Sprained Ankle: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Cost

A sprained ankle is an injury of the ankle that occurs when the ligaments supporting the ankle are stretched more than their normal limits.

It can range from mild, with only minor pain, to severe, with significant pain and instability. It commonly affects people who participate in physical activities such as running and playing sports.

• Grade 1 Sprain: Grade one sprains involve minor stretching and/or microscopic tearing of ligaments.
• Grade 2 Sprain: Grade two sprains involve partial tearing of the ligament and involve moderate swelling, pain and tenderness.
• Grade 3 Sprain: A grade three sprain is also known as a complete tear of the ligament resulting in severe instability of the joint with possible dislocation or deformity if left untreated for too longs symptoms include excruciating pain, severe bruising and tenderness, along with inability to bear weight on leg immediately after injury occurred.

• It is caused because of applying force on the joint beyond its normal range of motion, as a result causing a tear in the fibres of the ligament.
• Most sprained ankles are due to activities that cause either rolling inwards (inversion) or rolling outwards (eversion) of the ankle joint.
• Other common causes include landing after a jump, running and jumping on uneven ground, or stepping on an uneven surface.

• Pain: A sprained ankle can cause sudden extreme pain in the ankle and the area surrounding it.
• Swelling: Swelling is the inflammation of the ankle due to excess of its stretching and is a common sign of a sprained ankle. This can result in increased pressure, making the area feel tight and even stiff.
• Bruising: After you sprain your ankle, the area may start to show signs of bruising due to broken blood vessels.
• Instability: A telltale sign that something isn't right is if you experience instability when walking or standing on your injured foot.

• Strengthen ankle muscles: An effective way to prevent sprained ankles is regular exercise to strengthen the muscles around the ankle joint.
• Wear proper footwear: Wear shoes that provide good arch support and cushioning which will help reduce strain on the ankles.
• Be mindful of the environment: Be careful when walking on slippery and uneven surfaces, as these can increase risk of sprains.
• Warm-up before activity: Always warm up and stretch properly before starting any physical activity or sport that could potentially put strain on the ankle joint and ligaments.

• Physical examination: A physical exam by a healthcare provider can help determine the level of discomfort and the extent of injury, including swelling, discoloration, and range of motion.
• X-ray: X-rays are used to rule out some serious injuries like fractures of bone.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): An MRI is a scan that produces detailed three-dimensional images to assess if there is any damage to the ligaments or tendons in and around the ankle joint.
• Ankle Stability Test: To evaluate the strength and stability of the ankle joint a manual stress test as well as other orthopaedic tests may be done by a physician or common physical therapist to identify any laxity or instability which can indicate ligament damage.
• Range of Motion Tests: Range of motion tests allow doctors and therapists to determine how much mobility is available at the injured ankle. This helps narrow in on whether there are tendon lacerations, tendon degeneration, or an excessive amount of scar tissue inside joints that could limit range of motion after the healing process has occurred.
• Gait Analysis Test: A gait analysis is done to assess how much weight bearing occurs on each leg when walking or running which can indicate potential weakness from sprain and help tailor treatments for rehabilitation that focus on restoring strength and range mobility on affected side for full recovery.

• Delayed pain healing: Pain can last for weeks or even months after a sprained ankle.
• Osteoarthritis: Swelling for a long period and damage of the ligament can lead to the development of osteoarthritis.
• Instability: Sprained Ankles make the area weaker and more susceptible to future injuries due to weakened ligaments or tissue scarring around the joint.
• Chronic Pain: Long term pain may present itself even after full recovery, due to tendons and ligaments being stretched beyond their limit or damaged nerves in the area not fully healing properly.

• Apply a cold compress: Wrap some ice cubes in a towel and apply it on the sprained ankle for 15-20 minutes several times in a day. This will help reduce swelling, pain, and inflammation.
• Use turmeric: Make a paste of 1 teaspoon turmeric powder and 1 teaspoon of castor oil. Gently massage the paste onto the sprained ankle for 10-15 minutes every day. This will help reduce pain and swelling.
• Elevate your foot: Elevate your foot above heart level to reduce swelling and pain in the affected area.
• Drink ginger tea: Boil a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger in one cup of water for 5-10 minutes and strain it before drinking it daily. This will help reduce inflammation and pain in the sprained ankle area.
• Massage with sesame oil: Heat some sesame oil lightly and gently massage it onto the sprained ankle for 10-15 minutes daily until you get relief from the pain and inflammation.

• Yogurt: Yogurt is a great source of probiotics and inflammation-fighting antioxidants, making it a great choice for those with a sprained ankle.
• Lean Protein: Eating lean protein like chicken, fish, and legumes can help support healing and reduce inflammation in the body.
• Green Vegetables: Green vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and promote healing of the ankle joint.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, chia seeds, and walnuts may help reduce inflammation while aiding in healing the injured joint tissues.
• Fresh Fruits: Fresh fruits are rich in vitamin C which helps keep the immune system healthy while boosting collagen production to aid in recovery from ligament damage caused by the sprain.

• Avoid sweets: Eating sugary sweets, like candy and chocolate, affects the body's natural balance of minerals that can slow healing.
• Avoid processed foods: Processed foods like chips, frozen dinners and fast food often contain unhealthy fat that can lead to inflammation which can be counter productive for healing an ankle sprain.
• Limit caffeine intake: Too much caffeine may cause dehydration which makes sprained ankles worse and takes longer to heal. Also, too much caffeine may contribute to muscle tension which won't help with a sprained ankle either.

• RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation): This method is considered the best way to treat a sprained ankle and involves resting the ankle; applying ice to reduce swelling and inflammation; wrapping the ankle with a compression bandage for support; and keeping the ankle elevated above heart level.
• Physical therapy: Some Specific exercises can help in strengthening the muscle and thus reduce swelling and improve recovery time.
• Ankle braces: A brace or orthotic device supports the foot and may speed up recovery of an injured ligament by immobilizing it in a certain position while allowing a range of motion exercises to be performed safely without pain.

For a sprained ankle, it is recommended to consult with an orthopedic doctor.

Orthopedic doctors specialize in treating injuries and illnesses of the musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints and cartilage.

• Pain medications: OTC NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen may help reduce pain and inflammation associated with a sprained ankle.
• Anti-inflammatories: These may be taken topically or orally as OTC drugs, such as ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, or topical creams containing indomethacin.
• Corticosteroids: These are potent anti-inflammatory drugs used to reduce inflammation and swelling. Examples include prednisone and methylprednisolone.
• Muscle relaxants: These medications help to relax muscles around the ankle joint in order to reduce spasms and pain. Examples include cyclobenzaprine, carisoprodol, and tizanidine.
• Opioids: These medications are used for severe pain relief for a sprained ankle and should only be used as prescribed by a doctor or healthcare professional. Examples include oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, and codeine.
• Topical analgesics: These are creams or ointments applied topically to the skin over a sprained ankle that contain medications that can provide some pain relief. Examples include lidocaine cream, diclofenac gel, and ibuprofen gel.

Generally, mild sprains can take up to 6-8 weeks, while more severe sprains may last up to 12-16 weeks, or even longer in some cases.

The cost of the treatment for a sprained ankle in India varies from place to place and person to person depending on the severity and other factors.

Generally, the cost could range from 500-1500 rupees for medications, X-rays, and consultations; splints or braces may cost up to 2000 rupees.

Physiotherapy sessions may amount to around 800 rupees per session.

Surgery costs can be much higher depending on the extent of injury.

The most common side effects of sprained ankle treatments include:

• Pain and swelling at the site of the injury.
• Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the affected area.
• Stiffness or decreased range of motion.
• Difficulty walking or bearing weight on the affected ankle.
• Bruising or discoloration around the joint.
• Muscle weakness in the affected area.
• Increased risk of re-injury.

There are complications associated with sprains, such as 'chronic ankle pain, instability, arthritis, etc.,' so anyone experiencing sprained ankle symptoms should see a doctor as soon as possible. Treatment for a sprained ankle can take anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on the severity of the injury.