How to Treat a Sprained Ankle
Injuries like ankle sprains happen frequently. They happen when the foot injures the ligaments outside the ankle after stepping on uneven terrain. Most ankle sprains occur when the foot turns onto its side or when the ankle twists. Most occur during physical activity, as the sports trainers and orthopedic surgeon in Debary can help prevent and treat it. However, most sprains can occur from taking a wrong step or tripping on the stairs, not just from participating in sports. When you suffer a sprained ankle, you should take these steps to treat it quickly after injury.
Assess Injury
An ankle sprain causes ligaments to stretch and occasionally break, which can be hurtful and potentially crippling. It is generally impossible to identify the precise Injury when this occurs in the wilderness, thousands of kilometers from modern care. Such as the degree of a fracture or the precise grade of a sprain. Instead, you concentrate on determining whether or not the ankle is functional.
Relief of Pain
Even if you've concluded that your injured ankle is still functional, it still hurts. By controlling the pain in the following methods, you can comfort the patient:
- Rest:
Encourage the patient to eat, drink, and unwind for a time. If the injury isn't too severe, this could take an hour or two, but if the pain is severe and you have the time, it might take all day.
- Using ice:
If you have access to it, ice might help ease the discomfort caused by an ankle sprain. If you don't have ice, you might find relief in a chilly lake or stream. Attempt to cool the ankle for periods of 20 to 40 minutes. You can do this after using the ankle or every 2 to 4 hours.
Support Ankle
Adding support using tape, a wrap, a brace, or even a hiking boot can make walking simpler and more stable once you've decided the ankle is usable. It is particularly valid if you're walking on uneven ground or carrying something heavy.
Anti-Inflammatory Medicines
If you use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) within 48 hours of injuring your ankle, they might work best. While the first anti-inflammatory drugs that come to mind may be tablets like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or naproxen (Aleve). There are other topical treatments that you can apply or spray directly over the region of discomfort and swelling.
NSAIDs applied topically can be equally as effective as NSAIDs taken internally. NSAID gels may be a useful alternative if you frequently encounter typical NSAID side effects from pills, such as an upset stomach.
Exercise
Your ankle can be rehabilitated with specific workouts. To prevent further sprains, your doctor or physical therapist may advise exercises to rebuild the area's strength.
Stretches meant to increase the flexibility of motion and balance and stability training are very beneficial. The sooner you can begin working out your foot, the better. It will support the healing process.
The ability to put weight on and move the foot is one of the strongest markers of the severity of an ankle sprain. You should visit your doctor and have an X-ray to rule out a fracture if you can't bear any weight on an ankle sprain for at least a day.
Contact our orthopedic surgeon in Debary to hear more about our services today.