Most of us have twisted our ankles, perhaps when falling, running, playing sports, or walking fast, and have had very strong pain. But if after this the ankle swells and you can’t put weight on your foot, it is probably a sprain, so it is recommended to rest and consult a doctor for appropriate treatment.
“Sprains occur when we are moving. In this case, the ankle turns outwards and the foot inwards. As a result, the ligaments on the outside that support the ankle are stretched and sometimes torn. Less frequently, the ankle turns inwards and the foot outwards, so the damaged ligaments are those on the inside,” explains José Andrés Castillo, traumatologist.
The specialist points out that ankle sprains are one of the most frequent causes of injuries in athletes. However, it is not necessary to practice any physical activity to suffer one, since a fall or a wrong step can cause the ankle to twist and injure the ligaments. Many people who wear high-heeled shoes can suffer one.
Symptoms of a sprain
A sprained ankle can be caused by a fall or a bad jump, causing the ligaments that help stabilize the joints and prevent excessive movement to stretch or tear.
The pain when the ankle is sprained often lasts for quite a long time. The person may not even be able to stand up because they are unable to support their weight. Other symptoms of a sprain in this area of the body include tenderness when touching the ankle, swelling, and bruising.
The ankle is often felt to be unstable and has a limited range of motion. “When the sprain is more severe, sometimes you can feel the ligament tear or hear a dry or snapping sound. Generally, the more pain you feel, the more serious the injury could be,” adds Eduardo Ortiz, an internist.
Treatment
It is recommended that during the first 24 to 72 hours, or until the area goes down, you apply an ice pack for 20 minutes every hour. The pack should be pressed against all the curves of the affected area.
It is essential to rest and avoid putting weight on the foot. It is advisable to use crutches until you can walk. It is also recommended to use an elastic compression bandage for the first 36 hours and to raise the ankle above the level of the heart for two to three hours a day to reduce swelling. When the inflammation has subsided, hot compresses can be applied.
When the pain and inflammation disappear, it is recommended to do stretching exercises, and before resuming your activity, do strength exercises.
Along with these tips, you can take painkillers for the pain.
Remember, if you sprained your foot and have swelling, pain, and bruising, you should see a doctor as soon as possible for a checkup. Specialists will be the ones to give you the appropriate treatment for your level of sprain. Do not self-diagnose or self-prescribe medications.
How many days does a sprained ankle last?
Swelling and pain from a sprained ankle usually lasts 48 to 72 hours but will depend on the severity, the care measures taken, and the medical check-up.
Healing time will also depend on the severity of the injury, early initiation of treatment, and the length of immobilization of the ankle. Generally, a mild sprain may last between seven and ten days, while a moderate sprain may take between one and six months.
When you have a severe sprain, recovery can take up to a year. Regardless of the severity, it is recommended to be patient and follow your doctor’s recommendations to the letter, otherwise, you may be prone to more frequent sprains.
“What happens if I don’t rest with a sprain?”
According to Castillo, most people who suffer a sprain do not comply with the necessary rest recommendations. Since they do not feel pain and do not have inflammation, they begin to put weight on and move their foot. This is one of the most common questions they ask in the office: “What happens if I do not rest with a sprain?”
“This can lead to chronic ankle pain, chronic ankle joint instability, and arthritis in the ankle joint,” he emphasizes. In addition, you are more likely to sprain your ankle again.
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