Cindy's Health Tips:
Sprained Ankles
Health Tip #10, 31 October 1996
What does it mean to have a sprained ankle?
When your ankle is severely twisted, two major parts of that area are affected : your bone and your ligament. So, either your ligament must be stretched (strained, torn, or sprained) to make room for you bone or your bone must make room for you ligament (fracture).
Does a lot of swelling mean a worse injury?
No, the amount of swelling is not an indication of the condition of your injury. Do not let that mislead you. Common chip fractures around the ankle often cause less swelling than a sprain. Sprains and torn ligaments usually swell very quickly because your blood bleeds into the tissue around the ankle. As a result of your body breaking down the blood, your skin turns black and blue.
What should I do if I sprain my ankle?
First, remember that you can always call us (Scott and Cindy) your Health Workers. We have resources that may help you handle your situation better. Now, to deal with the injury:
Elevate the ankle above the heart as often as possible. Keep it rested while you apply ice wrapped in a towel to the injured area for about 30 minutes. Then leave the ice off for 15 minutes. Continue this for the next couple of hours.
To determine whether you can walk on your ankle depends on the pain. Let the pain be your guide. If it hurts, don�t do it! You can support your ankle with crutches, ace bandage (provided by your Health Workers), a brace, or a cast. You should avoid putting weight on your ankle for the first 24 hours. Heat may be applied to the ankle, but only after 24 hours.
Rehabilitate your ankle with exercises that maintain its flexibility and strengthen its muscles.
Be sure that your ankle is completely healed before your participate in vigorous outdoors activities again. Making a comeback before your ankle is ready may cause re-injury and a chronic problem.
When should I see a doctor?
If your ankle is deformed or bending in an abnormal fashion, then call the doctor right away.
If pain is preventing the ankle from bearing any weight for more than 8 hours, then call the doctor some time that day.
FREEBORN HALL
Unit 1, 2650 Durant Avenue
University of California at Berkeley
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