Content

• Steps
• Advice
• Warning

An ankle sprain is one of the most common injuries. A sprain is caused by a strain or tearing of the ligament that supports the ankle. Sprains occur mostly in the ATF ligament (anterior slug ligament) because it runs along the outside of the ankle. The outer ligament is not as strong as the inner ligament. Through physical force, gravity and body weight, we stretch our ligaments beyond our normal capacity. This leads to tears in the ligaments and surrounding small blood vessels. A sprain is like a rubber thread that is stretched too tight, causing tears on the surface and unstable ligaments.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Ankle Examination

1. 

   Remember when you were injured. Remember what happened when you were injured. This can be a bit difficult, especially if you are in severe pain. However, the experience or the feeling right at the moment of the injury may remind you.
   • How fast are you moving? If traveling at high speed (eg skiing or running fast) you are at risk of breaking a bone and need professional medical attention. Low-speed travel injuries (eg, shaking your ankles while jogging or walking) are more likely a sprain that can heal on its own with proper care.
   • Do you feel a ligament is torn.In many cases of sprains, you will feel the ligament tear.
   • Is there a cracking sound? The ankle can crack if a sprain or fracture is.

2. 

   
   
   Watch for swelling. If a sprain occurs, the ankle will become swollen, usually immediately. Check the sides of your ankles to see if they are swollen. Swelling and pain often occur with a sprain or fracture of the ankle.
   • Foot or ankle deformity and severe pain are often signs of an ankle fracture. In that case, you need to use crutches and see a doctor immediately.

3. 

   
   
   Watch for signs of bruising. A sprain often causes bruising. Check your ankle for signs of skin discoloration caused by bruising.

4. 

   Check for pain. An ankle sprain is often painful. You can touch the area of ​​the injury with your finger to see if it hurts.

5. 

   
   
   Put a moderate weight on the ankle. You can try standing up and gently placing part of your body weight on the injured ankle. If it hurts, it could be a sign of a sprain or a broken ankle. Use crutches and see a doctor right away.
   • Feel the "wobble" in the ankle. A sprained ankle is often loose and unstable.
   • In the case of a severe sprain, you may not be able to put body weight on your ankle or be able to stand. Putting weight on your ankles or standing up can be painful. Therefore, you should use crutches and see a doctor immediately.
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Part 2 of 3: Determining the extent of the sprain

1. 

   Recognize a level 1 sprain. An ankle sprain consists of 3 levels. Treatment will depend on the severity of the injury. The least serious is a level 1 sprain.
   • This is a small tear that does not affect standing or walking. Although it is a bit inconvenient, you can still use the ankle as usual.
   • A grade 1 sprain can cause minor swelling and pain.
   • In a first-degree sprain, the swelling usually goes away after a few days.
   • A level 1 sprain may go away when you take care of yourself.

2. 

   Recognize a level 2 sprain. A grade 2 sprain is a moderate injury. This is when a ligament or many ligaments is significantly torn but not too large.
   • With a level 2 sprain, you will not be able to use your ankle as normal and have difficulty putting weight on the ankle.
   • You will see moderate pain, swelling, and bruising.
   • The ankle will be a little loose and will look pulled forward.
   • For a grade 2 sprain, you will need medical attention and use crutches and ankle protection for a while to be able to walk.

3. 

   Get to know a level 3 sprain. A grade 3 sprain is a complete tearing of the ligament and loss of all structure.
   • With a level 3 sprain, you will not be able to put weight on your ankle and be unable to stand without help.
   • The swelling and pain become severe.
   • There is considerable swelling around the fibula (more than 4 cm).
   • Medical tests can detect a foot and ankle that may be visibly deformed or a broken fibula just below the knee.
   • A grade 3 sprain requires immediate medical attention.

4. 

   Know if you have a fracture. A fracture is a bone injury, especially common in healthy people with high-speed ankle injuries, and minor falls injuries in the elderly. Symptoms are usually similar to a grade 3 eye sprain. Fractures require X-rays and professional treatment.
   • A broken ankle will be very painful and unstable.
   • Small fractures have sprained symptoms, but only a medical professional can diagnose or screen them through an X-ray.
   • The sound of teeth cracking at the time of injury can be evidence of ankle fractures.
   • A visibly deformed foot or ankle, such as the foot at an abnormal position or angle, is a sure sign of a fracture or dislocation of the ankle.
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Part 3 of 3: Treatment of an ankle sprain

1. 

   Go to the doctor. Regardless of the level of the sprain, it's best to see your doctor for the best treatment if the swelling or pain persists for more than a week.
   • If you notice signs of a grade 2 or 3 fracture and / or sprain, see your doctor right away. In other words, see your doctor if you are unable to walk (or have difficulty walking), feel numb in your ankles, severe pain, hear a crackling sound at the time of your injury. Professional x-rays and tests are needed to determine treatment.
   • A mild sprain may go away with self-care. However, a sprain that doesn't heal completely can lead to persistent swelling and pain. Even if you have only a grade 1 sprain, you should see your doctor for advice.

2. 

   Rest your ankles. While waiting for your doctor's visit, you can take care of yourself at home using RICE (Rest - Rest, Ice, Compression - Brace, and Elevation - Raise the leg). This is the acronym for four therapeutic actions. For a grade 1 sprain, you may need only a RICE treatment. The first step is to rest your ankles.
   • Avoid moving your ankle and fix it if possible.
   • If you have cardboard available, you can design a temporary brace to protect your leg from further injury. Try to splint your ankle so that it stays in place.

3. 

   Apply ice. Applying ice to your ankle can help reduce swelling and discomfort. Find something cold to put on your ankle as soon as possible.
   • Place the ice cube in the bag and gently apply it to the joint. Cover with a towel to avoid the risk of cold burns to the skin.
   • You can use a bag of frozen beans to apply to the ankle.
   • Apply your ankle for 15-20 minutes, every 2-3 hours. Continue applying for 48 hours.

4. 

   An ankle brace. For a grade 1 sprain, an elastic bandage ankle brace can help immobilize and reduce the risk of further injury.
   • Wrap the bandage around the ankle according to "figure 8".
   • Do not wrap too tightly to avoid swelling in the ankle. Wrap the dressing so that a finger can be inserted between the dressing and the skin.
   • If you suspect a grade 2 or 3 sprain you should see your doctor for advice before using a splint.

5. 

   Raise the foot. Raise your legs higher than your heart. Place your feet on two pillows. This will reduce blood circulation to the feet and help reduce swelling.
   • Leg elevation combined with gravity help reduce swelling and pain relief.

6. 

   Take medicines. To control swelling and pain, you can take an NSAID, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Common over-the-counter NSAIDs include ibuprofen (brand names are Motrin, Advil), naproxen (brand name Aleve), and aspirin. Acetaminophen (also known as Paracetamol or trade name Tylenol) is not an NSAID and does not help control inflammation but can provide pain relief.
   • Take the medicine according to the instructions on the package and do not take the NSAID for pain for more than 10-14 days.
   • Aspirin is not given to children under 18 years of age to avoid the risk of Reye's syndrome.
   • For severe pain and / or grade 2 or 3 weight loss, your doctor may prescribe Narcotic to be taken for the first 48 hours.

7. 

   Use a mobility aid or fix your ankle. Your doctor may recommend a medical device to help you move around and / or immobilize your ankle. For example:
   • You may need crutches, a walking stick or a tripod. The safest tool can be based on balance.
   • Depending on the severity of the injury, your doctor may recommend an ankle bandage or ankle tape device to immobilize your ankle. In severe cases, the orthopedic surgeon may place the ankle in a fixed mold.
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Advice

• Get instant RICE treatment for any ankle injury.
• See your doctor right away if you are unable to walk.
• If you think you have an ankle sprain, limit your movement. Instead, use a crutch or a wheelchair. If you continue walking with an ankle sprain and don't let your ankle rest, even the slightest sprain won't go away.
• Pay attention to the sprain as soon as possible and apply cold for a short time, many times.
• Observe and compare the injured ankle with the other ankle for swelling.
• Tell your parent or guardian for help.
• Immobilize your feet until your doctor allows movement.
• Compare a sprained ankle with a normal ankle.If you have a grade 2 or 3 sprain, your ankle will be slightly swollen and bruised.

Warning

• You must let your ankle heal completely after the sprain. Otherwise, the ankle will sprain again, leading to persistent pain and swelling that doesn't go away.
• A cold feeling in the leg, complete numbness in the foot, or a tight feeling in the leg due to swelling may be signs of a more serious problem. Seek immediate medical attention as you may need emergency surgery if you have damage to your nerves and arteries or compression of the cavity syndrome.