How to Treat an Ankle Sprain? What Are the Symptoms of an Ankle Sprain?

The foot is a structure composed of thirty-three joints and contains numerous ligaments connected to these joints.

The foot is a structure composed of thirty-three joints and contains numerous ligaments connected to these joints. The presence of many ligaments in the foot can lead to sprains under inappropriate conditions.

What is an Ankle Sprain?

The foot, which is responsible for bearing body weight during physical activities in daily life, is a structure composed of numerous bones and joints. There are tough fibrous tissues within the joint that connect the bones to each other. An ankle sprain can occur as a result of the tearing of these fibrous tissue ligaments in the foot. Ankle sprains can also occur from engaging in certain sports or professions that expose the feet to abnormal twisting movements or bends.

Ankle sprains can be graded in three different ways depending on the severity of the sprain. The degrees of ankle sprains are as follows:

Grade 1: This type of ankle sprain may cause microscopic tears or stretching of the ligaments. The injury resulting from a first-degree ankle sprain is quite mild.
Grade 2: Also referred to as a moderate sprain, the stretching of the ligaments in this case may be more severe. In a moderate ankle sprain, the ligaments may be partially torn.
Grade 3: In a severe third-degree ankle sprain, the ligaments can be completely torn. Complete tearing of the ligaments can lead to imbalances while standing or difficulty in bearing body weight on the foot.

Sprains can occur in different areas of the foot. Some of these areas include:

Midfoot: The central area that includes the arch of the foot is referred to as the midfoot. An isolated bend of the midfoot during activities performed by athletes, such as falls and collisions (especially during snowboarding, windsurfing, horseback riding, or competitive diving), can lead to sprains in the midfoot. Abnormal bending of the ankle may occur in female ballet dancers while turning or jumping on their toes. Additionally, sprains in the midfoot can occur during any tripping or falling incidents.
First Metatarsophalangeal Joint: The joint located at the base of the big toe is called the metatarsophalangeal joint. Hyperextension (excessive backward bending) of the big toe can cause a sprain of the metatarsophalangeal joint. This sprain may also be referred to as turf toe.

Ankle sprains can result from strains in the foot. The sprain condition occurs when the tissue that connects the two bones in the joint, known as a ligament, is stretched or torn. The structure of the foot contains numerous formations such as bones, joints, and ligament tissues where sprains can occur.

There are three sprain categories assigned based on the severity of the injury. One of the most common tissue injuries seen in the foot is plantar fasciitis, which occurs in the connective tissue of the ligaments. Plantar fasciitis is a type of connective tissue that extends from the bottom of the foot to the heel.

Causes of Ankle Sprains

The feet are body organs that help us move in daily life. Any pressure that may occur on the ligaments in the foot can cause them to tear. Previous experiences of ankle sprains are a significant risk factor for recurrence. Some genetic factors, medications, and chronic diseases can also increase the risk of sprains.

What Are the Symptoms of an Ankle Sprain?

In mild or moderate ankle sprains, the midfoot area will be swollen and tender, and there may be some localized bruising (black and blue discoloration). In more severe sprains, you may be unable to bear weight on the injured foot.

If you have turf toe, the base of your big toe will be painful and swollen.

Patients with an ankle sprain may also have tendon tears and fractures.

The symptoms of ankle sprains or fractures include:

• Pain that worsens when putting weight on the injured foot
• Swelling or bruising
• Limited range of motion or instability

Symptoms vary depending on the location and severity of the sprain. Most people with an ankle sprain experience pain, tenderness, bruising, and swelling in their foot. Symptoms typically originate from the sprain area, so if the torn ligament is closer to the side of your foot rather than the arch, the symptoms will be more pronounced on the side. The level of pain does not always indicate the severity of the injury. Sometimes fractures can be relatively painless, while simple soft tissue swelling can cause significant pain.

You may have difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot, which can lead to limping.

How Is Ankle Sprain Diagnosed?

After reviewing your symptoms, your doctor may ask how exactly you injured your foot. They may also want information about your profession, leisure activities, sports participation, any previous foot injuries or surgeries, and the types of shoes you typically wear.

The doctor will then examine your feet and compare the injured foot with the uninjured one. During this examination, your doctor will note any swelling or bruising, as well as any changes in flexibility or range of motion. The doctor will also gently press on the injured foot to check for tenderness or bone abnormalities.

Generally, the first imaging method preferred for joint disorders is X-ray. Your doctor may want to take X-rays of the foot and ankle from several angles. A computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the foot can provide better visualization of bone details and the nature of soft tissue damage.

MRIs are particularly useful for detecting soft tissue injuries, such as stress fractures and ankle ligament sprains. If a patient has an ankle or foot fracture, the doctor may also request CT scans that offer a comprehensive view of the bones and joints. Ultrasound is a quick test that can show soft tissues in detail.

Most doctors can diagnose an ankle sprain through physical examination. They will consider:

• Swelling of the foot
• Location of the pain
• Intensity of the pain

Your doctor may also recommend an X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine the severity of the sprain. These imaging tests can help rule out fractures or other injuries.

How Is Ankle Sprain Treated?

Typically, invasive treatment is not needed for ankle sprains. Surgery is only necessary in rare cases. If your doctor determines that there is no fracture or ligament tear requiring surgery, treatment usually does not require hospitalization.

Recommended treatments for most ankle sprains include:

• Rest: Avoiding physical activities that put weight on the foot.
• Ice: Cold applications can reduce swelling and pain, as well as impair circulation. Cold therapy can be applied as recommended by your doctor.
• Compression: Wrapping your foot with an elastic bandage can reduce pain and swelling, but it can also decrease circulation like cold applications, so it should not be done without consulting a doctor.
• Elevation: Keeping the foot elevated can reduce swelling. Resting the foot on another chair with a pillow under it while sitting, or placing a pillow under it while lying down, can help reduce swelling.

Your doctor may also start medication to reduce pain and swelling. For more severe midfoot sprains, especially in dancers and other professionals whose livelihood depends on their feet, the doctor may immobilize the foot with a splint. As symptoms improve, you can gradually resume weight-bearing and other normal activities, and a stretching and strengthening rehabilitation program may be recommended. Because a serious midfoot sprain can significantly threaten work and quality of life, it is important to follow special treatment and rehabilitation regimens to ensure proper healing with adequate flexibility and stability of the injured foot.