Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries. They hit us in unexpected ways, when we are playing a sport, dancing, running, walking, or even just getting up from a seat.
“When the ankle rolls or twists, the ligaments that hold the ankle joint tend to [either] get stretched or tear, causing sprains,” says Dr Rajnish Kumar, director, Synergy Global Hospital and orthopedic surgeon at Life Care Hospital, Ranchi, Jharkhand.
A basic ankle twist could limit our day-to-day movements if it is not identified correctly.
How to identify ankle sprain
If you notice swelling and experience pain around the ankle region after an ankle twist, then it could be a sprain.
“Ankle ligament injuries are broadly classified into three grades, ranging from mild to severe,” explains Dr Raghu Nagaraj, director – orthopedics, Fortis Hospital, Cunningham Road, Bangalore. “Grade 1 is the simplest in which there is a slight sprain of the ligaments around the ankle. In grade 2 there is partial ligament tear, whereas in grade 3 there is a complete ligament tear and is the most severe form.”
The symptoms differ according to the grade. “Ankle sprains are not an open injury. However, you will observe swelling, tenderness, pain, inability to take the complete weight on that ankle, and difficulty in walking,” says Dr Kumar.
Back to mobility
Since ankle sprains limit even basic movements, treatment and rehabilitation are required to restore mobility, depending on the severity of the injury.
“Ankle twists are mostly treated by giving [the ankle] rest and orthotic supports such as ankle binders, plaster casts and plaster of Paris slabs, again depending on the grade of injury. Grade 3 injury which is almost equivalent to a fracture requires the longest rest time,” says Dr Kumar.
“Grade 1 and grade 2 ligament tears take six weeks to heal completely, whereas a complete ligament tear may take around 8 to 12 weeks to heal. In people with mild sprains, physical activities like running, playing sports or any kind of exercise can be resumed in 8-10 weeks, whereas in cases of complete ligament tear, it can be started after 12 weeks,” says Dr Nagaraj.
Ankle sprain: Rest is the best medicine
During recovery, the leg should be kept in an elevated position to avoid oedema (swelling due to water retention). Ice packs and crepe bandages help counter swelling.
“Physiotherapy and ankle movement exercises should be started in a gradual manner,” adds Dr Kumar.
Physical activities can be avoided for some time to prevent recurrence of the injury due to incomplete healing. Experts caution against self-treatment for ankle sprains.
