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January 31, 2017

Treating Your Sprained Ankle

The ankle is actually a weight-being joint where three bones meets. Ligaments and bands of fibrous tissue hold these bones together. An ankle sprain is an injury to the ligament. An ankle sprain is typically caused by the joint being forced out of it usual range of motion. If it’s severe, it may look and feel like a fracture.

Treating a Sprained Ankle

The line of treatment for a sprained ankle is as follows.

• First, you want to protect the ankle from further injury. For example, you may want to consider wearing high top shoes or support shoes.

• You want to rest the ankle for 48 to 72 hours after the injury. Consider using crutches, wearing an ankle bandage or ankle support.

• Ice should be applied after the injury and for 10 to 30 minutes. You can use a bag of frozen peas or make an ice pack by putting ice cubes in a towel. Gently press the ice pack to the injured area. The cold will reduce blood flow and reduce bruising, inflammation and pain. It is recommended that ice be applies every 15 minutes every two hours.

• Wearing a compression bandage will help the joint to rest and limit swelling. An elastic bandage or tubular compression bandage can be worn. A pharmacist can help advise you on what type and size of bandage to wear.

• You also want to elevate the ankle to reduce any swelling. You can put your foot on a pillow, on some cushions or keep the foot up on a chair.

There are some things that should be avoided when you have a sprained ankle. Avoid heat, alcohol and massage. Heat encourages blood blow, which can increase inflammation. So, don’t take hot baths or use heat packs. Alcohol can increase swelling along with massage.

The professionals at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists can assist with the treatment of a sprained ankle. You may even want to consult with an ankle surgeon. In addition, they can perform a knee replacement if needed. If you need an ankle surgeon, call for a one-on-one consultation.