CAUSES
*Falling
*Sudden twisting of the ankle
RISK FACTORS
*Playing sports
*Having:
-Poor coordination
-Poor balance
-Inadequate strength in muscles and tight ligaments
-Loose joints
SYMPTOMS
*Pain, swelling, and bruising around the ankle
*Worsening of pain when walking, standing, pressing on the sore area, or moving the ankle inward
*Inability to move the ankle joint without pain
*Popping or tearing sound at the time of the injury (possibly)
DIAGNOSIS
*Inability to move ankle without significant pain (CHECK)
*Inability to put any weight on that foot (CHECK)
*Pain over a bony part of your foot or ankle (CHECK)
*Pain that interferes significantly with walking (DOUBLE CHECK)
*Pain not relieved by ice, pain relief medication, and elevation (CHECK, AGAIN)
*Numbness in the leg, foot, or ankle (a little)
*Pain that does not improve in 5-7 days (CHECK- aint improved YET, AND um been hospital already and got it checked!)
*Uncertainty about the severity of the injury (I waited 2Days before i got it checked- I knew it was sprained- sprained this same ankle in high school- Resulting in EARLY RETIREMENT from BASKETBALL!) :)
Test that may be needed:
*X-rays —to make sure that no bones are broken (I GOT AN X-RAY- guy was touchin n turnin my ankle, bie.. WHAAAT!- HURT LIKE HELL!)
*MRI scan —to see if a ligament has torn completely (rarely needed)
TREATMENT
Treatment for a sprained ankle includes:
Rest—Avoid putting any pressure on your ankle by not walking on it. Using crutches will allow for partial weight-bearing. This is allowed, early on, except in three ligament tears.
Ice—Apply ice or a cold pack to the ankle for 15-20 minutes, 4 times a day for at least 2-3 days. This helps reduce pain and swelling. Wrap the ice or cold pack in a towel. Do not apply the ice directly to your skin.
Compression—Wrap your ankle in an elastic compression bandage (eg, Ace bandage). Wrap from the toes going up toward the knee. This will limit swelling of your ankle and foot.
Elevation—Keep your ankle raised above the level of your heart as much as you can for 48 hours. This will help drain fluid and reduce swelling.
Medication—Take one of the following drugs to help reduce inflammation and pain:
Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Aspirin
Rehabilitation exercises—Begin exercises to restore flexibility, range of motion, and strength of the muscles around your ankle as recommended by your health care professional.
Brace—You may need to wear a brace to immobilize your ankle. In many instances, a brace, which stabilizes and compresses the ankle, will allow for early weight bearing and an earlier return to activity. You will be rehabilitating the ankle as it heals. If you play sports, you may need to wear an ankle brace or tape your ankle when you return to play.
Leg cast—A cast is very rarely needed for an ankle sprain. If you have a severe sprain, your doctor may recommend a short leg cast for 2-3 weeks, but this is very rare. In many cases, there are special braces that can be used instead of a cast.
Surgery—Surgery is rarely needed to repair an ankle sprain, but it may be necessary to repair a third degree sprain in which all three ligaments are torn.
If you are diagnosed with an ankle sprain, follow your doctor's instructions.
NAE SAY...Have you ever had a sprain?- got any stories you wanna share about your injuries please comment. Also.. HERE is my "SPRAINAGE!" Above is a picture of my (Left) Sprained ankle the day after it happened. Seriously hurts Alot.... now the swellings gone down a good bit but is a bit stiff hurts to stretch and flex and HURTS the most when I stand up as all the blood flows back to my foot and such! IT's the WORST!!! :(
