touch. Even a soft touch can cause pain. 

Diagnosis

The orthopaedic doctor will perform a physical examination and ask questions about the injury. The doctor will examine the sprained ankle for bruising and swelling and may press over the injured ankle softly to determine the injured ligaments.  The doctor will also try to move your ankle in different directions to determine the range of motion. This will help in assessing the stability of the ankle. The doctor may tell you the severity of the sprain based on swelling, bruise, pain, and stability. If there is difficulty in putting weight on the ankle, then the doctor may recommend other tests. Imaging tests such as X-rays and MRIs may be done to rule out fracture or injury to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. X-rays help diagnose a break in the bone, and MRIs help diagnose injury to the deeper tissues. 

Types

After proper diagnosis, the orthopaedic doctor will determine the severity of the sprain to make a proper treatment plan. Based on the severity of damage, sprains are divided into different grades. Grade 1: In grade 1, there is mild stretching and a small tear of the ligament. There may be mild tenderness, bruising, and swelling around the ankle. There may be no pain while putting weight on the foot.  Grade 2: In grade 2, the ligament is partially torn. Moderate bruising, tenderness, and swelling around the ankle are present. There may be mild pain when putting on weight, and mild instability may be present.  Grade 3: In grade 3, the ligament is completely torn. Severe bruising, tenderness, and swelling around the ankle are present. Putting weight on the foot causes severe pain, and severe instability is also present. 

Treatment of Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains can be treated without surgery. Proper rest and rehabilitation can even help heal Grade-3 sprain of the ankle without surgical repair. Non-invasive treatment of ankle sprains includes the following:
  • Take rest for a short period to make the ankle immobile. Apply ice to reduce tenderness and swelling.
  • Compression bandages may be used to support the ankle and make it immobile. This will also help reduce swelling. 
  • Keep your ankle elevated above the level of your heart for 1-2 days to reduce swelling.
  • The doctor will also give you non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain and swelling of the ankle. 
  • If you have a grade 2 sprain, then a supportive device may be used to provide support to the ankle. 
  • Grade 3 sprain of the ankle may require a cast or brace for 2-3 weeks for complete healing. 
  • Swelling and pain may go away in 3-4 days. Walking may not be possible, but you can use assistive devices like crutches. 
  • Once your pain and swelling are gone, you can start a range of motion exercises under the guidance of an expert physiotherapist.  A physiotherapist can suggest the best exercises to strengthen the ligaments and tendons. 

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is not recommended. Surgical treatment is only required if conservative treatments fail to provide relief from sprains. Surgery is also done if there is any other injury along with a sprain in the ankle.

Conclusion

Ankle sprains can occur to anyone at any time. These will cause pain, swelling, bruising, and tenderness. Pain and swelling depend on the severity of the damage to tendons and ligaments. Sprains may occur due to a fall, twisted leg, or while playing sports. Ankle sprains can be treated at home easily with rest and immobilisation of the affected ankle. But, if you do not get relief from home treatments, you must consult with an orthopaedic doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment. 

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FAQs

How are a sprained ankle and a broken ankle different?

In a sprained ankle, the ligaments are torn, and in a broken ankle, the bones of the ankle are broken. Sometimes, a severe ankle sprain can produce symptoms similar to those of a broken ankle. Both may be caused by falling, tripping, or twisting your ankle. Sprains can heal quickly, but a broken ankle may take time to heal.

When should I visit a doctor for an ankle sprain?

You must visit a doctor if your symptoms do not go away with the treatment at home. If you are unable to bear weight while walking, then you must consult with a doctor. If the tenderness and swelling increase, then you must visit a doctor. You can also visit a doctor to learn the physical exercises for quick recovery.

 How can I reduce swelling due to an ankle sprain?

You can apply ice and an elastic bandage, elevate your ankle above the level of your heart, and keep your foot at rest to reduce swelling. You can use crutches to walk. You can return to normal activities with proper rehab activities under the guidance of an expert.

What are the risk factors for ankle sprains?

An ankle sprain can occur at any age. If your ankle has sprained in the past, then you are at a greater risk of getting it again. People playing sports such as football, soccer, running, etc., are at a greater risk. If your ankle gets sprained frequently, then it can become unstable and cause severe problems like arthritis. 

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