Of the most common orthopaedic injuries, ankle sprains, strains and fractures are amongst the most common. They might usually be seen as a sports injury, but you don’t have to be an athlete to hurt your ankle. Sometimes simply walking on an uneven surface can cause you to turn and roll your ankle causing an injury.
It’s always essential to warm up before exercising, and morning exercise is best for preventing injuries, but most ankle injuries can be treated at home. Here we have a look at the different types of ankle injuries so you can differentiate between strains, sprains, and fractures, and when it’s time to see a doctor.
Ankle strains
An ankle strain occurs when the muscles and tendons around the ankle joint are overstretched. The symptoms on an ankle strain include pain, swelling, and muscle spasms. If you have severe pain, or an inability to bear weight, then you should seek medical advice, but often these can be treated at home with RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation).
Ankle sprains
Sprains are very common and happen when the ligaments (the tissues that connect bone to bone) are stretched. The severity of ankle sprains range from mild to severe, and the symptoms can be similar to a strain. There are, however, a few differences.
Ankle sprains are typically a little more severe than strains and may require more treatment. They may cause limited mobility, difficulty walking, standing or movement. Use the RICE method, but having your ankle immobilised may be beneficial. A sprain would likely require the attention of an orthopaedic specialist.
Ankle fractures
Ankle fractures are more severe than ankle strains or sprains and require immediate treatment. A fracture is when there is a partial or complete break due to trauma. You would not be able to put any weight on your ankle, as well as swelling, bruising, and severe pain. Treatments range from complete immobilisation to surgery.
Preventing ankle injuries
Sometimes injuries are unavoidable, but there are a few ways to reduce the risk:
- Build muscle strength by taking part in a conditioning program
- Stretch daily
- Wear appropriate footwear
- Warm-up before activity
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