Facts that you should know about an Ankle SprainAn introduction to Ankle Sprain. It is not unusual for walkers and sports person at sometime or other to suffer with a 'Sprained ankle' . It can be a very painful experience and can significantly affect a patient’s lifestyle. It is the result of the ankle twisting and causing damage to the soft tissues and ligaments. The anterior talofibular ligament is one of the most commonly involved ligaments. Sprains to the lateral aspect of the ankle account for 85% of ankle sprains. A ligament consists of several strands of tissue all compacted together to form a strong structure, not dissimilar to a rope. An ankle sprain or A lateral ankle sprain may result in a partial or complete tear of a ligament, which stabilizes the ankle joint. Once the ligament is torn, it becomes weak which in turn affects ankle stability and the weakness may well manifest itself many years later in life so it is far better to take all necessary precautions to prevent it occurring in the first place. Which is no more than common sense
The degree in which the ankle stability is affected is dependent upon the level of the tear. When an ankle sprain occurs, it may well be caused by a walker stepping on a large stone or perhaps twisting the ankle when walking over a hole. Perhaps one made by a rabbit for instance.This is then followed immediately by a sharp pain on the outside of the ankle. This type of injury is called Acute Pain. An audible "pop" or "snap" may accompany the injury, which sometimes signals a rupture of the ligament. If the walker is still able to walk on the injured ankle, the likelihood of a serious injury is less, but walking should be discontinued. Shoes should be kept on until examination and treatment. I have to say that in the past on more than one occasion i have twisted my ankle in a verypainful way and i have had to continue walking for a few miles until i could get to transport but i have found that i have been able to walk the injury off to a greater extent and all the treatment that i needed was the good old RICE (Rest Ice Compression and Elevation) and i was soon back to normal. ( i didn't say that I was normal. The painful ankle will possible have some bruising that will show in a day or so and this is due to ruptured blood vessels. Chronic ankle Pain is normally a result of an overuse injury particularly if no specific traumatic event has occurred these can be divided into the following Posterior ankle pain is often associated with the achilles Medial ankle pain is that on the inside of the ankle and can be caused by a combination of stress on the tendons and nerves passing through this region. Lateral ankle pain occurs on the outside of the ankle Anterior ankle pain is characterised by pain at the front of the ankle extending into the foot and is associated with over walking Should you be unfortunate enough to experience an injury of the ankle these are a few suggeation i have compiled to help you. Apply ice to the area straight away or if you have an ice spray so beloved by the sports physios. Do not follow any other treatment regimes until a diagnosis is confirmed by a doctor. • The R.I.C.E theory should be used, Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. • The recovery time is usually between 3-7 weeks; however; the swelling may last for a few months or even never return to normal. • In severe cases surgery may be necessary to repair tendons around the ankle joint. • Sports orthotics and Insoles can provide stability and control in order to prevent future occurrences of an ankle sprain. You may need x-rays depending on the severity of the ankle sprain Return to the top of Ankle Sprain page Go to Foot Conditions Home page Visit Foot Pronation page Read about Heel Spurs Watch out for those Blisters Support your ankles with correctly fitting Boots
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