Ankle sprains/strains

A sprain is an injury to a ligament, the tough, fibrous tissue that connects bones to other bone. Ligament injuries involve a stretching or a tearing of this tissue.

A strain is an injury to either a muscle or a tendon, the tissue that connects muscles to bones. Depending on the severity of the injury, a strain may be a simple overstretch of the muscle or tendon, or it can result in a partial or complete tear.

The usual signs and symptoms of a muscle sprain include pain, swelling, bruising, and the loss of functional ability (the ability to move and use the joint). Sometimes people feel a pop or tear when the injury happens. However, these signs and symptoms can vary in intensity, depending on the severity of the sprain.

Treatment for ankle sprains and strains usually involves RICE—rest, ice, compression, and elevation:

• Rest involves keeping off the injured ankle as much as possible. An air cast or splint may be used to support the ankle for support and severe sprains may require a hard cast.
• Ice is used to reduce swelling. Ice packs are usually applied for 20 minutes at a time every hour as long as swelling persists.
• Compression involves supporting the ankle and foot with a firmly (not tightly) wrapped elastic bandage, compression stocking, or gel wrap. If swelling causes the bandage to become tight, it should be loosened immediately.
• Elevation helps to minimize bruising and swelling. The foot should be kept above heart level as often as possible during the first 48 hours.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may help to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation.

In some cases, prolonged swelling caused by the formation of excessive scar tissue occurs and Dr. Prant may use x-rays to check for small, previously undetected bone fragments, or damage to the joints.Dr. Prant is one of the few doctors in the Austin area to have a Fluorscan video x-ray system in his office. With the video x-ray technology your foot and ankle can be seen from any angle and fractures missed on regular x-rays are often seen.

Most ankle strains and sprains heal in 2 to 6 weeks, with proper treatment. Severe injuries may take as long as 12 weeks to heal and may require physical therapy to restore full muscle balance and strength.

Patients who experience an ankle injury are at risk for recurrent injury during and following recovery due to a loss of something called proprioception Proprioception is the body feeling the position of a joint or body part – without looking at it. Often this is impaired after an ankle sprain.We go into great detail as to rehabilitation following ankle sprains. Shoes that provide stability and support are a prudent investment, and supplemental bracing with a specially fitted elastic wrap may be recommended. We demonstrate how to tape your foot and ankle yourself.  In some cases, custom orthotics are prescribed to help provide ankle stability after an injury.

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