“Sprains are one of the top ten reasons people visit the ER.” – HARVARD MEDICAL JOURNAL
SYMPTOMS AND SEVERITY:
Ankle sprains are usually due to “rolling” an ankle to the outside or inversion of the ankle. Ligaments are tough bands of tissue that hold the body’s joint together. When these bands are stretched to capacity they become sprained and can even rupture or tear. This injury is classified into three degrees of severity or sprains. Treatment depends on severity; proper treatment is key, if full recovery is desired. The amount of swelling and bruising will indicate severity.
FIRST AND SECOND-DEGREE SPRAINS:
Symptoms: swelling, some bruising but able to bear partial weight and ankle functions
Treatment: Rest, stay off ankle for a couple of days. Ice, to alleviate swelling and aid with pain management. Compression wrap the ankle with stretch bandage (ace bandage) to minimize swelling and offer support to the injured area. Elevation keep the ankle elevated to assist in alleviating further swelling.
Healing Body Wellness offers drug-free pain relief treatment for acute first and second-degree sprains using Electromagnetic therapy. This therapy increases blood flow and transfer of nutrients and waste at the cellular level, which decreases swelling that can inhibit range of motion and proper healing and rehabilitation.
THIRD-DEGREE SPRAINS:
Symptoms: profuse swelling and bruising, unable to bear weight, joint dysfunction.
Treatment: seek immediate medical attention. Your Physician will order testing such as an x-ray or MRI to assess damage.
Seek immediate medical attention if:
You are unable to bear weight on the injured leg, the joint feels unstable or numb, you cannot use the joint.
You developed streaks that spread out from that area
You have pain directly over bones of the injured joint.
You have re-injured an area that has been previously injured.
You experience profuse swelling and bruising
After two days your symptoms do not improve
HOW DO I AVOID INJURY?
Injury prevention is key to a healthy lifestyle. Strengthening muscles and being fit helps injury prevention at the very basic level. Smart ways to stay healthy when going about daily life activities are:
Regular strength, mobility and stability/balance exercises
Proper warm up prior to activities
Using proper shoes for the proper activity
Don’t play sports or attempt activities for which you are not conditioned.
