It can happen to anyone
The most common of all ankle injuries is the ankle sprain. A sprain occurs when your ankle is forced to move out of its normal position, which can cause one or more of the ankle’s ligaments to stretch or tear.
Examples of situations that can result in an ankle sprain include:
- A fall that causes your ankle to twist
- Landing awkwardly on your foot after jumping or pivoting
- Walking or exercising on an uneven surface
The foot can either roll in (inversion) or out (eversion) and the ligaments are stretched. Occasionally a loud “snap” or “pop” is heard at the time of the injury.
There are three levels that classify the severity of an ankle sprain:
- Grade I- (minor tear)
- Grade II (Partial Tear)
- Grade III (Complete tear into two pieces).
Act Quick
For immediate relief of an ankle sprain it is important to follow the R.I.C.E. treatment plan of rest, ice, compression and elevation. This will greatly reduce the acute signs and symptoms of the sprain. Early rehabilitation assists in a rapid recovery. A physical therapist will conduct a series of ankle active range of motion exercises, ankle joint mobilization, soft tissue mobilization, electrotherapeutic modalities, and stretching/flexibility exercises.
A medical evaluation is necessary to reveal how badly you’ve sprained your ankle and to put you on the right path to recovery.