[2015] David Jung: Ankle Sprain

What is an ankle sprain?An ankle sprain refers to the tearing of one or more ligaments in the ankle. See image on the right for the location of ligaments.An ankle sprain can accompany ankle fracture (breaking of the ankle bones), but usually occurs in isolation.

You may have an ankle sprain if...- You experience sharp pain after having twisted an ankle. This occurs commonly if the foot rolls underneath the ankle or leg.- Symptoms include pain on the outside of the patient's ankle and varying degrees of swelling and bleeding under the skin.- Depending on the degree of the bruise, the injured person may or may not be able to put weight on the foot.

ANKLE SPRAIN by David Jung

Ankle sprain (see picture): - Inversion (foot is rolled outside)- Eversion (foot is rolled inside)

Treatment Options:- Surgery generally not required; ligaments usually heal without surgery- The first 48 to 72 hours - rest the ankle, ice 20 minutes for every two to three hours, compress with an ACE wrap, and elevating.- Footwear should be removed until the patient feels comfortable to bear a small amount of weight.- Recovery time can range from several days to several weeks, depending on the severity.

From continued use without treatment, the ankle sprain may worsen and the patient may remain immobilized for a longer period of time. If he or she can put weight on the foot in a short period of time, then that indicates that the ankle ligament(s) has healed quickly.

Works Cited:1. "Ankle Sprain." American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society. Web. Accessed May 26 2015. .2. Editorial staff of familydoctor.org. "Ankle sprains: healing and preventing injury." Web. December 2010. Accessed May 26 2015. .Images:1. https://s3.amazonaws.com/lowres.cartoonstock.com/media-medical_insurance-sprain-leg_sprain-ankle_sprain-amputation-awan171_low.jpg2. http://intermountainhealthcare.org/services/medicalgroup/clinics/physicianclinics/osg/services/PublishingImages/Large-AnkleSprains.jpg

OUCH! Is that anankle sprain?

LIGAMENTS AFFECTED:Usually the ATFL or the Anterior inferior talofibular ligament or the CFL or the calcaneal fibular ligament are torn in sprained ankle. Occasionally, the PTFL or posterior talofibular ligament may also be torn.