Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains are usually acute (short-term) injuries occurring after a single trauma. You will probably feel some level of discomfort immediately after landing the wrong way or losing your footing.

Common symptoms for an ankle sprain include:

• Ankle pain. Inversion strains affect the outside of the ankle. Conversely, eversion strains cause pain on the inside of the ankle. For many, the pain is sudden and sharp. The pain usually becomes worse when applying weight on the ankle or when attempting to walk.
• Swelling. Damage to the ligaments may cause noticeable swelling (or edema).
• Bruising and tenderness to the touch. Discoloration from bruising and sensitivity to the area varies depending on the severity of the sprain.
• “Popping” sound or sensation. When the injury occurs, you may feel or hear a “pop” as the ligament suffers injury.

Diagnosing an Ankle Sprain

If you suspect you have an ankle sprain, you should get it checked out by a doctor. A simple physical examination can determine the severity of your sprain and if any medical attention is required. Exams include assessing your range of motion and pressing (or palpating) the ankle to determine the injured ligament(s).

Doctors grade the severity of a sprain (or strain) based on your symptoms and a physical exam. The three grades of sprains are:

• Grade 1: Mild sprains with minimal tearing of the ligament. Grade 1 sprains mainly involve an overstretch of the ligament with only tiny tears. Still, pain, tenderness, and swelling can occur with this type of strain. In addition, you may experience minor bruising and some trouble walking or standing.
• Grade 2: A moderate sprain involves some tearing of the ligament. There are, however, several ligament fibers still intact to help the ankle maintain its integrity. Pain, swelling, and tenderness may be more prominent with some accompanying ankle instability and loss of range of motion. Bruising may be more noticeable. Also, walking is often difficult after a grade 2 sprain.
• Grade 3: The most severe form of sprains in which there is a completely torn ligament. Swelling, pain, bruising, and tenderness are severe. A person with a grade 3 sprain may not be able to perform any weight-bearing activities on the affected foot and ankle.

As with many mild to moderate ligament and soft tissue injuries, the RICE method is usually used immediately after the injury occurs. This method can also apply to your ankle sprain. RICE stands for:

• Rest: Try to avoid standing or walking on the sprained ankle as much as possible until it heals. This could mean a couple of days for mild sprains. More severe cases may require several weeks of rest.
• Ice: Cooling the area with ice packs wrapped in a cloth can reduce swelling and pain. You may be asked to ice the area for up to a half-hour, three to four times a day.
• Compression: Special bandages or compression dressings help to immobilize and compress the area. Compression assists with the healing process and can prevent further injury to the area.
• Elevation: Try to keep the injured ankle elevated above heart level for the first two days after an injury. Elevation accelerates healing, reduces swelling, and delivers some pain relief.

In addition to the RICE method, your doctor may recommend OTC pain medications. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can reduce pain and inflammation of the ankle sprain.

Treatment for More Serious Ankle Sprains

Moderate and severe ankle sprains may require additional treatment. This can include:

Crutches, Boots, and Braces

In order for your ankle sprain to heal properly, it needs to be immobilized and supported. Crutches allow you to keep weight off of your ankle. Boots and braces ensure that your ankle doesn’t make any sudden movements to reinjure the area, preventing further pain and negative symptoms from further ankle sprains or injuries.

Physical Therapy

Rehabilitation by a physical therapist (PT) can increase ankle strength and range of motion after your ankle sprain begins to heal. Guidance from a PT can also help you prevent further ankle injuries.

A PT will prescribe strengthening exercises after you can safely bear weight on the ankle. Also, balance training can increase your ankle stability. Once you are able to complete more tasks with your ankle, your PT may also have you work on agility and endurance exercises to improve your ankle strength.

Surgical Options

While it is rare, some individuals with severe and/or chronic ankle sprains may benefit from surgery. If continued pain or ankle instability occurs after your injury, you may want to consult a board-certified orthopedist or podiatrist. A simple consultation can help you understand if surgery is necessary and what procedures are best for your condition.

Typical surgeries for a torn ankle ligament include:

• Ankle Arthroscopy: This procedure uses a tiny camera to allow the surgeon to see inside the ankle joint. Then, using very small equipment, the surgeon can remove any loose fragments of bone or soft tissue. This is usually a minimally invasive procedure.
• Ankle Reconstruction Surgery: If the ligament suffers major damage, it may be repaired with sutures or stitches. In some cases, a surgeon transplants tissue from other areas of the foot or ankle to allow the ligament to heal.
• Brostrom Procedure: During this procedure, the surgeon makes overstretched lateral ligaments shorter and then reattaches them to the bone.

Outcomes for Ankle Sprains

Most people make a full recovery after an ankle sprain. This is, however, dependent on sticking with the right treatment regimen to ensure that your ankle fully heals. Not following through with rehab or stretching exercises may make the ankle more prone to further injuries.

NJ Spine & Orthopedic is Ready To Help You Recover

Are you having a hard time getting rid of your ankle pain? Our doctors at NJ Spine & Orthopedic will meet with you to discuss the best treatments for your ankle. We believe that conservative treatments usually need to be explored first.

If you do need surgery, we use the latest, minimally invasive procedures to ensure less pain and quicker recovery times. Call us today at (855) 586-2615 to schedule an appointment with one of our ankle doctors!