Acute ankle sprain

Acute ankle sprain: a common injury caused by sudden twisting, rolling, or turning of the ankle, leading to stretching or tearing of ankle ligaments.

Classification:

1. Grade 1 (Mild): Stretching or minor tearing

2. Grade 2 (Moderate): Partial tearing

3. Grade 3 (Severe): Complete tearing

Causes:

1. Sudden stops or changes of direction

2. Landing awkwardly from jumps

3. Rolling or twisting ankle

4. Sports injuries (e.g., soccer, basketball, football)

5. Uneven surfaces or slippery floors

Symptoms:

1. Sudden, severe pain

2. Swelling, bruising, and redness

3. Limited mobility and stiffness

4. Instability or feeling of ankle "giving way"

5. Difficulty walking or bearing weight

Treatment (RICE):

1. Rest: Avoid activities

2. Ice: Apply ice packs (15-20 minutes, 3-4 times a day)

3. Compression: Use elastic bandages or compression wraps

4. Elevation: Elevate ankle above heart level

Additional treatments:

1. Pain management (medications)

2. Immobilization (casts, splints, or boots)

3. Physical therapy (strengthening, proprioception, and range-of-motion exercises)

4. Bracing and orthotics

Recovery time:

1. Grade 1: 2-4 weeks

2. Grade 2: 4-6 weeks

3. Grade 3: 6-12 weeks

Complications:

1. Chronic ankle instability

2. Recurring sprains

3. Arthritis

4. Limited mobility

5. Residual pain

Prevention:

1. Warm-up and cool-down exercises

2. Ankle strengthening and stretching

3. Proper footwear and orthotics

4. Avoiding high-risk activities

If you've suffered an acute ankle sprain, seek medical attention if:

- Pain is severe

- Swelling is significant

- You can't bear weight

- Instability persists