I had an accident and sprained my ankle. What should I do? Is it dangerous?

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Ankle sprain, ankle twist, ankle sprain are common injuries. If not treated properly, it can cause chronic pain and increase the chance of re-injury. Reveal symptoms, complications and the correct care method.

Ankle sprains, ankle twists, ankle sprains from accidents are common occurrences. If they are not severe, the body can repair the damaged tendons on its own in about 2-3 weeks. If after 1 month of injury there is still pain, or after 3 months of ankle sprains the symptoms have not gone away, or there is an injury to other organs as well, you should see a doctor immediately. แทงบอล UFABET ราคาดีที่สุด ไม่มีขั้นต่ำ Because from a small problem that is not treated properly can lead to chronic pain or ankle inflammation.

What is a sprained ankle?

  • Sprains are injuries caused by excessive movement of a joint from a hard collision, twisting, or turning, which can tear or bruise the joint membrane or ligaments around the joint. Common areas include the ankle, wrist, knee, and shoulder  .
  • Ankle sprain Ankle sprain ( Ankle Sprain) is often caused by an accident in which the ankle is twisted, rotated or twisted beyond its normal range of motion, causing the ligaments that hold the joint together to be stretched or torn, resulting in injury. Sometimes it is called an ankle sprain.
  • Ankle sprains are the most common injury in sports and are considered home-care-friendly. However, if not treated properly, they can lead to recurring pain for years. Studies have shown that approximately 20-30% of people who have sprained or twisted their ankle are more likely to suffer a re-injury and experience chronic ankle instability.

Ankle sprain, ankle sprain

  • Symptoms range from pain, swelling, and redness, which usually prevents the patient from putting weight on their feet.
  • Pain in the ankle, especially when putting weight on the foot.
  • Ankle swelling, bruising, or changes in skin color around the ankle
  • There is tightness in the ankle area.
  • Unable to move normally
  • Feeling unstable in the ankle
  • You may feel or hear a cracking sound when your ankle is sprained.

3 levels of ankle sprain symptoms

  • Severity level 1 (mild)   The tendon is stretched or torn only slightly. There is not severe pain. You can still walk and bear weight normally.
  • Stage 2 (moderate) partial rupture of the tendon. Symptoms include pain and swelling. Able to walk and bear some weight.
  • Grade 3 (severe) Complete rupture of the tendon, with severe pain and swelling that prevents weight bearing.

Causes of ankle sprains

  • A fall that caused a twisted ankle
  • Impact from jumping or spinning
  • Walking or exercising on uneven surfaces
  • Being stepped on or crushed severely in the ankle area 
  • Accidents such as falling down stairs, missteps, falling off high heels, or accidents from playing sports or exercising.

Risk factors for ankle sprains

  • Playing sports, especially sports that require jumping, rolling, or twisting your feet, such as basketball, tennis, football, and trail running.
  • Walking or running on uneven surfaces or poor field conditions can increase your risk of ankle sprains or twists.
  • Previous ankle injuries, such as a sprain, twist or other ankle injury, increase your risk of spraining or twisting your ankle again.
  • Poor physical condition, low ankle strength or flexibility, may increase the risk of ankle sprains or twists when playing sports.
  • Inappropriate footwear that does not fit your feet or is not suitable for the activity, including wearing high heels, can increase your risk of injury.

Complications of ankle sprain

Failure to treat a sprained or twisted ankle properly, performing activities too soon after a sprained or twisted ankle, or repeatedly spraining or twisting an ankle can lead to complications such as:

  • Chronic ankle pain
  • Chronic ankle instability
  • Ankle arthritis
  • Osteoarthritis

Basic self-care

Treatment for a sprained ankle depends on the severity of the injury. Generally, if the symptoms are not severe, you may be able to treat them at home. 

  • Take painkillers if you feel pain in your ankle. 
  • Wrap the sprained or twisted ankle to reduce swelling without wrapping it too tightly around the ankle. 
  • Rest or stop using the injured ankle for approximately 48 hours, especially during the first 6 hours when symptoms appear.
  • Apply a cold compress using an ice pack or a cold cloth on the ankle for about 15-20 minutes until there is no swelling and repeat every 2-3 hours or 2-3 times a day. In case the patient has a chronic disease such as diabetes or sensory nerve disease, they should consult a doctor first.
  • Elevate your ankle to reduce swelling.
  • Avoid activities that require weight bearing, pressure or impact on the ankle area. 

Ankle sprain prevention

  • Always warm up before exercising or playing sports.
  • Be careful when walking, running, or working on uneven surfaces.
  • Use an ankle support or tape to wrap the injured ankle.
  • Wear shoes that fit properly and are designed for the activity.
  • Avoid wearing high heels.
  • Avoid or be extra careful when playing sports or participating in activities that you are not comfortable with.
  • Maintain muscle strength and flexibility
  • Practice balance and maintain body balance.

Treatment of ankle sprains and sprains

In the case of a mild ankle sprain or ankle sprain, the ligament injury and tear is only minor. The body can repair the damaged ligament and ankle pain on its own in about 2-3 weeks. However, if after 1 month of the injury there is still pain, or if the symptoms have not gone away after 3 months of ankle sprain, or if there is an injury to other organs as well, you should see a doctor to determine the severity. The doctor will provide appropriate treatment as follows:

  • Use of assistive devices In addition to using an elastic bandage around the ankle, the doctor may prescribe an ankle brace or a cane.
  • Treatment After the swelling and pain go away, patients may need to do some exercises, especially around the ankle, to increase the strength and flexibility of the tendons. In addition, balance training under the guidance of a doctor is also necessary.
  • Procedure: If the swelling and pain do not subside, the patient may need to wear a splint around the ankle until the symptoms improve and the patient can walk normally again.
  • Surgery: In cases where symptoms are severe or cannot be cured with other methods, your doctor may consider surgery, such as:
    • Arthroscopic surgery of bones or cartilage that may be fractured or damaged.
    • Surgery to treat tight and damaged tendons uses nearby tendons, joints or muscle tendons to repair the damaged tendon tissue. After surgery, patients may need several weeks or months to recover. They should take care of themselves and recuperate according to the doctor’s advice and see the doctor as scheduled for examination and follow-up, including receiving therapy and exercise of various muscles and tendons to maintain muscle strength and flexibility.