Managing orthopaedic injuries: Treatment options for sprained foot and ankles

Ankle or foot sprain is common among those who often involve in intense workout sessions or don’t have steady balance while walking. If you find any ankle sprain symptoms like bruises or pain around the ankles, here’s what you need to know about how it can be treated.

What causes a sprained ankle?
Sprained ankle occurs when the muscle in your ankle, attached to the ligament, is stretched beyond its limit during a fall, twist or roll. This is a common and easily treatable condition with a short recovery period.

What are the indications of a foot and ankle sprain?
You may have a sprained ankle if you experience the following symptoms:

• Swelling in the ankle joint
• Bruising around the ankle, foot or toes
• Discomfort while walking
• Difficulty while bending the ankle up and down
• Pain in the ankle region

How do I know if I sprained my ankle?
There are many ways through which you can detect an ankle sprain. When you hear a popping sound or sensation near your ankle, it might indicate a sprain. Also, you may lose balance due to an unstable ankle and experience sudden and terrible pain in that area. There can be a slight reduction in the range of motion, where you can take only a few short steps. This is how you know that your ankles are sprained.

How is a sprained ankle treated?
The affected ankle can be treated through the ‘PRICE’ method after 24-48 hours of the injury. It consists of the following:

Protection
Doctors will provide crutches, braces or splints to reduce the force applied to your ankles. You can take little steps not to hurt your ankles again.

Rest
To avoid further damage, all you need is at least one day’s rest to be up and running the next day or in a couple of days after the injury.

Application of ice
Take an ice pack and keep it on the injured ankle at regular intervals to reduce swelling.

Compressions
To decrease swelling, you can also wrap your ankle in an elastic bandage, so you don’t move the damaged part often, and worsen the condition.

Elevation
Raise your ankles on a pillow while sitting or sleeping so there is enough pressure to reduce the pain around your ankle.

How can Sancheti help you?
Sancheti Hospital has a great foot and ankle care centre that offers the latest medical technologies to give the best solutions for a sprained ankle and other foot troubles. To know more about our doctors, visit the website.

People also ask
Can I walk on a sprained ankle?
Anyone can walk with a sprained ankle. However, it would help if you kept a few things in mind before walking with the affected ankle. You can apply ice before visiting the doctor, as it reduces swelling and pain. Once you receive medical attention, you can walk as per your physician’s advice.

Do I need surgery to treat my sprained ankle?
According to the severity of your ankle pain, it’s divided into three grades. Based on it, your doctor might advise you to opt for surgery. Grade three is the worst, as the damage can be significant, while grade one needs minimal treatment. Visit your physician immediately for a quick recovery.

How can I reduce the possibility of spraining my ankle?
Several factors can make your ankle weak, leading to a sprain. Here’s what you can do to reduce it:

• You can use an ankle brace made of elastic that supports your ankle during jogging or working out
• Involve in exercises to increase your balance and strengthen the ankles
• Reduce weight, if your BMI is higher

How do I take care of myself after spraining my ankle?

After spraining your ankle once, it would help if you took great care of it to avoid another sprain. So, you can perform isometric, isotonic and coordination and agility exercises that heal your ankle quickly.