Medical News

A sprained ankle is a very common type of an ankle injury. It happens when a ligament is stretched or partially torn; that is in minor sprains. In severe sprains the ligament is fully torn. The most common type of a sprained ankle is an inversion sprain (or lateral ligament sprain) where the ankle turns under so the sole of the foot faces inwards, damaging the ligaments on the outside of the ankle. In addition, a medial ligament sprain is rare but can occur particularly with a fracture. This happens when the ankle rolls the other way, so the sole of the foot faces outwards, damaging the ligaments on the inside of the ankle.
The “RICE” method is the best method of treatment to treat a sprained ankle. First, you should rest. Stop any physical activity, as that may worsen the sprained ankle. Within the first forty-eight hours of being injured, ice the sprained ankle and elevate it. You should do these for twenty minutes, about four times a day. Be cautious though! Do not ice for more than twenty minutes as you can actually damage the tissues. Compress the sprained ankle; you can use any wrap, but a recommended one would be an Ace bandage. Last, but not least, elevate it! Try to keep your sprained ankle higher than your heart, put your foot up while watching TV, put a pillows under your foot when you go to sleep, etc.
There are a couple of good ways to prevent this injury; which you attempt to do. First, you should brace or tape your ankle. It should be good enough so that you feel comfortable, but still securing it. The second way to prevent a sprained ankle is warming up and stretching well. Before doing any kind of physical activity, you should run a lap, and stretch all of your body.
There are a couple long term effects of this injury. One is that the ankle will have more chances of getting sprained again, because its strength was already compromised the first time it was injured. The other long term effect that you might find is unexpected pain and being unable to walk easily.