Over the course of the past decade, an increasing number of people from all walks of life have become more active and more committed to exercise and fitness as well as to engaging in athletic and recreational activities. Although these individuals are enjoying solid health benefits through these activities, they are not without at least some risks. The reality is that the increase in physical activity has attributed to a rise in the incidents of sports injuries, including ankle sprain.
Diagnosing an Ankle Sprain
Ankle sprains account for an alarming 50 percent of all sports related injuries. They are the primary reason why people must take time off from a fitness program or participating in a sport or athletic activity.
There exist some common signs and symptoms of an ankle sprain. One or a combination of these symptoms may exist in any given case. These symptoms of an ankle sprain are bruising, instability at the ankle, swelling and plain. In some cases, a person may experience numbness of severe weakness at or around the ankle. If these two last types of symptoms exist, an ankle sprain may be accompanied by actual nerve damage as well.
If these symptoms exist, it is important that a person seek a professional examination and evaluation. This needs to be done promptly in order to rule out another problem -- like a broken ankle. In addition, a proactive effort at obtaining a proper diagnosis also best ensures that proper treatment commences in a timely manner. The symptoms of a sprain are addressed most effectively when treatment begins promptly after an injury.
A healthcare provider, including a physiotherapist, may recommend an x-ray or MRI to confirm what is wrong with an ankle. These examinations work to confirm a sprain as opposed to a break or another type of issue.
Treatment of an Ankle Sprain
Once a diagnosis has been made of an ankle sprain, an appropriate course of treatment can be initiated. In many cases, such a course of treatment involves physiotherapy or chiropodist services . The ultimate goal is to promote a more rapid healing of the sprain and to quickly lessen and even eliminate the pain associated with the injury.
Oftentimes, a mantra called PRICE is followed as part of a physiotherapy regimen associated with the treatment of a sprained ankle. PRICE stands for Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. However, this represents only part of a comprehensive course of treatment.
A chiropodist will recommend other strategies beyond these conservative practices, including certain appropriate exercises, massage and other treatments and therapies. A chiropodist maps out a specific, individualized course of treatment for each and every patient seen that is afflicted with an ankle sprain caused by a sports or recreational injury.
