Ankle Sprains Treatment in Glendale, CA
The ankle joint is comprised of the tibia, or shin bone, the fibula and the talus. Ligaments are the ropes that hold the joint together. The most common ankle sprain is to the ligaments on the outside (lateral)aspect of the ankle. Typically, this occurs from rolling your ankle, called an inversion injury. The ligaments get stretched or partially torn.
What are the 3 Grades of Sprains?
There are three grades of sprains:
- grade 1 is stretching or microscopic tearing
- grade 2 is partial tearing
- grade 3 is complete tearing.
Where do Ankle Sprains Occur?
Sprains can also occur on the inner or medial side of the ankle but are more rare. High ankle sprains occur to the ligaments that hold the tibia and fibula together. These injuries tend to take longer to heal and are typically due to a twisting injury.
How to Treat an Ankle Sprain?
Ankle sprains are typically treated with the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, elevation). Depending on the grade, healing times will vary.
Ankles sprains can take anywhere from 2-12 weeks to resolve. Return to sports and fitness is determined by pain. It is safe to put weight on the ankle as pain allows. Once swelling has subsided it is safe to resume low impact activities to test the ankle.
Low impact activities include walking, biking or swimming. Once these activities are tolerated without pain, you can gradually return to full activity.
An ankle brace can be used to provide stability while participating in sport activities. In severe cases, surgery may be required to stabilize the joint.
Surgery is also performed in cases where multiple ankle sprains lead to instability of the ankle.
If you have had multiple ankle sprains, an MRI scan may be ordered to evaluate the ligaments. Preventing injuries is possible with proper warm up and strengthening.
If you have suffered an ankle injury, call Glendale Orthopedics. We are here to help.