There are several treatment options for sprained ankle and other lower leg injuries. The longer you wait to start treatment, the more likely your ankle will become permanently damaged. The main causes of a sprain are twisting or turning in an unusual manner and landing on an area where muscles, tendons, or ligaments are tensed. If left untreated, long-term consequences can set in chronic pain and limited motion in joints.

Let’s look at some of the common causes and treatments for ankle sprains.

Causes of Sprained Ankle

• Acute trauma such as twisting or bending the ankle in an awkward position so that the foot twists towards the center. This is often caused by stepping on a ball, a rock, or another person’s foot.
• Chronic overuse of ankles joints such as repeated jumping, hard landings, and quick movements can cause muscle fatigue and sprain. Sometimes it is due to wearing shoes with insufficient support, especially for those who are obese.
• Weakness of lower leg muscles that support the joint from within causes instability in these areas of the leg, which leads to sprains more often than expected
• Weakness of ankle ligaments located on the outside of the ankle bone may lead to sprains. Ligaments have the function of holding the joints together and allowing movement between two bones in the same area. They prevent abnormal movements within joints and are usually elastic in structure.

Treatments of Sprained Ankle

1. Elastic Taping

Use elastic taping techniques to secure the ankle and ankle joint. This will help stabilize the injury so that it can heal. Start by applying an elastic bandage that fits around your ankle, just over where your foot connects with your leg.

Wrap it once, then move it down one turn and wrap it again (crossing the tape over itself) before wrapping one more time, creating a figure-eight pattern on both sides of the ankle. The elastic bandage should be tight enough to keep the ankle in place but not so tight that you cannot bend or stretch your foot or ankles during this process.

2. Use an Icebag

Placing an ice bag on the ankle can help relieve pain. This helps in reducing swelling. A cold pack should be applied to the ankle for 15 minutes, three times daily.

3. Consult a Physiotherapist

The best option for preventing further injury is to receive treatment immediately after sustaining a sprain on your ankle joint. A qualified physiotherapist can identify the extent of the injury and provide proper care to minimize further damage or minimize time lost due to recovery time.

If you’re looking for a physiotherapist in Preston, 5 STAR CLINIC LTD can help you.

We have professional physiotherapists with years of experience who can diagnose and treat your sprained ankle. We also offer neck pain relief, tennis elbow treatment, and more.

Contact us today to learn more about our services.