Severe Ankle Sprain

Treating a severe ankle sprain is not as simple as it may initially sound. Some patients believe that keeping the ankle taped up and not moving it is all the treatment required. They are in for a surprise when their doctors diagnose a severe ankle sprain and may even recommend that surgery be considered in order to repair the ligament tear that the patient experienced. A severe ankle sprain usually falls under the heading of a grade three sprain. This denotes the virtually complete tearing of the ligament.

The pain is intense and the swelling and subsequent bruising that now characterize the appearance of the affected limb give a good first indication that this severe ankle sprain needs a lot more than simply a round of ice pack and rest treatments. Patients report hearing a popping sound or a tearing sound when they describe their injury to the physician; in such cases there is little more to do other than follow the doctor’s recommendations closely. Initially this probably means visiting an emergency room and having x-rays and also MRI testing done. The results determine the further recommendations of the attending physician.

Failure to heed the doctor’s direction may lead to an increased risk of reinjuring the severe ankle sprain. The limb becomes prone to sprain injuries and also a host of other movement related injuries that may have an adverse effect on the activities the patient may be able to undergo. This is not to say that every severe ankle sprain requires surgery as a matter of course. Instead, it is a warning that failure to consider this option when suggested by a doctor may indeed lead to a much impacted joint that may be a surgery waiting to happen.

Those patients who simply do not wish to undergo a ligament repair for their severe ankle sprain usually find that prolonged periods of inactivity, frequent ice packs, and also the use of anti-inflammatory medications and also painkillers can indeed make some dent into the unpleasantness of the injury. Even after undergoing a surgery to repair a severe ankle sprain, it is a wise idea for athletes to work with a highly experienced personal trainer to once again get the limb and joint ready for the demands of the sport that they are involved in. This prevents a penchant for re-injury and it also allows for a gradual buildup of strength.