Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains are a common injury that can happen to anyone, regardless of age or activity level. They occur when the ligaments that connect the bones in the ankle joint are stretched or torn. Ankle sprains can range from mild to severe, and can cause significant pain and discomfort. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for ankle sprains
What causes an ankle sprain?
Ankle sprains are often the result of a sudden twisting or turning motion of the ankle. This can occur during everyday activities such as walking, running, or jumping, or during sports or other physical activities. Ankle sprains can also be caused by wearing shoes that do not provide proper support or by walking on uneven surfaces.
Symptoms of Ankle Sprains
- Pain over the outer aspect or front of the ankle.
- Swelling and bruising.
- Difficulty bearing weight on the affected ankle.
- The ankle may feel unstable or the person may experience a popping or snapping sound at the time of injury.
Treatment Options for Ankle Sprains
The treatment for an ankle sprain will depend on the severity of the injury.
Treatment generally will involve:
- Relative rest
- Taping or immobilisation if deemed necessary.
- Ice and compression for swelling management
- Swelling management
- Early gait re-training
- Restore ankle range of motion
- Improve calf muscle strength
- Build balance and proprioception
- End stage sport specific training, conditioning and bracing if needed
- Maintenance exercises to prevent an injury re-occurrence.
Preventing Ankle Sprains
The best way to prevent ankle sprains is to strengthen the muscles in the ankle and work on ankle stability exercises. These need to be built into your training as much as you train the ‘skills’ for your desired sport.
In conclusion, ankle sprains are a common injury that can be caused by a variety of factors. If you experience symptoms of an ankle sprain, it is important to seek medical attention to ensure proper treatment and to prevent further injury.
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