Recovering from an Ankle Sprain/Strain
Ankle sprains are common injuries that many have suffered from. The ankle allows the leg and foot to connect, meaning that it is the part of the body that handles all the weight of the body above it and acts as the gateway between that weight and the feet. Ankle strains and sprains occur when you twist, turn, roll, or otherwise impact your ankle against something in an awkward manner or direction. The forced stretching of your ankle can tear through the tissue bands that hold the bones of your ankle together (these tissue bands are called ligaments).
The ligaments are the part of the ankle that help stabilize the joints and keep you balanced and stable when you’re walking. However, when you suffer from an ankle sprain, you’ll find that that balance is compromised, and you might feel unsteady on your feet.
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Finding the treatment that’s right for your ankle or forrot problem is our focus at The Orthopedic Health Center. We use non-surgical treatments whenever possible. When you do need surgery, our expert surgeons help you heal faster and with less pain. All right in your neighborhood: Hoboken and Jersey City.
Symptoms
The severity of the injury will determine the symptoms of an ankle sprain, although some elements are common across the board. These common symptoms are pain, tenderness, and swelling in your ankle, bruising, a decreased level of mobility, and the feeling as though your ankle is too weak to hold your body weight.
If the ankle sprain is particularly severe, you might come to find that you have broken bones rather than a sprain or strain.
Causes and Risk Factors
The most common causes of sprained ankles are:
- Falls or injuries that cause the ankle to twist in the wrong direction
- Landing poorly after turning or jumping
- Exercising on uneven terrain
- Having your ankle crushed/stepped on by another person or object
You’ll find that those who participate in sports (no matter the type), will likely already be familiar with ankle sprains. They are an extremely common injury, especially when it comes to sports. Those who have suffered from a previous ankle injury can cause you to suffer more injuries down the road.
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Treatment
In many cases, treatment for an ankle sprain is as simple as staying off it for a period of a few days. Icing the area and treating yourself with over-the-counter pain medications can also help, depending on the severity of the injury. In most cases, it is best to consult with an orthopedic doctor. A doctor can give you a medical evaluation, which will help inform you how bad the injury is and how much treatment it requires. In more severe cases, you might have to undergo physical therapy or surgery.
Takeaway
Ankle sprains and strains are common occurrences, especially for those who play sports. However, even mild pain can indicate something worse beneath the surface, so reaching out to our team of orthopedic specialists can provide you with the help you need. We’re only a call away! Let us help you start feeling better.
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