Does It Seem Like Your Ankle Is on the Verge of Twisting Over?

A sprained ankle occurs when the ligaments in the ankle are stretched or torn, typically due to a sudden twist or turn of the foot.

Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, difficulty walking or bearing weight on the affected ankle, and sometimes instability or a feeling of the ankle giving way.

A podiatrist will perform a physical examination, checking for swelling, tenderness, and the range of motion in the ankle. Sometimes, imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans might be ordered to rule out fractures or assess the severity of the sprain.

Initial treatment involves R.I.C.E.: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Immobilisation with a brace or splint, physical therapy exercises, and in severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

Healing time varies depending on the severity of the sprain. Mild sprains might heal in a few days to a week with proper care, while more severe sprains can take several weeks or even months.

It's advisable to see a podiatrist if you experience severe pain, swelling, or bruising, if you're unable to put weight on the ankle, or if symptoms don't improve with self-care measures after a few days.

While it's not always possible to prevent all ankle sprains, wearing supportive footwear, warming up before exercising, being cautious on uneven surfaces, and maintaining strength and flexibility through exercise can reduce the risk.

It's crucial to follow your doctor's recommendations. In many cases, certain low-impact exercises might be allowed during the healing process, but high-impact activities that could further injure the ankle should be avoided until it's fully healed.

If not properly treated or rehabilitated, a sprained ankle can lead to chronic instability or recurrent sprains. Seeking appropriate treatment and rehabilitation can reduce the risk of long-term issues.

The timeline for returning to normal activities varies based on the severity of the sprain. Generally, as pain decreases, and you regain strength and range of motion through rehabilitation, you can gradually resume normal activities. Always follow your doctor or podiatrist's guidance.