Ankle sprain usually happens when a person 'misses the step' by turning the foot out, on uneven ground or on a step. This is more common in women who are wearing high heels, but it can also happen when running, for example.
There is usually pain and the foot becomes swollen in the first days, making it difficult to walk, but in most cases, just put a cold compress and rest with your feet higher than your body to control these symptoms and feel better.
Ankle sprain can be of 3 different degrees:
- Grade 1: ligament stretching, pain usually subsides in less than 5 days; Grade 2: partial ligament injury, pain can last more than 10 days and physical therapy is indicated; Grade 3: total ligament injury, physical therapy is always necessary.
2nd degree injuries take at least 15 days to heal, while 3rd degree injuries take about 1 month.
A good way to find out when there is a grade 3 injury is to test the anterior drawer. To do this, just lie on your back and bend your leg. Another person should place their hands behind the person's knee and try to bring the leg forward. In the case of ankle pain, this indicates a serious injury to the ankle ligaments.
Ankle sprain symptoms
Symptoms of a sprained ankle can include:
- Pain in the ankle and difficulty walking or even putting the foot on the floor; Swelling of the side of the foot; The area may become swollen and purplish, being common that the redness appears only 48 hours after the twist; Sensitivity when touching the lateral region of the ankle and foot; there may be a small rise in temperature in the affected area.
Usually the person himself can know that he sprained his foot while walking or running, but the doctor may order an x-ray of the foot if there is a suspicion that there is a fracture or an MRI scan to assess whether there has been a torn ligament, if symptoms persist for more than 3 months.
Ankle sprain treatment
Putting an ice pack on your ankle while resting sitting or lying down, but with your feet elevated is a good way to fight pain and relieve swelling. In milder injuries, this is enough to control symptoms in 3 to 5 days.
Here are some ways to treat ankle sprain at home.
Physiotherapy is recommended when the person has great difficulty walking, which indicates that there has been a stretch or rupture of the ligaments that join the bones of the foot. In physiotherapy, devices that help to deflate the region can be used, but stretching exercises are also recommended, and after muscle strengthening, to prevent a new sprain.
Applying an anti-inflammatory ointment containing diclofenac is a good way to relieve pain and discomfort. You can apply the ointment 3 to 4 times a day.
In some cases, it may be necessary to immobilize the foot by placing a splint or plaster for a few days and during this period, walking crutches should be used. The physiotherapist may also use a kinesio tape to protect the ankle, preventing the foot from turning out excessively.
In addition, the physiotherapist or orthopedist may indicate the use of an insole to use inside the shoes to correct the way the person steps and to help in the formation of the plantar arch, avoiding flat feet, for example.
