Nearly 6,000 ankle sprains occur every day, accounting for around 20% of sports-related injuries. While often considered minor, ankle sprains can lead to severe complications. Knowing how to react immediately after a sprain is vital to prevent long-term damage and support a quick recovery.
What is an ankle sprain?
An ankle sprain occurs when an ankle ligament is stretched or torn. The ankle has two main ligament complexes: the lateral ligament (composed of three bands) and the medial ligament. Most sprains affect the lateral ligament and vary depending on the severity of the damage. Alongside stress fractures, it is one of the most common running injuries.
Ankle sprains are classified into four grades of severity:
- Grade 0: Mild sprain, also known as a twisted ankle, involving a simple ligament stretch.
- Grade 1: Partial tear of the anterior talofibular ligament.
- Grade 2: Partial tear of the anterior and middle bands.
- Grade 3: Complete rupture or avulsion of one or more ligaments.
How to assess the severity of an ankle sprain
Before seeing a doctor, you can gauge the severity of the sprain using a few key indicators. If you heard a pop or crack at the moment of injury, or if you are immediately unable to bear weight, this may indicate a more serious issue. Significant swelling that develops rapidly is another warning sign. However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Mistakes to avoid after an ankle sprain
When you sprain an ankle, avoiding certain mistakes that could worsen the injury is crucial. Here are the key things to avoid:
1. Testing the ankle
You will often hear advice like "get back up and walk it off while it's still warm!". However, this approach is risky and can aggravate the injury. It is best to follow the RICE protocol:
- Rest: Rest the joint.
- Ice: Apply ice to reduce swelling.
- Compression: Apply light compression around the affected area.
- Elevation: Elevate the ankle to minimise swelling.
2. Taking anti-inflammatories too early
While anti-inflammatories can help relieve pain, it is best to avoid them for the first 48 hours after the injury. These medications can interfere with the repair of damaged tissue and slow down ligament healing.
3. Failing to consult a doctor
Even if the pain seems manageable, seeing a doctor is essential after an ankle sprain. An X-ray or ultrasound is often required to assess the full extent of the damage. Internal injuries may not be visible to the naked eye.
4. Keeping the shoe on the injured foot
It is a common belief that keeping your shoe on prevents swelling. However, it is elevating your foot, not the shoe, that keeps swelling down. Besides, you will need to remove your shoe sooner or later to treat the injury properly.
5. Using crutches immediately
Crutches can be useful if the pain is too severe to walk, but if you cannot bear weight on your foot, it is better to be carried or evacuated rather than rushing to use crutches improperly. A doctor's assessment remains essential to ensure safe recovery.
If you suspect an ankle sprain, rest immediately and consult a healthcare professional without delay. Early diagnosis helps prevent complications and stops the injury from becoming chronic. Following these precautions reduces the risk of severe damage and persistent pain. To prevent sprains, make sure you wear walking shoes suited to your activity, warm up before outings, and adapt your pace to the terrain. Prevention remains the best way to make the most of your mountain adventures!
