Sprained Ankle? How To Tell And How To Treat It
Sprained ankles can happen to anyone young or old, whether you're an athlete or not. Sprained ankles usually occur from wearing improper shoes or when walking on uneven surfaces, although there can be other risk factors for sprained ankles including weight, previous injury or tight ligaments in the ankle. If you aren't sure if you have a sprained ankle, there are ways to tell if it is sprained or if it is broken. Read on for some helpful tips to guide you as well as how to treat a sprained ankle.
Sprain Vs. Break
A sprain can be mild or severe, which may be why it is difficult discerning a sprain from a break. The pain may feel so severe that you may feel like it's a break. Some symptoms of a sprain include:
- Mild to severe swelling that can occur gradually or immediately (swelling may be on one side or all around the ankle)
- Tenderness
- Pain at the joint
- Warmth and redness at the ankle
If you can put some weight on the ankle, it is most likely a sprain. A break is more severe and can be felt all the way down into the foot. Symptoms of a break include:
- Severe swelling at the ankle and down into the foot
- Immediate pain at the site and down the foot
- Bruising all over the ankle and foot
- Deformation of the ankle
If you are unable to put any weight on the ankle and feel pain all the way down into the foot and even down the sides of the foot, it is most likely a break.
Treating A Sprain
If you suspect a sprained ankle, you can tape the ankle by wrapping an ace bandage around the foot, then wrapping it in a figure eight around the foot and ankle, then wrapping it up and around the upper ankle and lower calf. Taping the ankle can help give support while also decreasing the swelling. The tape should be tight, but not too tight.
Put your ankle up on a pillow and elevate it to help reduce the swelling. Put ice on the site area to aid with pain and to help reduce swelling as well. To help with the pain, you can take an over-the-counter pain medication.
If you aren't sure if your ankle is sprained or broken you should seek medical help at your local urgent care medical facility for an exam and for treatment.
