Sprained Ankle Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
A sprained ankle or ankle sprain occurs due to an injury to the ligaments. Basically, the ankle is formed by three bones and several muscles. The tissue that connects the three bones is called a ligament.
This condition can occur to anyone regardless of age. Generally, a sprained ankle is more at risk when someone makes an improper movement during sports or when walking on uneven ground.
Symptoms
If you sprain your ankle, the main symptom that appears is pain in your ankle. The pain will get worse when the sole of the foot is turned inward as shown above. In addition, the ankle will look swollen, red and feel warm when touched.
Reason
A sprained ankle occurs when the foot twists during activity. The most common foot position that causes a sprained ankle is when the foot is suddenly twisted inward.
This condition usually occurs when you fall, hit a rock or ladder, exercise (especially in basketball, tennis, soccer, and sprint). Incorrect movements during exercise also have the risk of causing a sprained ankle.
Diagnosis
The doctor will examine the foot and ankle area. During the examination, the doctor will feel the ankle area to determine the possibility of a fracture.
When carrying out this examination, the doctor will also examine the nerves and arteries in the legs to see if there are any complications of nerve or blood vessel disorders due to the injuries that have occurred. If a fracture is suspected, an X-ray or CT scan is needed to confirm.
Treatment
A sprained ankle can generally be treated with proper care at home. The principle of treatment is known as RICE ( rest-ice-compression-elevation ).
- Rest (rest) is important to prevent the injury from getting worse. Rest the ankle and foot area for at least 5–7 days.
- Ice (ice or cold compress) is useful for reducing pain and swelling. This procedure is most effective when done immediately after spraining the ankle, don’t delay it too long. Cold compress done for at least 20 minutes.
- Compression (compression) is needed to support the ankle joint and reduce inflammation. Compression is done by splinting the injured ankle.
- Elevation (lifting the leg) is done to reduce swelling that occurs due to sprains. For this procedure to be effective, it is best for the patient to lie down on a bed or couch with the legs extended. Prop your feet up with two pillows.
In addition, pain relievers such as ibuprofen and mefenamic acid can also be consumed according to package instructions.
But if there is one of the following symptoms, you should immediately see a doctor:
- The pain is very intense even though you have taken pain relievers
- Complaints do not improve after one week of treatment
- Couldn’t walk at all because it was so painful
- There is a feeling of numbness or numbness in the soles of the feet
Prevention
To reduce the risk of a sprained ankle, do an optimal warm-up when you are going to exercise and wear comfortable sports shoes.