What causes a sprained ankle and what are the symptoms?
What causes a sprained ankle and what are the symptoms?
A sprain occurs when your ankle is forced to move out of its normal position, which can cause one or more of the ankle’s ligaments to stretch, partially tear or tear completely. Causes of a sprained ankle might include: A fall that causes your ankle to twist Landing awkwardly on your foot after jumping or pivoting
How long does it take for a sprained ankle to heal?
After a few days of using the R.I.C.E. protocol, a mild sprain will be mostly healed and ready for you to resume normal activity. A moderate or severe sprain may require you to keep up these treatment steps for longer—up to several weeks.
What happens if you step off the curb and Sprain Your ankle?
Or maybe you simply stepped awkwardly off the curb. No matter how it happened, your ankle is now painful and swollen, showing every sign of being sprained. Bandaging a sprained ankle helps stabilize the joint to tissues can heal.
How to manage pain from an ankle injury?
To manage pain, you can use ice in the short-term (although long-term use of ice to suppress swelling isn’t advised since it likely interferes with healing). Over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, are also useful pain management tools. Elevating the injured ankle can reduce throbbing and allow for easier sleep.
Can a sprained ankle be slow to heal?
No matter how they happen, ankle injuries can be very painful. They can also be slow to heal due to their location. Because of this, it’s important to know which specific injury you have so it can be properly treated from the onset. How can you tell the difference between an ankle sprain and a fracture? What is an ankle sprain?
When to see a doctor for a sprained ankle?
Call your doctor if you have pain and swelling in your ankle and you suspect a sprain. Self-care measures may be all you need, but talk to your doctor to discuss whether you should have your ankle evaluated.
What happens to the ligaments in the ankle when you roll?
Ligaments are tough bands of tissue that stabilize joints and help prevent excessive movement. An ankle sprain occurs when you roll, twist or turn your ankle in an awkward way. This can stretch or tear the ligaments that help hold your ankle bones together. Signs and symptoms of a sprained ankle vary depending on the severity of the injury.
How can you tell if your ankle is broken or sprained?
You’ve injured your ankle and can’t put your weight on it. It hurts and is tender to the touch, bruised, and swollen. It could be a sprain, or it might be broken. The symptoms of an ankle sprain are a lot like a fracture, but you’ll need to know which injury you have so you can heal the right way. What’s an Ankle Sprain?
What causes a sprained ankle after a fall?
Causes of a sprained ankle might include: A fall that causes your ankle to twist Landing awkwardly on your foot after jumping or pivoting Walking or exercising on an uneven surface Another person stepping or landing on your foot during a sports activity
A sprain may clear up within days, with worse sprains needing several weeks to heal. Fractures usually take much longer. It could be 6 weeks to several months before you’re back to your regular routine.
What happens to your body when you strain your ankle?
If you’ve strained your ankle, you might experience muscle cramps in your shins, calves, or feet. In some cases, you might not be able to do normal activities such as walking, running, or jumping without pain. In the case of mild strains, your ankle may become stiff with pain, limiting your range of motion.