What is ankle sprain?
Ankle sprain occurs when your foot is forced past its normal range of movements at the ankle joint, stretching and tearing the ligaments around the ankle area. These are bands of strong fibrous tissue that connect one bone to another, and support and strengthen the joints. Sometimes the blood vessels in the area are torn too, causing bleeding or intense bruising.
The most common type of ankle sprain occurs when the sole of the foot is turned or twisted inwards (causing the side of the foot to rest on the floor), stretching the fibres of the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle.
Symptoms of ankle sprain
Minor twists and sprains may go unnoticed at first. But in most cases there is the sudden onset of intense discomfort, as well as an awareness that the foot has been turned at an abnormal angle. The ankle then :
- Swells up
- Looks bruised
- Causes pain
- Becomes stiff
Ankle sprain - causes and risk factors
Many ankle sprains occur during sport when there is a greater demand on the joints and muscles, as players twist, turn, run, jump and put their feet and legs under greater stresses. However sprains may also occur during a gentle walk, especially if the ground is uneven. A slip or misjudged step while wearing high heels can also lead to a twisted or sprained ankle.
Treatment and recovery for a sprained ankle
As with other sprains and injuries, use the RICE regime to reduce swelling:
- Rest
- Ice
- Compression (using an elastic support bandage)
- Elevation
Simple painkillers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, are usually enough to relieve the discomfort (ibuprofen is particularly good because it has an anti-inflammatory effect which helps to reduce swelling). Arnica cream or witch-hazel solution (available from the pharmacist) are good natural treatments for bruising.
After three or four days you should be able to put weight on the ankle, and after a week it should be a lot better. However, it takes about six weeks to heal fully so be careful or you'll be back to square one.
During this time you may want to get help from a physiotherapist (or other physical therapist, such as an osteopath or chiropractor). They'll be able to give you treatments to aid healing, as well as advice on how to strengthen the joint and prevent the injury recurring.
If painkillers don't help or you can't put any weight on the ankle or the ankle continues to swell, see your doctor who may arrange for an X-ray to make sure you haven't broken a bone.
