TORN ANKLE LIGAMENTS

Ligaments are tough bands of tissue that connect bones to each other. They provide strength and support to joints. In the ankle, injuries to the ligaments, called sprains, are usually caused by unexpected twists of the joint. A sprain can be a stretch, tear, or complete rupture of one or more of the ligaments that hold the bones of the ankle joint together. Sprains are classified according to the severity of the ligament tear.

With a grade one sprain, stretching and minimal tearing cause mild pain, difficulty walking, tenderness, and swelling. There is no bruising or loss of function. Recovery time is 4 to 6 weeks.

With a grade two sprain, a tearing sensation, or a pop or snap is felt. There is swelling and tenderness in the ankle. Bruising begins 3 to 4 days after the injury. Walking may be moderately difficult because of a mild looseness of the joint. Recovery time is 4 to 8 weeks.

At the time of the injury in a grade three sprain, the joint may slip out of place and then back in. There is massive swelling, severe tenderness, and instability in the joint. Walking may not be possible. Surgery is sometimes necessary. Recovery time is 6 to 12 weeks. Severe ankle sprains need medical care. It is a good idea to be evaluated for a possible fracture.

Treat ankle sprains with RICE therapy: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Rest the ankle, do not use or bear weight (standing, walking, etc.), until evaluated by a provider. Ice the injury as soon as possible. Cover your ankle with a wet towel and place a plastic bag full of ice over it. A one or two pound package of frozen corn or peas makes an excellent ice pack. They mold to the ankle and can be refrozen for repeated use. Apply a cloth-covered ice pack to the affected area for no more than 20 minutes at a time, 4 to 8 times a day. Stay off your feet. The hurt ankle should be elevated so it is 12 inches above the heart to help reduce swelling. The healthcare provider may suggest applying an elastic bandage to the area to help reduce swelling. For the first few days after the sprain, crutches are advised, even with mild sprains.

Exercising before a sprain has healed may make it worse and increase the chance of re-injury. Your body needs rest to make repairs. Rest the sprain until it is pain-free.

Take medications, such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or NSAIDs, as directed on the label and if approved by your healthcare provider. Aspirin or medicines that have aspirin in them should not be given to anyone younger than 18 years of age. Taking aspirin is a risk for a serious illness called Reye's syndrome.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be taken with food or milk to prevent stomach upset. NSAIDs should not be taken by anyone who has been diagnosed with asthma, ulcer disease, or a bleeding disorder. Taking NSAIDs increases the risk of bleeding with trauma, dental work, surgery, or if taking blood thinners (anticoagulants).

Acetaminophen should not be taken by anyone with known liver or kidney disease. Do not drink alcohol when taking more than 1 dose of acetaminophen.

You can reduce your chance of ankle sprains by following a few simple tips. Watch where you are walking or running. Use a step stool to access high places. Avoid platform soles and high heels. Exercise regularly. Do exercises that will improve your ankle strength, and stretch your calf muscles before and after exercise.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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