The unexpected maneuver of the foot, such as a rollover, produces a forced stretching of the ligaments that keep the ankle bones together and functional, for the normal support and displacement of the body.
A wrong step, a sprain while playing a game or sport. Or, an unexpected twist of the foot even by an inadequate shoe can falsify the step or the career. with different degrees of affectation in the ankle.
Uneven floors are also involved in these small accidents, where the feet bend inward or outward.
Suddenly a sharp pain and difficulty in walking is the warning of a sprain that requires specialized ankle care.
There are three grades of sprains depending on the impact to the ankle ligaments.
There are 3 types or grades of ankle sprains:
Type II and type III sprains usually cause small blood vessels to tear, resulting in black and blue discoloration at the site of injury, even not immediately but several days after the sprain.
Treatment of an ankle sprain depends on the severity of the injury. Recovery from an ankle sprain with medical or physical therapy support is recommended. Since these injuries in the ligaments of the ankle, alter the articular system of the foot, it is important to start the rehabilitation process as soon as possible because the ankle is sensitive to new sprains, if not treated properly.
The goals of treatment are to reduce pain and swelling, promote healing of the ligament and restore proper function of the ankle for walking.
For self-care of a sprained ankle, the first two to three days, rest:
Rest - Avoid activities that cause pain, swelling or discomfort.
Ice: Use an ice pack or ice water for 15 minutes every two to three hours. If there is vascular disease, diabetes or decreased sensation, the doctor or physical therapist will be the one to indicate it.
Elevation: To reduce swelling, raise the ankle above the level of the heart, especially at night, to reduce swelling and drain excess fluid.
Once the swelling goes down and pain is reduced to restart movement, the physical therapist or physician will recommend exercises to achieve ankle motion, strength, flexibility and stability.
Training to improve balance and stability is important to retrain the ankle muscles to work together to support the joint, as well as to prevent recurrent sprains.
If the injury occurred while exercising or playing a sport, it is up to the physician to recommend when a return to physical activity is possible.
Source:Mscp. Paula Mora Vargas, Physical Therapy Specialist.