An ankle sprain occurs when a ligament is overstretched, twisted, or torn. The ligament used to be a firm, flexible and fibrous tissue that connects one bone to the other to form a joint.

Ankle Sprains Are Classified By Degrees:

• Mild (grade 1) – partial or elongated tear of a ligament without loss of ability to bear weight on the injured foot.
• Moderate (grade 2) – incomplete ligament tear with mild loss of ability to bear weight on the injured foot.
• Severe (grade 3) – complete tear of a ligament that can result in the total loss of the ability to bear weight on the injured foot.

Symptoms Of An Ankle Sprain

Symptoms Associated With A Sprained Ankle Are:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Bruises
• Movement restriction
• Causes of a sprained ankle

An ankle sprain is commonly caused by twisting the foot inward, causing the ligaments on the outside of the ankle to stretch beyond their normal range. This is known as an inversion sprain.

Why Does An Ankle Sprain Occur? This Injury Can Be Caused By:

• Walking on uneven surfaces
• Losing your balance while wearing high heels
• An impact on the ankle during sports practice
• Jump landing awkwardly

You are more likely to sprain your ankle if you have suffered it before. This is because the ligaments may not heal the first time properly, making them weaker. It may also be that the nerves of the ankle have been previously damaged and that the muscles are still vulnerable because they have not been completely rehabilitated. 

Treating A Sprained Ankle

It is essential that you start treating your ankle injury as soon as possible. This will speed up your return to activity and reduce the chance of it happening again. 

Self-Help

In the first 48 to 72 hours after injury, it is essential to follow the PDECE procedure. Many minor sprains and strains respond well to this procedure.

Medications For Ankle Sprain

You can take acetaminophen (acetaminophen) right away to help relieve pain and swelling. The doctor might prescribe codeine if the pain is austere.

Physical Therapy (Physical Therapy)

Physical therapy can help restore range of motion, strength, and balance. This can be done with a number of techniques, such as:

• Massages
• Ultrasound
• Mobilization of the joints and nerves
• Exercises to increase your range of motion, strength, and balance
• Return to the practice of a specific sport
• Duct tape or a brace around your ankle

Surgery

Surgery for an ankle sprain is rare because there is not enough evidence to suggest that it is more effective than physical therapy and exercise. However, if your ankle still hurts and keeps giving way after you’ve tried all physical therapy options, your doctor may refer you to an orthopedic surgeon (a doctor who specializes in bone surgery) or a sports injury specialist.

The obtainability and use of the various treatments might differ from one country to another. Consult your Sprained Ankle (เท้า พลิก, which is the term in Thai) doctor about your treatment options.