The nightmare of an ankle sprain
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There is probably no one who has not suffered ankle sprain. This injury can happen while performing sports activities (the most common case), but also performing everyday tasks, work, recreation or the most unusual circumstances. Because no one is free to make a bad move on your foot and ankle affect because it is subject to the effort to support our weight, plus the effort that imposed movements.
Sprains can occur as an isolated injury, the only time in life, but also may have a “tendency” to them. Since sprained ankle is a shift towards either side of the foot, causing the rupture of ligaments, with the consequent weakening, which would cause a new strain with a wrong move. With the added difficulty that many have suffered more injuries, the easier it is to produce a new lesion.
On the other hand, some people have a congenital weakness in the tendons, which makes frequent victims of sprains. Not to mention that if we add to this overweight, the chances of a sprain are multiplied several times. This does not mean they can not play sports, however, with proper supervision and training, sport is essential to strengthen this area and improve their quality of life.
Despite the intense pain that causes a sprain, with proper treatment can be cured in several days, provided they do not resume activities harmful for a couple of weeks. Although we do not usually give much importance to this type of injury, may become chronic without due care and attention, Limiting our mobility.
Types of ankle sprains
As in any injury, there are different types of ankle sprains, Depending on the severity of the injury to the ligaments.
- First-degree sprain: in this injury, ligaments only sprained. This type of sprain causes only mild inflammation. But be careful not to start sports activities before fifteen or twenty days.
- Second-degree sprain: we have the partial tear of the ligaments. In this injury we will run into a flash fire that will not let you put your feet due to pain and lack of firmness in the ligaments. In this case, the best we can do is to rest fully and consult with your doctor.
- Third degree sprain: is the most serious of all and shows a complete rupture of ligaments (may be one or more ligaments). Requires several weeks of rest for the ligaments heal. It is extremely painful and must consult with the doctor, but generally does not need surgery.
The various treatments for ankle sprains
The treatment of ankle sprains is aimed at reducing inflammation as a first step. This reduces pain, which is the most often worry about. Generally, doctors advise us to rest and icing for the first two days after the injury, and the use of a bandage.
When pain is severe, use crutches to avoid downloading the weight on the injured ankle. In major injury may need a splint or cast, to immobilize the area and avoid increasing damage to the ligaments. Because the extra effort on the ligaments injured, not only prevents the inflammation is reduced, but could make it worse.
Another measure to reduce inflammationIs to put the foot up, either resting on pillows in bed or on a stool if you’re sitting. The important thing is that the foot is slightly higher than the heart, blood circulation is in the opposite direction to the foot.
