by Paul Maloof, M.D.
Ankle sprains are extremely common injuries. Studies have shown that 30 percent of all athletic injuries involve ankle sprains and up to 25,000 people sprain their ankle every day. In a sprained ankle, one or more of the ligaments, usually on the outside of the ankle, becomes stretched or torn.
In a minor sprain, you may step awkwardly and develop pain which subsides quickly. In a more severe sprain, the patient may feel a “pop.”
The ankle may swell severely and you may be unable to bear weight on it. Many times these injuries happen during sporting events such as football, soccer, basketball, tennis or running. These types of injuries usually require evaluation by a medical doctor to rule out a fracture.
Treatment begins with rest, ice, compression and elevation. Functional rehabilitation should be started as soon as possible to decrease the swelling and pain. The second phase centers on restoring range of motion and strength. Phase three focuses on return to sporting activity.
A majority of patients will return to full activity with no pain. If persistent pain does develop despite these conservative measures, an outpatient surgery can be performed to repair the torn ligaments and provide necessary stability to the ankle joint.
Tidewater Orthopaedics
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