Sprained Ankle: Symptoms and Treatments

According to the Mayo Clinic, an ankle sprain is caused by an unnatural movement or motion that, "...can stretch or tear the ligaments that help hold your ankle together." ¹

The ligament is an elastic, stretchy tissue that connects bones together. Although they have a certain amount of stretchiness and give to them, they can be overstretched or torn, resulting in a strain. ¹

Common situations that may lead to an ankle sprain are sports that involve pivoting and sprinting back and forth; walking or exercising on uneven surfaces (a gap in the pavement when walking, instability training/BOSU training, etc.), or falling. When falling, it is possible to land in such a way that the ankle twists and develops a strain. ³

The symptoms of an ankle sprain often include: swelling, bruising, pain (particularly when weight is put on the affected ankle), and a restricted range of motion. ²

Most often an ankle sprain can be treated without prescription medicine or therapy. However, the symptoms and pain of a severe strain can be the same as a broken or fractured ankle or calf bone. In cases of severe symptoms, you should seek medical advice to determine whether or not you really have just a sprain.

There are many ways to treat a sprained ankle at home with over the counter and household items. An anti-inflammatory, like ibuprofen, is good not only for the pain associated with the sprain, but also the inflammation and swelling from the sprain. The Mayo Clinic recommends the RICE method of treatment: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Rest by avoiding unnecessary movement and activity that may further injure or aggravate the sprain. ⁴

Ice the area as soon as possible. Ice may be repeated for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off for a few hours after the injury is incurred. Ice may be reapplied later as well, if the swelling continues or if it helps alleviate the discomfort of the injury. ⁴

Compression is recommended to help reduce swelling. A compression brace or bandage will work, but you can also use a snugly wrapped towel or cloth. Make sure that you don't wrap it too tight though, as you don't want to constrict blood flow to the area. ⁴

Elevate the injury to help reduce swelling as well. You can easily prop up the ankle while you are sitting and resting. When you are in bed you can put a pillow under the affected foot and ankle to provide some elevation while you are sleeping. ⁴

Once you've sprained an ankle, you are more likely to sprain that particular ankle again. You need to get sufficient rest and build back up your strength and stability in your ankle before you can resume your normal activities. If you don't you may also be more likely to develop arthritis in that joint. You may also suffer from chronic pain and/or lack of stability in that joint in the future. ⁵

Sources:

¹Sprained Ankle- Definition, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sprained-ankle/DS01014
²Sprained Ankle- Symptoms, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sprained-ankle/DS01014/DSECTION=symptoms
³Sprained Ankle- Causes, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sprained-ankle/DS01014/DSECTION=causes
⁴Sprained Ankle- Lifestyle and Home Remedies, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sprained-ankle/DS01014/DSECTION=lifestyle-and-home-remedies
⁵Sprained Ankle- Complications, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sprained-ankle/DS01014/DSECTION=complications