Tuesday, June 13, 2006

About ankle sprained...

What is an Ankle Sprain?
An ankle sprain is an injury to one or more ligaments in the ankle, usually on the outside of the ankle. Ligaments are bands of tissue—like rubber bands—that connect one bone to another and bind the joints together. In the ankle joint, ligaments provide stability by limiting side-to-side movement.


Some ankle sprains are much worse than others. The severity of an ankle sprain depends on whether the ligament is stretched, partially torn, or completely torn, as well as on the number of ligaments involved. Ankle sprains are not the same as strains, which affect muscles rather than ligaments.


How it happens?
Ankle sprains happen when the foot twists, rolls or turns beyond its normal motions. A great force is transmitted upon landing. You can sprain your ankle if the foot is planted unevenly on a surface, beyond the normal force of stepping. This causes the ligaments to stretch beyond their normal range in an abnormal position.


Ankle Sprain Treatment

THE MOST IMPORTANT INITIAL MANAGEMENT OF A SPRAIN IS,

R - rest (Rest your ankle by not walking on it.)

I - ice (Ice should be immediately applied. It keeps the swelling down. It can be used for 15 minutes to 20 minutes, three or four times daily. Combine ice with wrapping to decrease swelling, pain and dysfunction.)

C - compression (Compression dressings, bandages or ace-wraps immobilize and support the injured ankle.)

E - elevation (Elevate your ankle above your heart level for 48 hours.)

Many of the problems resulting from sprains are due to blood and edema in and around the ankle. Minimizing swelling helps the ankle heal faster. The RICE regimen facilitates this.

In the initial 24 hours, it is very important to avoid things which might increase swelling.

Avoid :-

1) hot showers
2) heat rubs (methylsalicylate counterirritants such as "Ben Gay", etc..
3) hot packs
4) drinking alcohol
5) aspirin - prolongs the clotting time of blood and may cause more bleeding into the ankle. (Tylenol or Ibuprofen may be taken to help with pain, but will not speed up the healing process)


How To Ice An Injury
Click
here


Other related link:-
Family Doctor

No comments: