Ankle Sprain/ Ankle Strain: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

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In this short video, Dr. Stephanie Niño gives a brief overview of the causes and symptoms of ankle sprains. She then walks you through four easy exercises to help with ankle mobility and foot stability. If you’re experiencing pain related to an ankle sprain, don’t hesitate to contact Airrosti. Our goal is to get you back on your feet and pain-free as quickly as possible. (Read our disclaimer here.)

WHAT ARE ANKLE SPRAINS & ANKLE STRAINS?

Ankle sprains and strains are two often-confused injuries. These two injuries can cause pain and walking difficulty. Both terms are used to describe a tearing or an overstretching of the soft tissue surrounding your ankle joints and carry similar symptoms. Here are the key differentiators between the two:

ANKLE SPRAINS

Ankle sprains are the result of overstretching, or in some cases, tearing of the ankle ligaments. Ligaments connect the ankle bones together to create a joint and are made of tissue. Sprains are rather common in the ankles as the ankles are one of the most worked parts of the body.

As for symptoms, in a sprain, you will often see bruising surrounding the injured ankle joint.

ANKLE STRAINS

Strains deal with a different part of the ankle. An ankle strain occurs when there is tearing or overstretching in the ankle’s tendons or muscles. Tendons are the glue that connects muscles to bones. They are composed of strong fibrous cords. When it comes to symptoms, ankle sprains set themselves apart because they often result in muscle spasms.

CAUSES OF AN ANKLE SPRAIN & STRAIN

Runner leg Injury

Strained or sprained ankles are very common injuries. They can happen when you take part in sports and other physical activities, but it can also happen when simply stepping on uneven surfaces or stepping down at an angle. Most people have experienced a twisted ankle at some point in their life. Pain and swelling are the most common signs that you have injured ankle ligaments in the case of a sprain and torn muscles/tendons in the case of a strain.

The ligaments, muscles, and tendons of the ankle hold the bones and joints in position. They protect the ankle joint from abnormal movements, especially twisting, turning, and rolling of the foot. When one of these parts of the ankle is forced to stretch beyond its normal range, a sprain or strain occurs. Sprains can occur on different parts of the ankle, and the most common ankle sprain occurs on the lateral, or outside, part of the ankle resulting in a lateral ankle sprain.

Some people are predisposed to ankle sprains and strains. For people with a hindfoot varus in which the general nature or posture of the heels is slightly turned toward the inside, these injuries are more common. This is because it is easier to roll/twist the ankle. For people who are predisposed to such injuries, it’s crucial to take measures of prevention.

In those who have had a severe sprain in the past, it is also easier to roll/twist the ankle and cause a new sprain or strain. Therefore, one of the risk factors of injuring the ankle is having ankle instability. Those who have weak muscles may be more predisposed. Risk factors also include activities, such as basketball and jumping sports, in which an individual can come down on and twist the ankle.

ANKLE SPRAIN SYMPTOMS

Close up of unrecognizable woman feeling pain in her ankle at gym.

There are two types of ankle strains and sprains. Typically, the ankle is rolled either inward (inversion ankle sprain) or outward (eversion ankle sprain). Inversion sprains cause pain along the outer side of the ankle and are the most common type. Pain along the inner side of the ankle may represent more serious injuries to the ligaments or tendons and may need to be evaluated by a doctor.

WHAT GRADE OF ANKLE SPRAIN DO I HAVE?

Ankle sprains are often categorized into different grades depending on the severity of the sprain. These grades range from Grade 1 to Grade 3.

GRADE 1 ANKLE SPRAIN

The ligaments have been stretched but have yet to tear. Symptoms will include mild swelling, pain, and joint instability/stiffness as well as issues jumping and walking.

GRADE 2 ANKLE SPRAIN

The ligaments have partly torn. Symptoms will include difficulty walking, pain, bruising, considerable swelling, and loss of motion in the ankle.

GRADE 3 ANKLE SPRAIN

The ligaments will be torn completely. This serious sprain will result in severe pain, swelling, and loss of motion, as well as joint instability and pain associated with walking.

TYPES OF ANKLE SPRAINS

As stated before, ankle sprains and strain symptoms are very similar and hard to distinguish. One of the telltale differentiating signs between the two is that ankle strains will often result in muscle spasms in the injured area, whereas ankle sprains will reveal a generous amount of bruising surrounding the inflicted area.

If a sprain or strain is not treated properly, long-term problems may occur. Sprains can be difficult to differentiate from fractures (broken bones) without an x-ray. If you are unable to bear weight after this type of injury, or if there is significant swelling or deformity, you should seek medical treatment from your primary care physician or a soft tissue specialist.

WHAT DOES A SPRAINED ANKLE LOOK LIKE?

When a sprain occurs, blood vessels will leak fluid into the tissue that surrounds the joint. Along with inflammation, swelling from the fluid and ankle pain is experienced. The nerves in the area become more sensitive, so a throbbing pain is felt when pressure is placed on the area. Warmth and redness are also seen as blood flow is increased. Also present is a decreased range of motion, and difficulty using the affected leg.

Depending on the severity of the sprain, a person may or may not be able to put weight on the foot. If it’s a severe sprain, you might have felt a “pop” when the injury happened.

ANKLE SPRAIN TREATMENT OPTIONS

During the ankle sprain treatment and recovery period, patients are typically advised to avoid strenuous activity as there is a high occurrence of re-injury or the development of chronic problems.

Make sure to tell your doctor what you were doing when you sprained your ankle. Most ankle sprains do not require surgery, and mild sprains are best treated with a functional rehabilitation program. Depending on how many ligaments are injured, your sprain will be classified as Grade 1, 2, or 3.

The grade of the sprain dictates the treatment required, as well as the patient’s ability to bear weight on the ankle. Those patients who cannot bear weight are often prescribed a removable walking boot until they can comfortably do so. High ankle sprains take considerably longer to heal than other sprains.

HOW LONG DOES AN ANKLE SPRAIN LAST?

Sprains and strains are common among the athletic community. Unfortunately, the lengthy recovery process typically associated with traditional treatment of these injuries often negatively impacts an entire season and significantly derails training progress. Traditional treatment for ankle injuries usually includes rest and several weeks of physical therapy to rebuild strength and range of motion.

ANKLE SPRAIN exercises

Exercising with foam roller in the gym

There’s a variety of exercises you can do at home in addition to physical therapy. These exercises are designed to improve range of motion, ankle strength, and balance during the healing process. A few great ankle sprain exercises you can do at home are:

TWO LEG FOAM ROLLER – CALF

This stretch is great for exercising and strengthening your ankle and areas surrounding the ankle.

  • Place the foam roller between the Achilles tendon and calf muscle, do not roll behind the back of the knee
  • Cross the other leg over the leg being treated to increase the pressure
  • Roll the entire calf in an up and down motion
  • Pause at any spots that feel especially tight
  • Keep your calf relaxed
  • Two times a day for two minutes per calf


DORSIFLEXION STRETCH WITH PVC PIPE

This dorsiflexion stretch is a great way to stretch your calves and improve ankle mobility.

  • Start in a half-kneeling position on a soft surface and place a stick upright on the outside part of your front foot
  • Lean forward, bringing your knee on the outside of the stick
  • Do not raise the heel of your front foot as you lean forward
  • You should feel the stretch in the calf of the front leg
  • Hold this position for 10 seconds
  • Do two sets of five repetitions


ISOMETRIC EVERSION WITH WALL

This movement is a great way to build stability in the ankle.

  • Sit up straight in a chair, beside a wall, with your feet shoulder width apart.
  • Turn your foot closest to the wall up and out and push it against the wall.
  • Push your foot against the wall for 10 seconds.
  • Do two sets of five repetitions

AIRROSTI ANKLE SPRAIN & STRAIN TREATMENTS

If you’re an athlete who can’t afford to sit on the sidelines for several weeks, or if you’re just a fitness enthusiast who loves staying active and healthy, consider Airrosti. Our quality care approach helps rapidly speed recovery of your injury, and most patients are able to return to activity immediately (even while treatment is still in progress).

Remember that, even though ankle sprains are common, they are not always minor injuries. Some people with repeated or severe sprains can develop long-term joint pain and weakness. Treating a sprained ankle can help prevent ongoing ankle problems.

At Airrosti, we not only rapidly resolve the source of your injury, typically in as few as three visits (based on patient-reported outcomes), but we help prevent injury recurrence through education and a prescription for personalized at-home exercises.

Reviewed by Casey Crisp, Doctor of Chiropractic

Disclaimer: Always consult with your doctor before starting any exercise program. If you experience any numbness, tingling or reproduction of your symptoms, please contact your doctor.

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