Common Myths About Sprained Ankles In Saratoga Springs

Sprained ankles are among the most common injuries that occur daily. Sprained ankles are common in people who regularly hike or run on undulating terrain, especially athletes who play on courts like basketball.

There are numerous sprained ankle treatment options, including icing. However, these treatment methods have not been medically proven and thus remain a myth.

Below, we explore the common misconception about treating sprained ankles in Saratoga Springs, UT.

Symptoms Of A Sprained Ankle

The following are some of the common symptoms of an injured ankle:

• Severe pain
• Swelling
• There is stiffness in your ankle that makes you have limited movement.
• Bruising
• Discolored skin
• Tenderness

Causes Of Chronic Ankle Instability

A sprain occurs when your ankle moves out of its normal position, causing several of your ankle ligaments to lengthen, which can lead to a permanent tear and severe injury. Some of the causes of ankle injuries are as follows:

• Walking, running, or exercising on uneven ground
• Falling accidentally causes your ankle to sprain.
• When an individual or sporting opponent steps on your foot during a match,
• Irregular landing during a jump or pivot

However, the following factors can increase your risk of spraining your ankle:

• Sports engagement: Sprains are common injuries sustained while participating in sports, particularly when jumping and twisting your foot. Football, basketball, and tennis are examples of such sports.
• Uneven surfaces: You are more likely to develop or have an ankle sprain if you walk or run on uneven surfaces in poor conditions.
• Prior ankle condition: When you have had a previous ankle injury, you are more likely to have another sprained ankle.
• Poor physic: If your ankles are not flexible due to a lack of strength, especially if you are an athlete participating in sports, you are at risk of developing a sprain.
• Improper footwear: You are more likely to sustain a sprain if you wear the wrong footwear.

Myths About Sprained Ankles

The following are some of the common myths about sprained ankles:

Myth #1: Crutches Help With Faster Recovery.

Many people are surprised when their physiotherapist or podiatrist advises them to avoid using crutches. Crutches will be required for severe ankle sprains. On the other hand, crutches will make it harder and take longer for you to get better from a minor ankle sprain.

Crutches relieve pressure on your joints, resulting in less pain or damage. On the other hand, when you have a minor sprain, you don’t need crutches because they can make you lose your mobility and strength, which will make you need hours of therapy in rehab.

The podiatrists at Rogers Foot and Ankle Institute can look at your serious injuries and decide if you need crutches.

Myth #2: Avoiding Physical Activity.

One of the most common misconceptions is that if you have a sprained ankle, you should avoid exercise. But the best way to get back your strength after a minor or major ankle sprain is to work out.

People are usually advised to start with small walks and gradually increase their distance. Also, working out or exercising will help restore balance and keep injured ligaments from getting weaker.

This will lower your chances of suffering another severe ankle sprain. Once the swelling in your hurt ankle has gone down and you can move around without pain, keep doing ankle exercises.

The goal is to speed up the healing and recovery process by strengthening your lower body from the hips up and making sure your ankle bones are stable and work well together.

It also focuses on strengthening the muscles to prevent future ankle sprains. Physical activity will also help to strengthen your ankle by increasing its stability.

Myth#3: Raising The Ankle To Lower Inflammation

To reduce swelling, the injured area should usually be elevated. But the main reason for elevating is not to stop swelling but to reduce inflammation.

Some diseases are caused by both severe and minor inflammation. However, not all inflammation is bad. When you sprain your ankles, inflammation plays an important role in your immune system. Your immune system will send blood or other fluids to the area that is hurt to help it heal.

As a result, swelling is produced to protect and repair the torn ligament. Inflammation is normally caused by your body’s healing process.

Myth#4: Using Ice Is The Best Treatment Technique For Swelling.

Most people use ice to numb the injured area and reduce pain. However, compression is more important than ice in reducing inflammation. Because of gravity, when your ankle swells, it can be difficult to remove.

Compression will help to increase pressure and pump out the fluid. There is very little evidence that icing affects swelling.

Myth #5: Compactly Compressing Your Ankle

Compression will help you recover from an ankle sprain. However, it must be carried out correctly. Tightly wrapping the injured area will reduce blood circulation and thus healing.

Furthermore, compact compression can cause tissue destruction. However, if you loosely wrap the affected area, there will be a lot of movement, preventing the ligaments from getting the support they need to heal.

Compressing your sprained ankle’s primary goal is to provide temporary mobility support. As a result, many doctors recommend wrapping broken ankles with an elastic bandage and putting on a brace before going to bed. Before you wrap your ankle, it is also important to make sure it is clean and dry.

Looking For A Foot And Ankle Health Facility In Saratoga Springs? Contact Us!

Sprained ankles are common and can be caused by strenuous activities such as hiking, twisting or tripping your ankle, or falling. When dealing with a sprained ankle, it is critical to use the proper procedure to begin the healing process.

If your sprained ankle is bad, you should see a doctor right away so they can figure out how bad it is and tell you how to treat it.

At Rogers Foot and Ankle Institute, we are proud to provide you with one-of-a-kind and personalized care to help you get back on your feet. Our doctors are welcoming and have years of experience dealing with everything from minor foot problems to ankle emergencies. To make an appointment, please call 801-756-4200.