This is an injury that occurs during rolling, twisting or turning of the ankle in an awkward way. Sprained ankle can stretch or tear the tough bands of ligaments that help keep the ankle bones together.
Ligaments perform some role including helping to stabilize the joints and preventing excessive movement. Forcing the ligaments beyond their normal range of motion can lead to sprained ankle. Most of the sprained ankles involve ligament injuries on the outer side of the ankle.
All ligaments have a particular range of motion and boundaries which enable them to stabilize the joints. When the ligaments surrounding the ankle are pushed out of these boundaries, it results in a sprain. Sprained ankles generally involve injuries to the ligaments on the outside of the ankle.
What Causes a Sprained Ankle?
Sprained ankle often occurs when the foot suddenly twists or rolls, thereby forcing the ankle beyond its normal position. During physical activity, the ankle may be inclined inward due to a sudden or unexpected movement. Thus, making one or more ligaments around the ankle to stretch or tear.
As a result of these tears, swelling or bruising may occur. You can also feel the pain or discomfort when you put weight on the affected area. The sprain can also damage the tendons, cartilage and blood vessels.
Sprained ankle may occur to anyone, regardless of age. Participating in sports activities, walking on uneven surfaces or even putting on poorly fitted footwear can cause this kind of injury.
Symptoms of a Sprained Ankle
When the ankle is injured as a result of sprain, tendon injury, or fracture, and or inflammation occurs. Blood vessels become "permeable" and allow the fluid to enter the soft tissue surrounding the joint. The white blood cells which are responsible for Inflammation move to the area, and also there is an increase in blood flow. Typical changes that occur with inflammation include the following:
1. Swelling due to an increased amount of fluid in the tissue: Sometimes the swelling is so serious that you can leave a pockmark in the swollen area by pressing on it with your finger.
2. Pain due to the sensitiveness of the nerves: The joint becomes painful and can throb. When the sore area of the pain is pressed, it can worsen the pain, moving the leg in certain directions (depending on the ligament involved) or by walking or standing.
3. Redness and warmth due to increased blood in the area.
Sprained Ankle Treatment
Treatment for a Sprained Ankle requires restoring the circulation and blood flow to the affected structures in your ankle. Pain is caused when swelling, inflammation and decreased circulation generate a blockage, which causes blood flow to be interrupted or slowed. Treatment for this issue requires breaking up the accumulated fluids in your ankle to allow for improved healing and quicker recovery.
Products recommended for symptoms of swelling, redness, pain, and inflammation, and if coolness makes your pain feel better:
Ice Substitute Poultice
Bruise Relief Liniment
Muscle Therapy Massage Oil
Products recommended when swelling and inflammation are gone, but you still feel pain, stiffness, weakness, and/or sensitivity in cold and damp weather, and if heat makes your pain feel better:
Pain Relief Liniment
Tendon and Ligament Poultice
Muscle Therapy Massage Oil
