What are the complications of an ankle sprain and how long does the treatment last?
Written by: Dr. Nader Al-Kenani
Edited by: Hajar Elghareeb
An ankle sprain is a prevalent problem among athletics, although it could affect anyone. It is caused by the incorrect movement of the foot, causing the ankle to fall out of its normal position.
But the question is, can a sprained ankle cause serious complications? And when should I see the doctor?
To learn more about an ankle sprain's complications and how long it takes to treat this condition, we interviewed Dr. Nader Al-Kenani - Orthopedic and Fracture Consultant - who will tell us more about what an ankle sprain is and how dangerous it is.
What is an ankle sprain?
First, the ankle joint is the joint that connects your body to the ground. It is the last joint in your body and the closest to the ground. Therefore, it could
be exposed to many stress types while walking, running, climbing stairs, or even standing. One of the most common injuries that occur to the joints in the human body during movement is a sprained ankle joint.
The ankle joint allows the foot to move up and down, which is an important process for walking, running, and even standing. But due to the complexity of this joint, there is inward movement (Inversion sprain) and very slight outward movement (Eversion sprain). Inversion sprains is usually more common due to the weakness of the joint's outer ligaments. Hence, the injury is easier when the foot is moved inward.
Are there specific causes for an ankle sprain, or certain people who are more likely to have it?
This condition may occur when you are not focused while walking, if you’re wearing high-heeled shoes, or if the ground you are walking in is not flat
enough. All of this can lead to a bending, unbalanced ankle, and consequently, an ankle sprain.
People with foot or ankle injuries are more likely to have a sprained ankle, as are people who are obese, and people who play certain sports such as soccer.
What are the complications of an ankle sprain?
Complications of a sprained ankle might include:
- Ligament cut.
- Osteochondral defect.
- Peroneal tendon injury.
- Chronic ankle joint instability; which could lead to problems for the knee or back joints.
What home remedies can be done for a sprained ankle?
In case of injury, a simple treatment should be done first, referred to as
R.I.C.E. That is:
- R=Rest.
- I = Ice....... Apply an ice pack on the affected area.
- C = Compression..... Wrap your foot with a compression garment.
- E = Elevation..... Elevate your affected foot.
These are the four basics for treating any lower extremity injuries. In general, we rarely need to put a cast on the patient’s foot, only if there is severe pain, fracture, or instability in the joint.
When should I seek a doctor?
In the event that an ankle sprain leads to swelling and pain, a doctor must be consulted to make the necessary tests, as a clinical evaluation is made first, in addition to radiography in some cases.
Can a sprained ankle negatively affect an athlete's life?
It does not affect it as long as we speed up the treatment, as physical therapy for the injured must be started quickly. This will help the patient return to normal life quickly and help reduce pain and swelling, improve mobility and balance.
90% of cases return to normal within 6 weeks; if the pain persists more than this period, it is necessary to see a doctor who may ask for an MRI scan. If a real problem is found, this may require surgical intervention, such as ankle arthroscopy, ligament repair, or treatment of severed cartilage or tendons.
How can we avoid an ankle sprain?
To avoid sprained ankle problems:
- Wear well-fitting shoes (not high-heeled).
- Do exercises to strengthen the balance of the lower limb.
- If the injury recurs, you must see a specialist.
If you suffer from an ankle sprain and want to consult a specialist, you can book an appointment with Dr. Nader Al-Kenani through this link.