Ankle Sprains: What You Need to Know

 

One of the most common and widely experienced ankle injuries is the infamous ankle sprain. In fact, it’s reported that an estimated 25,000 Americans sustain an ankle sprain every day, and around 40 percent of ankle sprains are misdiagnosed or poorly treated.

While many people have sustained a sprained ankle or known someone who has, the vast majority don’t really know exactly what happens when the injury occurs, how they are caused, and/or how to treat them.

An ankle sprain is essentially an injury to one or more of the ligaments in the ankle, which can be injured during strenuous movement or repetitive activity.

The majority of ankle sprains (80 percent) are caused by inversion or inward rolling of the ankle. Movements like pivoting, running and jumping are often the culprit of ankle sprains.

If you’ve previously experienced a sprained ankle, have impaired balance, participate in sports, have muscle strain deficits or are overweight, you are more susceptible for sustaining an ankle sprain injury. Weakened ankles from previous injuries also make them more likely to become injured again.

Common signs and symptoms of an ankle sprain often include:

• Swelling
• Pain
• Instability
• Bruising

It’s important to have your ankle evaluated by a podiatrist if you believe you sustained a sprained ankle, because the symptoms could also appear as a result of a broken or fractured ankle. Numbness could also indicate that there is a nerve injury, which may need further treatment.

To request an appointment to have your ankle evaluated by one of the podiatrists at Triad Foot Center, please click here.

Disclaimer: The information and other content provided in our blogs, videos, or in any other content or linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. For a full disclaimer, please click here.