Sprained ankles are one of the most common injuries. This condition is a stretching or tearing of the ligaments that support the ankle. This injury is most common in the ATF (anterior talofibular) ligament because it runs along the outside of the ankle. These ligaments are not as strong as the ligaments on the inside. Due to the forces of physics, gravity, and our own weight, we sometimes stretch it beyond its normal capacity, causing the ligaments and blood vessels around it to tear. A sprain will feel like a rubber band being pulled and stretched too much, leaving the surface torn and unstable.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Checking the Ankle
Step 1. Recall an incident when you were injured
Try to remember what happened when you were injured. This can be difficult to do, especially if you are in a lot of pain. However, experience at the moment of injury may provide clues.
- How fast did you move when you were injured? If you're moving very fast (such as skiing or running at top speed), there's a good chance that your injury is a fracture. If you sprain while moving very fast, see a medical professional. Injuries that occur at a slower rate (such as a sprained ankle when you jog or walk) are more likely to heal on their own with proper treatment.
- Do you feel a tearing sensation in the muscles? Usually, a sprain will feel like this.
- Is there a “crack” or “crack?” Both of these sounds can appear when you sprain. It is also common with a bone fracture.
Step 2. Look for swelling
The ankle will swell if it is sprained, and this usually happens right away. Check both ankles and compare the sizes. Pain and swelling will usually occur in a fracture or sprained ankle.
Changes in the shape of the foot or ankle and unbearable pain usually indicate a fracture. Make sure you use a brace and see a doctor immediately
Step 3. Look for signs of bruising
Bruises also usually accompany sprains. Look for signs of discoloration on the ankle, which may be due to bruising.
Step 4. Look for the parts that feel mushy
A sprained ankle will usually feel tender. Gently touch the injured area with your fingers to see if it hurts.
Step 5. Weigh the ankles carefully
Stand up and support some of your body weight on the injured ankle. If it hurts, your ankle may be sprained or fractured. Immediately contact medical personnel and use a brace.
- Look for a "loose feeling" in the ankle. Ankle sprains usually feel weak or unstable.
- If the pain is severe, you may not be able to support the weight of your ankle at all, or use it to stand, because you will be in a lot of pain. Use crutches and seek medical attention immediately.
Part 2 of 3: Determining the Injury Level
Step 1. Identify a grade I injury
Ankle sprains can be classified into three different levels. Treatment options will be determined based on the severity of your injury. The lightest is grade I.
- Grade I is a minor tear that doesn't affect your ability to stand or walk. Although it may feel a little uncomfortable, the ankle can still be used normally.
- Grade I may produce mild swelling and pain.
- In mild sprains, the swelling usually goes away after a few days.
- You can also take care of it yourself.
Step 2. Identify a grade II injury
Grade II is moderate injury. There is an incomplete but large tear in your ligament.
- In level II, you will not be able to use your ankles normally and will have difficulty supporting your weight.
- You will also experience moderate pain, swelling, and bruising.
- The ankle will feel weak and look as if it has just been pulled forward slightly.
- For grade II injuries, you will need medical attention and may need to use braces and ankle braces to be able to walk.
Step 3. Identify a grade III injury
Grade III injury is a state of tearing and loss of structural integrity of the ligament as a whole.
- In a grade III injury, you will be completely unable to support your body weight and will be unable to stand unaided.
- The pain and bruising will also be severe.
- The area around the fibula (calf bone) will swell, to more than 4 cm.
- The leg and ankle may be deformed and there will be a fibular fracture below the knee. This can be detected through a medical examination.
- Grade III injuries require immediate medical attention.
Step 4. Look for signs of cracks
A fracture is a very common bone injury in fast-paced activity in the healthy population, or a minor fall injury in the elderly population. The symptoms are usually similar to those of a grade III injury. Cracks should be x-rayed and professionally treated.
- A fractured ankle can be very painful and unstable.
- Small cracks may exhibit symptoms similar to sprains, but these can only be diagnosed by a medical professional and an X-ray.
- A “crackling” sound at the time of the injury may be evidence of a crack.
- A change in the shape of the foot or ankle, such as being in an unusual position or angle, is definite evidence of an ankle joint dislocation or fracture.
Part 3 of 3: Treating a Sprained Ankle
Step 1. Call the doctor
Regardless of the extent of the injury, contact your doctor if the pain and swelling persists for more than a week to determine the best treatment.
- If you notice evidence of a grade II/III fracture and/or sprain, see a doctor. In other words, if you can't walk (or have great difficulty doing it), are numb, in extreme pain, or hear a sound during the injury, call your doctor. You need an X-ray examination and a professional to determine the right treatment steps.
- Self-treatment is usually sufficient to treat minor sprains. However, an injury that doesn't heal properly can result in ongoing pain or swelling. Even if your injury is only grade I, call your doctor for advice.
Step 2. Rest the ankle
While waiting for the doctor, use self-care, which is often termed the abbreviation RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression splinting, and Elevation – resting, using ice, compresses, and propping up the injured body part). This abbreviation represents the four maintenance actions that must be performed. In a grade I injury, RICE may be the only treatment you need. The first step is to rest the ankle.
- Avoid moving it. Hold your ankle still if possible.
- If you have cardboard, you can make a temporary brace to protect the ankle from getting worse. Try propping it up in a normal ankle position.
Step 3. Use ice
Applying ice to the injured area can reduce swelling and discomfort. Prepare something cold to immediately put on the ankle.
- Place ice in the bag over the injured joint. Cover with a towel or cloth to prevent frostbite on the skin.
- A bag of frozen nuts can also be an alternative to an ice pack.
- Leave it for 15-20 minutes and repeat every 2-3 hours. Continue this method for 48 hours.
Step 4. Compress the ankle
Grade I injuries can be helped by compressing using an elastic bandage, to stabilize the ankle and reduce the risk of other injuries.
- Wrap the injured area with tape using a "figure eight" pattern around the wrist.
- Do not wrap too tightly or the swelling will get worse. You should be able to slide your finger between the tape and the skin.
- If you have a grade II or III injury, ask your doctor for advice before applying a compress.
Step 5. Lift the leg
Lift it so that it is higher than your heart. Pillow with two pillows. In this way, the blood flow to the area is reduced so that the swelling is also lighter.
Elevation will assist gravity in clearing the swelling, and help the pain
Step 6. Take medication
To help manage pain and swelling, you can take NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Some examples of over-the-counter NSAIDs are ibuprofen (trademarks include Motrin and Advil), naproxen (Aleve), and aspirin. Acetaminophen (also called Paracetamol or Tylenol) is not an NSAID and does not treat inflammation, although it does reduce pain.
- Consume according to the directions on the package. Do not take NSAIDs for pain for more than 10-14 days.
- Do not give aspirin to children under the age of 18, because aspirin can cause Reye's syndrome.
- For grade II and III pain and/or injury, your doctor may prescribe narcotics for the first 48 hours.
Step 7. Use a walking aid or immobilizer
Your doctor may suggest using a medical device to help you walk and/or keep your ankle still. As an example:
- You may need crutches, a cane, or a walker. The level of balance will determine the best course of action for your safety.
- Depending on the extent of the injury, your doctor may suggest a plaster or ankle brace to keep the wire from moving. In severe cases, the orthopedic surgeon may use a cast.
Tips
- Begin RICE treatment immediately for all ankle injuries.
- If you don't walk, call your doctor right away.
- Try as much as possible not to put pressure on your leg if you sprain the ankle. Don't walk. Use crutches or a wheelchair. If you keep walking on the injured part and don't rest it, even the mildest sprain won't heal.
- Try to treat the sprain as soon as possible and place a bag of ice on it for short periods of time at several intervals.
- Look at the injured ankle and compare it to the other and look for signs of swelling.
- Make sure you tell your parent or guardian for help.
Warning
- The ankle should heal completely after the sprain. Otherwise, you'll be more likely to sprain it again. You may also experience prolonged pain and swelling.
- If you experience cold, numbness, or tension due to swelling, these signs may indicate a much more serious condition. Seek immediate medical attention as you may need emergency surgery to treat nerve and artery injuries, or compartment syndrome.
