A sprained ankle is often treated in a clumsy way, although it should be taken just as seriously as a fractured ankle. If it does occur, you should remain calm and consult your podiatrist so that it can be properly treated as quickly as possible. Ankle sprains are very common and their long-term risks are often underestimated by the general public.That’s why we spoke to podiatrist Dr Gabriel Beaudoin-Côté to help you recover from an ankle sprain.
What should I do if I think I’ve sprained my ankle?
The first thing to do is rest. As far as possible, avoid putting extra pressure on your foot by walking on it. For example, if you sprain your ankle while playing sport, stop your physical activity immediately.
A sprained ankle is usually very painful. However, if properly treated, it can heal well and never return.
What other important things should you do if you think you’ve sprained your ankle?
The most important thing to remember is the acronym R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation). In French, that means rest, ice, compression, elevation.
I’d also add that you shouldn’t hesitate to consult a health professional as soon as possible (GP, podiatrist, etc.). If you’re put off by the waiting time in the emergency room, contact a podiatrist directly.
Neglecting to make an appointment can lead to longer-term problems, including chronic ankle instability (e.g. repeated sprains, ankle pain, etc.).
Are there certain ankle injuries that may look like an ankle sprain, but are not?
Yes, there are several. For example, some fractures can be associated with ankle sprains. There are also contusions (internal injuries with or without bleeding), which can be confusing. Finally, there is also tendonitis (inflammation of the ankle tendons), which can be confused with a sprained foot.
What are the precise symptoms of ankle sprains?
One of the best indicators is swelling in the ankle. Also, if there is a haematoma with bruising, this is an additional sign that you have a sprained ankle.
Finally, if you feel pain when walking or when palpating the affected structures, there is a good chance that it is a sprain. Don’t hesitate to consult a podiatrist or health professional to confirm this.
However, it is important to leave no room for doubt. Consulting a podiatrist will give you the facts and allow you to treat your ankle with the correct diagnosis in hand. It’s invaluable for a good recovery!
Are there different levels of severity in ankle sprains?
Yes, not all sprains cause patients the same level of pain. In podiatry, we identify 3 main types of sprain.
Firstly, there is the simple stretching of a ligament. Then, in grade 2, there is a partial tear. Finally, in grade 3, there is a rupture of the ligaments.
What are the common mistakes made when a foot sprain occurs?
What I regularly see are people who choose to endure the pain rather than take immediate action and treat their ankle. Many people think that if the pain goes away on its own, the problem is solved.
But even if the pain sometimes goes away on its own, the foot remains unstable. This is an example of chronic symptoms that predispose the patient to more complex problems.
How long does it take to heal a sprained ankle?
The healing time for a sprain will depend directly on the severity of the injury.
If we’re talking about a grade 1 ankle sprain, we’re talking about 1 month for complete healing. If the sprain is grade 2, we’re talking about a recovery time of up to 2 months. If we’re talking about a grade 3 sprain, it can take up to 6 months.
Are there any myths surrounding ankle sprains?
Many people believe that it is important to immobilise the ankle to allow it to heal properly. If you want to treat a sprain properly, this is not true, unless it is a severe sprain with ligament tearing or fracture. Immobilisation has been shown to reduce proprioception (awareness of our body’s position provided by receptors in the skin, muscles, ligaments and tendons) and increase the formation of scar tissue (fibrous tissue that forms after a muscle injury or rupture).
Another myth is that a first sprain creates fragile ligaments that expose the sufferer to re-injury, mainly due to instability. This is not true if the sprain is properly treated and the ligaments return to their previous function, the patient is no more likely to re-sprain than anyone else. On the other hand, if treatment and assessment are inadequate, chronic ankle instability may result.
When a patient sprains his ankle, should he apply ice or heat?
Ice should be applied to reduce the inflammatory process. Heat, on the other hand, can increase pain and inflammation, which is absolutely not what the patient is looking for.
Are there certain factors that predispose some people more than others to ankle sprains?
Yes, there are. I’m thinking, for example, of patients with sunken feet. There are also those who suffer from ankle instability or poor proprioception. I would also mention patients who are prone to loss of balance, as they are more likely to fall.
People who regularly sprain their ankles are more prone than others.
Finally, I’d say that sportsmen and women or people who put a lot of effort into their feet are at greater risk. Exercise is good for your health, but if you’re not careful, you’re more likely to sprain your ankle.
What are the recovery phases for an ankle sprain and how long do they last?
For the first 3 or 4 days of inflammation, you need to rest to avoid increasing the inflammation. During the next 3 or 4 weeks, the tissues proliferate and repair themselves. The following 3 to 6 months, sometimes even up to 2 years, represent the remodelling stage. The fibres remodel themselves into a better (stronger) position and replace the scar tissue caused by the injury.
Can wearing a brace help ankle sprains heal more quickly?
First of all, we recommend that you resume physical activity as soon as possible to promote optimal healing. It’s important to listen to your body and not exceed the activity limit that’s right for you. Pain is a good guide to warn you when you are overdoing it and risking hindering the repair process of your tissues.So, depending on the foot and the type of sprain, if the patient is ready to resume exercise, the orthosis may be of benefit. It can guide the foot and allow early return to activity, while reducing pain and promoting optimal healing and stability of the ankle.