Get a grip on ankle sprain

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Get a Grip on Ankle Sprain Spraining the ankle is commonplace. But if not treated properly, it could lead to long term issues. Twisting the ankle isn’t hard to do. An ankle sprain is when, after a twist, the ligaments in the ankle get stretched or torn. It would get painful and swollen after your twisting episode. While by nature an ankle sprain is a minor injury, it could sometimes cause further ankle problems. Repeated sprains could result in weakness of the joint and pain in the long term. Effective treatment of an ankle sprain is the best way to avoid more chronic problems taking over. So don’t take your ankle sprain lightly.

How Can You Sprain Your Ankle? Most sprains occur as the result of a quick shifting movement while the foot is planted which is common in soccer or a football tackle. It causes the ankle to roll inward while the foot moves outward, damaging ankle ligaments that are located on its inside.

Symptoms http://www.hqbk.com/

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The extent of damage to the ligament and the number of ligaments damaged determine the severity of an ankle sprain. A mild sprain would result in some pain which is manageable, along with stiffness, tenderness or swelling of the ankle. Serious sprains could result in tenderness and bruising around the ankle. It would also be painful to walk. In still more severe cases, walking becomes nearly impossible since the ankle feels unstable and gives out. The pain will also be more severe.

Treatment Options Treatment options vary based on the extent of the injury to the ankle. There are many surgical treatments carried out such as arthroscopy, ligament reconstruction and plasma injections. However, these are recommended only in extreme conditions, or if non-surgical methods have failed to work. There are plenty of non-surgical and physical therapy options available. • A protective brace featuring an air cushion built-in can protect the ankle and give it support, which can facilitate healing. Crutches may have to be used while walking until you can walk independently without pain. Your ankle must be given good rest. • Ice helps to bring the swelling down, so it must be applied for around 10 or 20 minutes for every one hour or two hours during the initial 24 hours to 72 hours following the spraining. Ice can be applied with http://www.hqbk.com/

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the help of a thin cloth on which the ice is placed. It must be pressed firmly against the skin in the affected area. • NSAID medication is also an important element of the treatment process. NSAIDs help reduce pain and swelling. Compression therapy with the help of an ACE bandage or any elastic compression wrap can really help bring down swelling. It must be worn for 24 to 36 hours after the injury. • Elevation exercises such as raising the affected ankle above heart level for 2 or 3 hours a day can help reduce bruising and swelling. Physical therapy is very important for efficient rehabilitation services. It is important that the ankle sprain heals well or else the joint could get unstable, resulting in chronic pain and the risk of further injury due to the weakness of the ankle. Patients should return to their sports and regular activities only after they have fully healed. This is evident if the person can hop on his ankle without pain. Even after recovery, it is useful to wear a brace or to tape the ankle during exercise. Posted by HealthQuest http://www.hqbk.com/

http://www.hqbk.com/

1-718-769-2521


http://www.hqbk.com/

1-718-769-2521

http://www.hqbk.com/

1-718-769-2521


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