Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
By Dr. Isin Mustafa, DPM, MSHS, DABPM, FACPM
Ankle sprains are common injuries that can affect people of all ages or fitness levels. The majority of the population has likely experienced an ankle sprain at one point. When a sprain occurs, most think “no big deal” and prematurely return to their usual routine only to sprain it again. This is a common phenomenon as most people do not seek treatment for ankle sprains, resulting in recurrent sprains or “weak ankles”. Hopefully, understanding the potential consequences of ankle injuries will prompt more people to seek medical treatment sooner and prevent long-term consequences such as chronic ankle instability.
Causes of Ankle Sprains
An ankle sprain is defined as an injury to one or more of the ankle ligaments. Ligaments are band-like structures that connect one bone to another and hold joints together. Anyone can be affected including adults, children, athletes, and non-athletes. A sprain can be a result of physical activity, tripping/stepping wrong, direct, or indirect trauma. They often occur after a fall, sudden twist or trauma that forces the ankle joint out of its normal position. This commonly occurs during sports, wearing inappropriate shoes, walking, or running on uneven surfaces.
The severity of the sprain depends on whether the ankle ligament is stretched, partially torn, or completely torn as well as how many ankle ligaments were damaged. It’s important to note that ankle sprains are not the same as strains, which affect muscles rather than ligaments.
Symptoms of Ankle Sprains
The symptoms of an ankle sprain can vary depending on the severity of the injury, but common symptoms include:
• Localized pain, especially when putting weight on the affected ankle
• Swelling and bruising
• Limited range of motion
• Instability or feeling like the ankle may give way
In more severe sprains, there may be a popping sound at the time of injury, and the pain and swelling may be more pronounced.
Risk Factors/Prevention
Prevention is always better than dealing with an injury. There are many preventative measures one can take to reduce the risk of an ankle sprain. When beginning a new exercise program, you want to always increase your activity gradually. Do not be a “weekend warrior”. When engaging in physical activity, listen to your body. Muscles and ligaments become fatigued at or near the end of a vigorous activity. If you “push through” the fatigue rather than resting, you are more likely to experience injury. Always warm up prior to physical activity. Athletes who go right into vigorous activity without warming up, run a higher risk of ankle sprains and strains. Muscles and ligaments will remain tight, less flexibility and more prone to injury without a warmup period. Appropriate shoe gear is also essential. Shoe gear should be tailored to the specific sport you are engaging in and should not be worn down. Sports like basket, soccer and tennis involve jumping, quick changes in direction, side to side movement. These movements run a high risk of sprains, therefore you may consider taping or bracing the ankles to increase their stability if you engage in activities such as these.
Prompt Medical Attention
If you suffer an ankle injury, it is best to seek medical treatment early. Sometimes ankle fractures can be mistaken for a sprain. Ankle fractures require immediate treatment and can only be diagnosed with radiographs. Additionally, untreated ankle sprains can lead to the development of chronic conditions such as ankle instability. A condition marked by chronic pain, weakness/instability of the ankle and a sense of the ankle “giving out”. An appropriate rehabilitation program will need to start right away after the injury to prevent long term complications and possible requirement of surgery.
If you have suffered an ankle injury, contact your local foot and ankle specialist for more information and proper treatment.
Isin Mustafa, DPM, is a Podiatrist at Family Foot & Leg Centers in Sarasota, FL. She is a Fellow of the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons.
Call 239-430-3668 or visit www.NaplesPodiatrist.com to make an appointment. Visit FootHealthFacts.org to learn more about foot and ankle conditions.
3110 Fruitville Commons Blvd,
Suite 102
Sarasota, FL 34240
(239) 430 – 3668 (FOOT)
www.NaplesPodiatrist.com
