The weight load carried by the ankles while walking is three to five times a person's total body weight, so it's not surprising that foot and ankle emergencies happen every day. Ankle pain can also be caused by ailments such as arthritis and infection, but one of the most common indications for an ankle brace due to ankle pain is the result of ankle sprains.
Ankle Sprains
An ankle sprain is a twisting injury to the ankle ligaments that connect the ankle bones to one another. Eighty percent of ankle sprains are caused by rolling the foot inward. This stretches or tears the ligaments that hold the ankle and foot bones together and the tearing leads to bruising and swelling. Ankle sprains make it painful to bear weight on the ankle.
Ankle Braces and Ankle Sprain Treatments
The best way to treat an ankle sprain is to immediately begin using the PRICE principle: Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.
|
•
|
Protect - Splints, tape or an ankle brace should be used to prevent any further damage to the ankle.
|
|
•
|
Rest - Rest is necessary to promote tissue healing. Don't engage in activities that cause pain, swelling or limping. You may need to use a cane or even crutches until you can walk without pain or limping.
|
|
•
|
Ice - Use ice to control swelling, pain, and muscle spasm. As a rule, do not apply ice or cold pack directly to the skin. Wrap the ice or cold pack in something like a towel before use. Place ice on the ankle 15 to 20 minutes for three to five times a day for the first 24-72 hours. Leave the ice off at least 1 1/2 hours between applications.
|
|
•
|
Compression - Wrap an elastic bandage from the toes to mid calf, using even pressure. Wear this until swelling decreases. Loosen the wrap if your toes start to turn blue or feel cold.
|
|
•
|
Elevate - For swelling, keep your foot elevated above the level of the heart, even while sleeping. It that isn't practical, at lease try to keep the ankle elevated to hip level.
|
You can also use acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain and swelling.
Even after the pain subsides, you will need to keep pressure off of the ankle and protect the ankle with an ankle brace or protective tape for up to ten days for a mild sprain and up to five weeks for a more severe sprain. Once you have healed adequately, you can start exercises to strengthen your ankle and avoid injury in the future. Do not overdo it. Pain is a message from your body to stop.
Returning to Exercise or Sports After an Ankle Sprain
Depending on how serious the ankle sprain is and the particular sport or activity, many people will be able to return to their normal routines within several weeks. Added protection from an ankle brace or taping is useful while performing both rehabilitation activities and activities such as sports.
Any athlete who has had a significant lateral ligament injury should have protective taping or bracing for all future sporting activities. Braces have the advantage of ease of fitting and adjustment, lack of skin irritation and reduced cost compared to taping over a lengthy period and there are a number of different ankle braces available.
Even if you use an ankle brace for support and protection, remember that pain during or after the activity is an indication that you are overdoing it.
Using An Ankle Brace After An Ankle Sprain
Using an ankle brace when you begin regular activities again can help to prevent further sprains and injuries. In most cases, the ankle should be protected by an ankle brace for up to six months following an injury. This will allow partial and ultimately full weight bearing without danger of aggravating the injury.
You should also follow a program of ankle exercises to help prevent re-injury by making the ankle muscles stronger, which provides protection to the ligaments.
Ankle Braces and Preventing Re-injury
Often the ankle ligaments injured by an ankle sprain can take sixteen weeks or more to heal. An ankle brace helps protect the ligaments not only during recovery, but also when returning to sports or exercise activities.
It's not unusual for the injured ankle to remain slightly weaker and less stable than the uninjured one. Unfortunately, spraining an ankle can increase your risk of re-injury as much as 40 to 70 percent. That's why proper post-injury care, rehabilitation exercises and ankle braces are so important.
Ankle braces can be worn indefinitely during strenuous activity to protect the ankle from re-injury by ankle sprain. In addition, using an ankle brace can help improve your balance, which also aids in preventing re-injury.
