A sprained ankle is one of the most common injuries you can experience, even with a simple error like stepping the wrong way. But it requires proper treatment to limit further complications. The sprained ankle New York specialists recommend you seek medical intervention immediately if you get your ankle injured to have it evaluated by a specialist and understand the extent of the injury. Although the injury is common with athletes engaging in soccer, basketball, tennis, and sports, it can occur to anyone due to a sudden change of direction. Here are more important facts you should know about sprained ankles.
There are 3 Grades of Ankle Sprain
The severity of your ankle sprain can be classified into three grades depending on the amount of torn ligament fiber. The ligament is that strong and fibrous tissue on your ankle when healthy. When only a few tissue fibers are torn, your injury is said to be grade one. When a considerable proportion of the tissue is torn, the injury is classified as grade two. And when the ligament is completely torn, the ankle sprain is classified as grade three. The importance of grading the ankle sprain is determining the specific treatments suitable for different cases.
X-Ray is Not a Must
No matter how your ankle hurts, it does not necessarily mean you need an x-ray. Although the imagery test is important and effective in diagnosing a broken bone, they are not the best in determining ligament damage due to a sprain. But your doctor can perform physical therapy to identify if you are likely to have a fracture due to the sprain. They can recommend an x-ray if they are convinced you might have a fracture in your ankle or avoid exposing you to unnecessary radiation if they feel you only have a sprain and not a fracture.
Accurate Diagnosis Might Not Involve an Ultrasound
When you sprain your ankle, your doctor will diagnose the affected structures in your ankle and evaluate how badly they have been damaged. The accuracy of the diagnosis is crucial in determining the right treatment to ease your symptoms. However, it might not be easier since damage to different structures could have similar symptoms like swelling, bruising, pain and difficulty walking. But that does not automatically call for an ultrasound. Your doctor will mainly combine physical therapy and your medical history to get an accurate diagnosis, including how you attained the injury.
You Can Help with Treatment
You might have something to do to ease your symptoms immediately after your injury before you get expert help. You can manage your injury yourself at home through simple treatments like rest and ice. However, remember to contact your doctor and ask if what you are doing is right. Generally, you can use the RICE method for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Also, you can use the No HARM, which means no heat, alcohol, running, and massage. However, only doing what you are sure will not worsen your situation.
Exercises Play a Significant Role in Your Recovery
After your ankle sprain treatment, exercises can help you get back on your feet faster. Your doctor will recommend you begin with exercises offering a gentle range of movement to strengthen your muscles. As you heal and your symptoms fade away, you can advance in your exercises until you recover fully.
If you have incurred an ankle sprain, expert help is readily available. Reach out to the sprained ankle specialists at Precision Footcare for help and guidance. You can book your appointment online and ready yourself with relevant questions about your symptoms and possible treatment.
