How
It Happens
Usually
an ankle sprain is the result of excessive force on the ankle in
an inverted position. The inverted position refers to the
foot turning towards the inside (see picture). The force
applied to the ligaments of the outside portion of the ankle
exceeds their level of resistance. |
Typical
Ankle Sprain |
|
Typical
Ankle Sprain |
| Swelling:
Swelling
will appear on the lateral aspect (outside part) of the
ankle. The swelling may extend to the medial
aspect (inside part) or around the achilles tendon, as
swelling tends to go where there is least resistance in
the tissues. |
| Pain:
The lateral part of the ankle will be very tender.
There might be pain all around the ankle but generally
the tenderest area will be the outside part. |
| Bruising:
There may be bruising around the ankle. This
indicates that part of the ligament is torn. The
more significant the bruising, the more significant the
tear. |
|
|
| What
Should You Do?
|
R.I.C.E. |
| REST: |
You
should immediately cease the activity you were performing at the time
of the sprain. Avoid weight bearing on that leg. |
| ICE: |
Apply
ice as soon as possible (in a wet towel for 10 to 15 minutes).
Repeat every 15 to 20 minutes for the first 2 to 3 hours. |
| COMPRESSION: |
Apply
compression on your foot and ankle with a tensor bandage. The
compression should be greater on the foot than on the ankle.
Note that the tensor bandage does not increase the stability of the
ankle, it strictly helps minimize the swelling. |
| ELEVATION: |
Elevate
your ankle to help reduce the swelling. Ideally, you should
elevate your ankle above your heart to increase the return
circulation. |
| Will
Physiotherapy Help Me? |
A
physiotherapist can assess the level of damage to your ligaments and
make your rehabilitation much quicker. Thru the use
of different
techniques and modalities, physiotherapy goals will be to: |
-
restore
the range of motion
-
reduce
swelling, reduce pain
-
restore
balance and co-ordination
|
|
|
