What is an ankle sprain?

 An ankle sprain is a medical condition which the ligaments are stretched or torn surrounding the ankle joint. Ankle sprains occur when the ankle is turned unexpectedly in any direction that is further than the ligament can tolerate, most sprains are caused by rolling the foot inward. Ankle sprains are common; however, they are not always minor injuries.

Causes of an ankle sprain:

• Awkwardly planting the foot when running, stepping up or down, or jumping
• Stepping on a irregular surface, such as stepping in a hole
• Athletic events when one player steps on another player (ex. Jumping and landing on the other players foot)

The difference between an ankle sprain and a fracture:

• If only the ligaments give way and tear, you sprained your ankle
• If a bone gives away and break, you have an ankle fracture

Common Signs and Symptom:

• Pain or tenderness
• Discoloration (black and blue) over the outside of the joint
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Inflammation
• Stiffness
• Redness and warmth caused by the increased blood flow to the area
• Inability to walk or bear weight on the joint

Immediate Treatment:

For best results treatment should be started immediately to stop the swelling and to ease the pain.
We at Raleigh Orthopaedic refer to the RICE protocol:
• Rest: The injured tissue needs time to heal, walking should be held to a minimum.
• Ice: Applying ice can ease pain and may reduce swelling. It can be applied for 20-30 minutes at a time, as needed. Time between each icing should be at least 20 minutes.
• Compression: Gentle compression pushes extra swelling away from the ankle and provides support. Types of compression include: ace bandage, OTC type bracing.
• Elevation: Keeping your ankle above your heart helps to control swelling.

What to expect when you visit a doctor for an ankle sprain:

The time frame to visit a doctor may range from 1-3 days. This is normal and acceptable. At the visit, you will be evaluated by a Medial Provider. He or She will palpate (feel around the injury), X-ray, and go over your history to the accident. When examination is complete, he or she may try a different type of brace, such as a short leg cast. Sometimes, the provider may offer a prescription for pain and/or inflammation. You will be asked to follow up in 2-4 weeks. The follow up appointment helps the provider know if you are healing or if there is more than just a sprain.

What to expect from a visit to Urgent Care or ER:

If you decide to go to the Urgent Care or ER after your incident, you will be treated by a medical professional, much the same way as if you were to come straight to an Orthopaedic provider. There you will be treated for your inflammation, pain, and will get X-rays to rule out any fracture to your ankle. You will be sent home to follow up with an Orthopaedic professional. There is much confusion about how long to wait to follow up with an Orthopaedic doctor.

When to follow up with an Orthopaedic provider after Urgent or ER care:

It is recommended that you use the RICE protocol until you get in to see an Orthopaedic provider of medicine. It is not rare that the Urgent or ER care provider will tell you to follow up the next day. However, following up the next day is not necessary. The recommended time frame to follow up with Orthopaedic medical care for a sprained ankle is within 10 days. For a fracture of the ankle, recommended follow up time is 2-5 days.