FOOT ANKLE SPRAIN

Ankle Sprains are a common injury that occurs from over stretching or tearing of the ligaments that support the ankle. The ankle is composed of bones forming a joint and ligaments are the elastic structures which are responsible for holding these bones in their proper place. Ligaments and other soft tissues function to prevent abnormal movement such as twisting, turning, and rolling of the foot beyond the normal range. The injured ligament.

Treatment

Treatment and healing time of an ankle sprain will depend on the grade of the sprain. All sprains will be treated with the R.I.C.E. method: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.

Your physician may also order the following treatment measures if the sprain is a grade 2 or 3.

• Immobilization: A splint, short leg cast, or boot may be used to immobilize the ankle and allow healing to take place with a grade 2 or 3 sprain.
• Medications: Medications such as aspirin and NSAID’s, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can be prescribed for your comfort and to minimize swelling.
• Physical Therapy: Strengthening and range of motion exercises may be prescribed by a therapist to regain normal function of the ankle and prevent chronic ankle problems. Your therapist may utilize ultrasound and electrical stimulation to decrease pain and swelling and instruct you on taping the ankle for support while it heals.
• Surgery for ankle sprains is rarely needed but may be necessary if the sprain is a grade 3 with complete tearing of the ligament and the patient does not improve with conservative treatment measures and months of adequate healing time.
• Your surgeon will perform Ankle Arthroscopy surgery to evaluate and repair the torn ligament.
• Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure in which an arthroscope, a small, soft, flexible tube with a light and video camera at the end, is inserted into a joint to evaluate and treat a variety of conditions.

Conclusion:

Ankle sprain is a common and painful condition in which ligaments supporting the ankle joint are torn or damaged. Sprains are most often treated conservatively by resting the injured joint, applying ice to the injury, using a compression bandage, and elevation of the foot. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.