Don’t take ankle sprains lightly!

Ankle sprain, also known as "sprained ankle", is one of the most common orthopedic injuries. Many people do not know enough about ankle sprains and think that they can be cured by resting. In fact, ankle sprains may cause ligament or joint capsule damage, or even ankle fractures. If not handled properly, it is likely to leave sequelae of ankle instability, affecting daily walking.

1. What are the symptoms of an ankle sprain?

Most ankle sprains have a history of trauma. After the injury, there will be local swelling and pain in the inner or outer ankle, limited ankle movement, and even local cyanosis and ecchymosis, and fear of walking.

2. How to treat joint sprains?

If an ankle sprain occurs, you need to follow the "PRICE" principle.

1. Protection: Crutches or ankle brace are needed to protect and fix the ankle and avoid weight-bearing activities on the affected foot.

2. Rest, which means letting the injured part rest and brake to avoid further damage.

3. Cold compress (Ice), that is, cold compress within 48 hours after injury. You can use ice water mixture, avoid using ice cubes directly, 10-20 minutes each time, once every 2-4 hours, can relieve pain and reduce swelling.

4. Compression is to use an elastic bandage to bandage the ankle joint. Pay attention to the pressure, otherwise it may aggravate the swelling of the limb. It is recommended to be bandaged by a professional physician.

5. Elevation is to raise the affected limb to promote venous return and reduce swelling.

3. What examinations are needed for ankle sprain?

After an ankle sprain, you need to see an orthopedic outpatient clinic in time. The doctor can make a general judgment on the condition by asking about the medical history and physical examination, but auxiliary examinations such as X-rays and MRI are needed to further clarify the injury. X-rays are mainly used to determine the stability of the ankle joint and whether there are combined fractures. MRI can clarify the ligaments, articular cartilage, joint effusion and bone contusion around the ankle joint.

4. What precautions should be taken in the treatment of ankle sprain?

If there are indications for surgical treatment such as ankle fracture, joint dislocation, ligament injury, etc., hospitalization for surgical treatment is required. If the doctor does not recommend surgical treatment, conservative treatment can be given, but the following precautions need to be noted.

1. Avoid rubbing or applying hot compresses to the affected area. Some patients massage or rub the affected area with safflower oil or apply hot compresses with hot towels after acute ankle sprain. This can easily lead to increased swelling, expanded skin bruises, and worsening pain symptoms.

2. Be sure to apply braking or external fixation. If the patient has ankle ligament damage, the affected limb needs to be elevated and an ankle brace or plaster external fixation should be used for 4-6 weeks to promote swelling and relieve pain. If the patient still walks after a sprained ankle and refuses to apply braking or fixation, the ligaments cannot be repaired, the ankle injury worsens, and it develops into chronic ankle injury or even ankle instability.

Ankle sprains often occur in our daily lives, and many patients do not pay enough attention to them. If not handled properly, small problems can easily cause big troubles. A simple "sprained ankle" gradually develops into chronic ankle instability. Therefore, once an ankle sprain occurs, do not take it lightly and seek medical treatment in time!