- Sprained ankle
Infobox_Disease
Name = Sprained ankle
Caption = Lateral view of the human ankle
DiseasesDB = 726
ICD10 = ICD10|S|93|4|s|90
ICD9 = ICD9|845.00
ICDO =
OMIM =
MedlinePlus = 003167
eMedicineSubj = search
eMedicineTopic = ankle%20sprain
MeshID =A sprained ankle, also known as an ankle sprain, rolled ankle, ankle injury or ankle ligament injury, is a common medical condition where one or more of the
ligaments of theankle is torn or partially torn. Theanterior talofibular ligament is one of the most commonly involved ligaments. Sprains to the lateral aspect of the ankle account for 85% of ankle sprains.Causes
A lateral ankle sprain occurs when the ankle is inverted beyond the elastic limits of its supporting structures causing acute ankle pathology.
Treatment
Severe ankle sprains can be assessed by a
podiatrist or anorthopedic doctor althoughphysical therapy treatment is extremely effective for most sprained ankles. PRICE protocol – protection, rest, ice, compression and elevation (also known as RICE - Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation), is the standard treatment.An ankle brace can be very helpful for the treatment and prevention of a sprained ankle injury. Walking is inadvisable, as it may cause the ankle sprain to become worse - with increased pain, and possible further damage to the compromised tissues. Crutches and air-braces, while conventionally used, are currently out of vogue. Braces and crutches give the leg exercise, and yet keep the damaged part from moving and becoming further injured.
Ice is vital to reducing swelling and speeding up the healing process of the ankle. Cycles of 10-15 minutes on and 10-15 minutes off are recommended. Icing an ankle too long may have detrimental effects to the reduction of swelling due to reduced blood flow impeding the delivery of nutrients to the damaged areas.
Compression bandages provide support and compression for sprained ankles. Wrapping is started at the ball of the foot and slowly continued up to the base of the calf muscle, pushing the swelling up toward the center of the body so that it does not gather in the foot. Bandages are kept tight, but not so tight as to cut off the circulation in the foot.
ee also
*
Sprain External links
* [http://nemsi.uchc.edu/clinical_services/orthopaedic/footankle/ankle_sprain.html Overview at uchc.edu]
* [http://www.flashmavi.com/injuries_sprained_ankle_information.shtml Animated Ankle Sprain]
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