Archive for the ‘Sport Injuries’ Category

An ankle sprain can be very troublesome for an athlete.

In the area of sports injuries, the most common of all is the ankle sprain.  Ankle sprains are evidenced by the following:

Pain (sometimes accompanied by a sharp noise like a pop.)  Weight bearing leads to increased pain

Swelling and discoloration.  The swelling will begin rapidly from bleeding into the ankle tissues and will usually reach the maximum swelling within 24 hours.  The bruising will also be evident.

Range of motion.  There will be a severe limit to the flexibility of the joint.  Most motions will cause pain and the amount of movement will be hindered.

Causes of the ankle sprain.

These injuries most often occur in the sports requiring quick forward, backward, lateral and sudden stopping motions and jumping and landing akwardly.  The ankle is susceptible to rolling, twisting, and turning, resulting in pain and swelling of the ankle and damage to the ligaments that enable the ankles to work correctly.

The damage to ligaments can be, but is not limited to tearing, stretching and weakness.  These ligaments are needed to stabilize the joint and while incredibly flexible, cannot sustain extreme movements.  The sprain occurs when the joint is flexed beyond its capability.

The degree of the sprain can vary.  Extreme cases result in the tearing of the ligaments, especially above the ankle joint – most commonly referred to as a high ankle sprain.

Should one seek medical attention for an ankle sprain?

Medical attention might be required.  It is best to seek medical attention to rule out other causes of pain and swelling, such as a break or other damage.  Ankle sprains, however, need to be attended to immediately to reduce the swelling and bruising and shorten the duration of the incapacity.  Complications can result from delay in treatment.  Being susceptible to future sprains can result from the weakening in the joint if not treated.  Numerous ankle sprains can lead to arthritis in the joint, causing future disability and difficulty in mobility.

In some instances, support will be recommended, such as ankle braces and other ankle supports.  Following the guidance of the medical professional regarding types of supportive care will be important for future health of an ankle sprain.

Here is a website where you can buy some ankle braces…