Do You Think Your Ankle Is Sprained? Here's What to Do
By Donna Stark
Are serious athletes the only ones who have to worry about sprained ankles? Of course not! Sprained ankles can happen to anyone. In fact, if you can stand and walk, you're at risk of spraining an ankle too! And you definitely don't want that to happen. Your ankle is one of the most important parts of your body, so you need to make sure you are careful when using it, because if you aren't, you could be looking at a lot of pain and regret down the road.
What Is a Sprained Ankle?
The ankle is the joint that connects your foot to your lower leg. It's composed of three separate bones and a bunch of muscles, tendons, and ligaments. When one of those ligaments is torn or stretched beyond its normal limitations, you are possibly looking at a sprained ankle. But what exactly would cause a sprained ankle to occur if you aren't running away from an opponent down the field? Well, do you wear high heels, step off curbs, or chase after toddlers? Any action that can cause your ankle to be twisted, rolled under, or stressed is an action that increases the odds of getting hurt.
Look for These Symptoms
So, now that you know what a sprained ankle is, are you starting to question if that pain you feel in yours is related? Here are some of the most common symptoms to look for.
- Pain and stiffness
- Inflammation and swelling
- Redness or bruising
- Warmth in the affected area
- Inability to bear weight without discomfort
Test How it Feels
If you are one of the unfortunate few who has sustained a sprained ankle, you are probably wondering if it is OK to walk on it. Well, if it doesn't hurt too much and you're not at risk of damaging it further, go ahead and try. Just be sure to take it slow and be easy on yourself. On the other hand, if the pain is unbearable or if you have additional concerns, the only walking you should be doing is into a medical professional's office.
Seek Advice and Help
If you've sprained your ankle and it hasn't improved with rest and ice at home, seek professional care as soon as you can. You may be told to slow down and rest a bit, but that's OK. Remember, your ankles do a lot for you, so give them the time to heal if it is needed.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Farragut, Tenn.