Ankle Sprains: What You Need to Know
One of the most common and widely experienced ankle injuries is the infamous ankle sprain. In fact, it’s reported that an estimated 25,000 Americans sustain an ankle sprain every day, and around 40 percent of ankle sprains are misdiagnosed or poorly treated.
While many people have sustained a sprained ankle or know someone who has, the vast majority don’t really know exactly what happens when the injury occurs, how they are caused, and/or how to treat it.
An ankle sprain is essentially an injury to one or more of the ligaments in the ankle, which can be injured during strenuous movement or repetitive activity.
The majority of ankle sprains (80 percent) are caused by inversion or inward rolling of the ankle. Movements like pivoting, running, and jumping are often the culprits of ankle sprains.
If you’ve previously experienced a sprained ankle, have impaired balance, participate in sports, have muscle strain deficits, or are overweight, you are more susceptible to sustaining an ankle sprain injury. Weakened ankles from previous injuries also make them more likely to become injured again.
Common signs and symptoms of an ankle sprain often include:
- Swelling
- Pain
- Instability
- Bruising
It’s important to have your ankle evaluated by a podiatrist if you believe you sustained a sprained ankle because the symptoms could also appear as a result of a broken or fractured ankle. Numbness could also indicate that there is a nerve injury, which may need further treatment.
If you think you may be suffering from an ankle sprain, click here to make an appointment, or call 336-375-6990 to make an appointment with a physician at Triad Foot & Ankle Center.
