What is an ankle sprain?
An ankle sprain is an injury to the tough bands(ligaments) that hold one bone to the other surrounding the ankle joint that occurs when you roll, twist or turn your ankle in an awkward way.
What are the symptoms of an ankle sprain?
Depending on the severity there can be swelling, tenderness, bruising, pain, inability to put weight on the affected ankle, skin discolouration or stiffness.
How is an ankle sprain diagnosed?
Usually, it is diagnosed by clinical examination but sometimes plain x rays and MRI is needed.
What is the grading of an ankle sprain?
Depending upon the amount of force generated and the tear to the ligament severity can be graded from grade 1 to 3.
Grade 1: Stretching or slight tearing of the ligament with a little tenderness, swelling and stiffness.
Grade 2: A more severe sprain, but incomplete tear with mild pain, swelling and bruising.
Grade 3: A full tear of the ankle ligament and you feel instability while putting your weight, usually associated with a popping sound at the time of injury and other symptoms of grade 2.
How is an ankle sprain treated?
Depending upon the severity it can be managed by cold fomentation and ankle support braces, sometimes plaster, elastic compression bandaging and medications of pain.
Yes, you can walk on a boot cast with the help of crutches even if it is greater than grade 1.
Consult the best orthopaedic doctor in Delhi near you for ankle sprain treatment in Delhi.
How much time do I need to wear braces or a cast?
Depending on the severity it is 2 to 6 weeks.
What are the precautions after an ankle injury?
You need to elevate the injured ankle and do not massage, don’t walk on the irregular surface and avoid wearing high heel footwear.
Can I prevent ankle sprain during sports?
Light stretches and a slow jog for two to three minutes to warm up the muscles.
The time spent on the activity should be increased gradually over a period of weeks to build both muscle strength and mobility. Always use athletic shoes and change regularly if the treads or the heels are worn.
Is the role of physiotherapy in the treatment of ankle injury?
Yes, Since the recurrence of an ankle sprain is as high as 50 %, therefore, ankle strengthening exercises are almost essential.
Does anyone need surgery for ankle sprains?
Surgery for sprained ankles is rare and done when non-surgical treatments fail and there are persistent pain and instability. It can be done using a camera (Arthroscopy) when a surgeon looks inside the joint to see if there are any loose fragments of bone or cartilage. Reconstruction of the ligaments is done by using the other ligaments or tendons around the foot or ankle.
Manipal Hospitals, Dwarka is the best orthopedic hospital in Delhi having highly experienced doctors for ankle pain treatment.
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