ANKLE SPRAINS AND INSTABILITY

ABOUT ANKLE SPRAINS

The ankle joint is kept stable by several strong ligaments working alongside the muscles in the foot. When one of these ligaments is stretched or torn, it is called a sprain. We can treat ankle sprains in Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster and Worksop.

Sharp, sudden twisting movements can cause damage to these ligaments, such as when the ankle “gives way” underneath us. When the ankle is sprained, tendons and blood vessels can also be damaged.

An ankle sprain is a common injury for sports that involve running or jumping. However, you’re just as likely to sprain an ankle when walking without proper attention and walking off a curb unnoticed or missing a step when coming downstairs.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF AN ANKLE SPRAIN?

Ankles sprains are painful and the symptoms include:

• Bruising around the ankle

• Swelling of the ankle joint

• Painful to put weight on your foot

• Your ankle feeling unstable

• A grating feeling when you walk

If you are unable to walk or put weight on your foot, it’s possible that you may have broken a bone. Therefore, it’s important to visit your GP or A&E department to be sent for an x-ray of your ankle.

WHAT TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE?

For a mild sprain, you can use the RICE principle to treat yourself at home:

• R – Rest: try an keep off your ankle for the first 48 hours

• I – Ice: apply an ice pack to reduce swelling

• C – Compression: Use a compression bandage to help prevent swelling

• E – Elevation: raising your ankle to level with your heart also helping reduce swelling

Other ankle sprain treatments include:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – painkillers that help reduce any inflammation.

• Physiotherapy – strengthening and stretching exercises that keep the ankle mobile and flexible.

• Brace or Cast – a rigid boot or plaster cast is used to immobilise the foot for helping to heal a ruptured Achilles tendon.

• Crutches – to help you walk whilst you rest your ankle.

For ankle sprains that don’t seem to get better through non-invasive treatments, surgery might be an option. Surgery may be required to assess the damage and/or repair ligaments. Book your treatment for ankle sprains in Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster or Worksop. You can also follow us on social media.