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Did you know.... An ankle sprain is one of the most common sports injuries.
Causes
Ankle sprains are very common injuries that result from twisting or rolling the ankle excessively, or from forcing the joint out of its normal position. Most ankle sprains happen during sports activities, especially activities that take place on uneven surfaces.
Symptoms
Signs of an ankle sprain can include:
- pain or tenderness
- swelling
- bruising
- coldness or numbness in the foot
- inability to walk or bear weight on the joint
- stiffness
The severity of an ankle sprain depends on how badly the ligaments are stretched or torn. If the sprain is mild, and the ligaments are simply stretched, the patient may not experience much pain or swelling. If the sprain is severe, one or more ligaments may be torn, and the joint may be severely swollen. A severe sprain can also be extremely painful.
Treatments
Ankle injuries should be examined by a physician and x-rayed to eliminate the possibility of a fracture. If no bones are broken, simple ankle sprains are typically treated by R-I-C-E (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation). Anti-inflammatory medications may also be prescribed by your physician. If an ankle sprain is severe, the patient may require a walking cast for a short period of time. For patients who have recurrent ankle sprains, a short course of physical therapy is often helpful in strengthening the ankle and preventing further instability.
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