Ankle sprains are something that many people will experience during their lifetime. It can be as simple as sitting back with an ice pack for a few days or require a total ankle replacement in Las Vegas. Knowing and understanding what the condition is as well as how it affects the body might just prevent a more serious issue.
What Causes An Ankle Sprain?
An ankle sprain is commonly seen with people who play sports or are actively exercising. While it may seem like only athletes get sprains, they can come with even the slightest movement. A simple misstep is just as likely to cause a sprain as a strenuous exercise regimen.
Who Is The Most Susceptible To Sprains?
There is no particular age group that should be more alert than any other. People of all ages get sprains on a daily basis and find recovery fairly easy. Of any group, those over age 65 should be a bit more cautious about getting and treating their sprain. The advanced age could signal further complications as well as other conditions such as lack of blood clotting.
What Are The Signs Of A Sprain?
It is impossible to diagnose a sprain without a doctor’s care but anyone can be on the lookout for certain signs. The biggest sign is swelling around the ankle itself. This swelling might extend to the foot itself over time as the blood flow increases. As a consequence of the swelling, a person could experience less movement as the muscles tighten up around the area. Some people may encounter a lack of sensation in the area or the area could become hypersensitive to the touch. Hours after a sprain, the person usually sees some sort of bruise around the sprain. While some bruises are deep in color, others are very faint in coloring.
Are All Ankle Sprains The Same?
Ankle sprains come in three categories that are graded through certain criteria. The biggest factor in the diagnosis of the sprain is the amount, if any, of a tear. The level of the tear often dictates care, with full tears causing the most concern for doctors. One of the quickest ways to see if someone has a full tear is to evaluate their ability to stand. If someone cannot stand and is having trouble maintaining balance, it could be a good sign that they experienced the most serious of ankle sprains.
Another factor in diagnosing the level of an ankle sprain is pain. Everyone who experiences this type of injury will report some sort of pain. In most cases, it is minimal or manageable but anyone with a full tear usually experiences a deep pain that rates toward the highest levels of the pain scale.
Ankle sprains can be severe or as simple as it gets. Taking the time to learn about these difficult injuries always comes in handy whether you are an athlete or just someone who seems prone to every clumsy step. No matter the reason, never make a diagnosis without a doctor’s guidance.
