Ankle Sprains
By Dr . Reza Mobarak
Ankle injuries are very common . Especially in the cold weather when ice starts to come into effect . It is one of the most common lower extremity injuries today . Every day , approximately 25,000 people in the U . S . undergo an ankle sprain . They can occur in athletes as well as individuals who live normal lifestyles . It doesn ’ t matter whether you are involved in a sports activity or just walking around . You can sustain an ankle sprain .
A sprain is an injury to the ligaments around the ankle joint . The ligaments are like tendon , except they are elastic , band-like structures that keep the bones of the ankle joint together . Together , they prevent excessive turning and twisting of the joint . A sprain can result when the ligaments of the ankle have been stretched . In severe ankle sprains , the ligaments can be partially torn or even fully ruptured .
To diagnose an ankle sprain , you physician may order different tests or even perform some tests at that time to determine the severity of the ankle sprain . This can be from a simple evaluation in the office to ordering an MRI of the ankle joint to evaluate the status of the ligaments .
Signs and symptoms of an ankle sprain are excessive . The main sign is tissue injury and inflammation of the ankle joint . The blood vessels flood the soft tissues causing swelling to increase . The major signs and symptoms of an ankle sprain are : swelling , pain and redness and warmth . The swelling is due to increased fluid to the soft tissue . The pain is due to the sensitive nerves
in the ankle joint . This can occur when the sore area is compressed or the foot / ankle moves in a certain direction . Redness and warmth is caused by increased blood flow to the area of trauma .
Ankle sprains have many treatments . These treatments help to reduce pain and aid in healing . The goal is to reduce and prevent inflammation . R . I . C . E . is the system that is used for this . R is for Rest – to prevent further injury to the injured tissue . I is for Ice – this will help decrease pain . This will help in reducing the swelling . C is for compression – this will provide support and help in inflammation . E is for elevation – which will keep the injured area in low fluid retention . Other treatments for severe ankle sprains
R . I . C . E
• Rest , Ice ,
• Compression ,
• Elevation
include oral anti-inflammatories , use of crutches to remain non weight bearing , custom orthotics , ankle brace , and surgical intervention to repair the severely ruptured ligaments .
A very effective treatment that Southwest Foot and Ankle Center have been performing is the use of platelet rich plasma ( PRP ). This is a growth factor that is from the patient ’ s own body with the use of thrombin . The thick platelets are then injected back into the area of pain , which in turn reduces pain , swelling , and promotes healing to the damaged tissue . With the use of PRP and aggressive physical therapy , the patient is almost in full activity in approximately 10 days .
Ankle sprains can be prevented . These are simple things such as wearing appropriate shoe gear , wearing an ankle brace , and increasing flexibility to strengthen the previous injured ligaments .
Above is a picture of an anatomical view of a classic ankle sprain where the lateral ligaments have been ruptured .
Ankle sprains are very common . But they are preventable . We treat ankle sprains on a daily basis and have great success with our treatments . If you have any questions , call our office for a consultation .
Southwest Foot and Ankle Center has three convenient locations in Plano , Lewisville and Irving and we are here to help you five days a week ! So why wait ? Call us today at 972-316-0902 . For further information , visit www . swfacenter . com .
DENTON COUNTY Living Well Magazine | JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017
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