What You Need To Know About Ankle Sprains

Turning your ankle during a sporting event or a misstep when walking can result in excruciating pain. When your ankle is rolled or overstretched, it tends to pull the ligaments and cause a sprain. While this injury mainly affects athletes, it can happen to anyone. Understanding ankle sprains will help you know when to call a podiatrist. Here is some basic information on ankle sprains.

Types of Ankle Sprains

When you pay a visit to a foot doctor, they will run a few tests to determine the type of ankle sprain you have. All of these sprains have similar symptoms, and they all cause swelling and tenderness, making it challenging to walk.

An inversion sprain is a common condition and happens when you roll your ankle outward. This tears the ligaments on the exterior part of your ankle. On the other hand, an eversion sprain is the opposite of an inversion sprain. With this condition, you roll your ankle inward.

The high ankle sprain is common for basketball and football players. It happens when your entire foot rolls outside. As a result, the leg rolls inward. This type of sprain damages the ligaments around the joint.

The Severity of Ankle Sprains

A podiatrist also categorizes ankle sprains depending on grade. A grade one sprain is a minor injury with some swelling. With this sort of injury, you are still fit enough to walk. 

If you have a grade two sprain, it means there is more tearing of the ligaments, and you will have difficulty walking.

Lastly, a grade three sprain is characterized by severe pain and swelling. With this injury, the ligament is completely torn, and movement is discouraged to promote healing.

Signs of Ankle Sprains

Identifying the signs of an ankle sprain can be difficult because they are similar to the signs of a fracture. This is the reason why you should consult a podiatrist if you experience any foot issues. The signs to watch out for include swelling, bruising, and sudden and severe pain.

In severe cases, you will not be able to walk. With a sprain, your ankle will be stiff. For a fracture, the area will be tender, and the ankle will appear out of place. If you have slight swelling and pain, an ice compress may provide relief. Severe pain and swelling could mean you have broken a bone or ligament in your ankle. In such cases, be sure to see a podiatrist right away.

For more information on foot and ankle care, contact a local podiatrist.  

Share