What Are The Types of Ankle Sprains?
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What are the Types of Ankle Sprains?
The most common type of ankle sprain is the inversion sprain. This is what most people refer to as “turning or twisting” the ankle. The eversion sprain is another type of sprain. It occurs when the ankle turns outward causing the inner ligaments to stretch or tear. A high ankle sprain is less common but more severe. A high ankle sprain involves the tissue that holds the leg bones (Tibia and fibula) together near the ankle.
It is often hard to tell the difference between and ankle sprain and a fracture. That is why it is so important to be properly evaluated by an orthopedic physician. Your physician will perform and physical exam as well as x-rays to confirm a proper diagnosis.
What are the Types of Ankle Sprains?
What are the Grades of Ankle Sprains?
- First degree or mild
- Second degree or moderate
- Third degree or severe
To learn more, please read this article about the Ankle Sprain Grades.
The degree of the sprain is determined by severity of ligament damage in the ankle.
- In a first degree sprain, the ligaments have been stretched but not torn.
- In a second degree sprain, a partial tearing of the ligaments occurs.
- In the third degree sprain, the ligaments have been torn.
Image of a swollen ankle
How Do You Fix an Ankle Sprain?
Symptoms usually range from a mildly swollen foot to significant swelling and discoloration of the foot and ankle. Depending on the type of ankle sprain, assisted devices such as crutches may be needed to decrease pain, inflammation, and to allow the ligaments to heal.
Usually, a first degree ankle sprain is treated conservatively with rest, ice, and some type of ankle support. A second degree ankle sprain is also treated with rest, ice and usually the ankle is immobilized with a walking boot or brace and weight is limited with the use of crutches. A third degree usually requires prolonged immobilization and sometimes may require surgery. In all three types of sprains to the ankle, a good rehab program is needed to strengthen the lower extremity. The physical therapy program will assist in the return to normal physical activities.
In Physical Therapy, your therapist would work to improve:
- Strength and endurance
- Proprioception and balance
- Range of motion and flexibility
Ankle Strengthening
JOI has a team of experts to treat ankle sprains. Come see the injury experts! From lower back muscle stretching, sciatic nerve stretching, and pain, to minor fractures and sprains…. We are Where the Pros Go!!
If you want to learn more about ankle sprains you can watch this video.
Physical Therapy
When treating patients for ankle pain, JOI Rehab clinicians will commonly focus on range-of-motion with active and passive mobility exercises. Another form of therapy is strength training. This will help with stability of the ankle. Balance position sense is another key factor in treating ankle pain and preventing patients from losing their sense of balance due to ankle injuries. Different pairs of shoes may also help with healing ankle pains. Lastly and perhaps most importantly is keeping up with your health. Weight loss and a healthy BMI are always recommended in the treatment of ankle pain.
Related Articles:
- Foot Pain in Athletes
- Choosing the Correct Running Shoes
- 5 Foot and Ankle Symptoms you Should Not Ignore
- Ankle Sprains: Inversion vs. Eversion
By: Jared Ernest, PT
Book an Appointment with The Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute Today!
All of our JOI Physicians are accepting new patients. Please follow the link below to select your JOI MD and schedule online. Our goal is to help you recover from any type of foot or ankle injury. Our expert team of physicians and therapists can help you get back to the activities that you love. We hope that the articles on our website might help to prevent injuries as well.
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