Definition
A sprain is a stretching injury to a ligament (a band of tissue that connects one bone to another) around a joint.
There are 4 main ligaments around the ankle joint: the anterior talo-fibular, calancaneo-fibular, posterior talo-fibular, and deltoid ligaments. These ligaments are often injured while playing sports when the ankle twists or turns in or out suddenly with the foot planted.
Ankle sprains also occur walking on uneven ground, walking down steps, or by tripping and falling. Sprains can be mild to severe and repeated sprains to an ankle can result in instability, chronic pain, and joint pain.
Signs and Symptoms
- Pain, swelling, bruising, redness
- Inability to continue playing sports immediately after the injury
- Inability to move the ankle joint
- Hearing or feeling a “snap” or “pop” in the injured area followed by sudden severe pain
- The sensation of and ankle that “gives out”
Treatment
We are able to diagnose ankle sprains quickly with our onsite ultrasound machine. Depending on the severity of the injury treatment ranges from the following:
- Rest, ice, compression, and elevation
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Non-weight bearing with crutches
- Immobilization or bracing
- Physical therapy
- Custom molded orthotics
- High Power Laser Therapy
- AmnioFix
Sprains should be taken seriously because if they do not heal properly they can cause chronic pain and instability.
