Reoccurring Ankle Sprains: What’s the best treat? Ankle sprains are unfortunately very common, and if repeated ankle sprains occur this can be detrimental to the stability of the ankle joint Itself. Following an ankle sprain it is important to act fast.
The first 24 to 72 hours Ankle sprains are very common injuries that can affect anyone, from athletes to children to adults. They occur when the ligaments that support the ankle go beyond their normal range of motion and become stretched or torn. What are the symptoms of an ankle sprain? • Sudden, sharp pain and an inability to weight bear on that leg. • Loacl pain • Swelling and/or bruising at the site of the sprain • Limited ankle mobility of the ankle Following your ankle sprain you should follow the R.I.C.E protocol - rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Rest: Avoid activities that actively cause pain in your ankle. However, you still want to promote faster healing by doing simple range-of-motion stretches as long as they don't cause pain. Ice: Apply ice, which is used to reduce pain and inflammation. Make sure you apply a cloth barrier between the ice and your skin. Ice for 10 to 15 minutes every couple of hours. Compression: An elastic bandage can bring down swelling and help to stabilise the joint. Wrap well m, but not so tight that it causes numbness or tingling. Elevation: By keeping your ankle elevated above the level of your heart, you can help reduce swelling and pain. Prop up your leg during the day, and put a pillow beneath your ankle in bed at night. You can also relieve pain by using topical creams or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen. Treatment following 2 to 3 days of an ankle sprain After a few days of using the R.I.C.E. method above a mild sprain will be mostly healed and ready for you to resume normal activity. A moderate or severe sprain may require more intensive treatment of up to several weeks. Following the initial acute phase of an ankle sprain you will need to go into structured rehabilitation exercise. This will incorporate ankle stability and strength. Longside working with injury prevention.
Recurrence of ankle sprains can often cause prolonged stretching of the ligaments and insufficiency to stabilise the joint. Thus, making the joint more prone to sprains. Also, reduced mobility and prolonged wearing of high heels can also make the joint prone to sprains.
If you are suffering from recurring ankle sprains then structured/swimming rehabilitation is are vital importance. Thus, alongside muscluar balance and good Proprioceptive advise. Please get in touch to find out more schedule a consultation.