Ankle Sprain: What You Need To Know About Sprained Ankles

Most individuals will experience an ankle sprain at least once in their lifetimes. In fact, sprained ankles are the most common orthopedic cases. In the US alone, about 25,000 suffer from ankle sprains every day. And you don't have to be an athlete to get a sprained ankle.

Interestingly, very few people really understand what an ankle sprain is and how to handle it when it happens.

Simply put, a sprain is an injury to the ligaments. Ligaments are strong elastic bands of tissue that hold the bones in place. They also link two different bones in a joint. The ligaments in your ankle are very tough but they do have their limits. When the ligaments in the ankles are stretched too far – or worse torn – the result is ankle sprain.

There are three types of ankle sprains classified according to severity.

Grade I - Mild Sprain

The ligaments in your ankles are stretched beyond it's normal capacity. Very small tears in the ligaments are possible causing tenderness and mild swelling. You can still use your ankle to walk but you will experience a little pain.

For mild sprains, splinting or casting is not necessary. You can continue to use your ankle and work on stretching and strengthening exercises as long as you can stand the pain.

Putting ice on the ankle and taking pain relievers if often effective for mild sprains.

Grade II – Moderate Sprain

In this case, the ligaments are torn but not completely separated. Your ankle becomes tender and you experience pain. Bruises may be observed. You will have difficulty moving your ankle or putting weight on it as it becomes very painful to do so.

You shouldn't try to move your ankle if you have a moderate sprain. A splint is recommended. Stretching and strengthening exercises will help to rehabilitate the sprained ankle. You might also need to use crutches for a number of days.

Grade III – Severe Sprain

In a sever sprain, the ligament is torn completely. This results in extreme pain, bruising, swelling and tenderness. This type of sprain is very painful and requires complete immobilization. You might need to use splints for a longer period of time that recommended for those with moderate sprain.

To better immobilize the affected ankle, a cast or walking boot may be needed. In extreme cases, surgical reconstruction may be necessary.

P.R.I.C.E.

Most sprains are mild sprains and can be treated with the P.R.I.C.E method.

P – stands for protection. A wrap or splint will help immobilize your ankle and protect it from further damage.

R – is for rest. A good rule of thumb is if it's too painful, don't do it. You should not stop physical activity altogether, on the other hand. Try to exercise the other parts of your body.

I – is for ice. This should be done immediately after you sprain your ankle. The cold helps reduce swelling, pain and inflammation. Apply for 15-20 minutes only to avoid cold injury.

C – stands for compression. Elastic bands help stop swelling. Remember not to wrap it too tightly to allow circulation.

E – means elevation. To remove excess fluid from the sprained ankle, elevate it higher than your heart specially at night.