An Ankle Sprain is an injury to one or more of the ligaments and/or joint capsule surrounding the ankle. These structures are made of tough connective tissue that holds your bones in place and gives the joints their stability and integrity. In all sprains, there will be a loss of joint integrity by the very nature of this condition.
Ankle sprains are graded according to severity:
Grade I: a ligament that is stretched but not torn
Grade II: indicating that ligaments are partially torn
Grade III: a fully torn ligament.
Each grade is measured by the amount of physical damage and loss of joint stability.
Those suffering from ankle sprains will have pain, tenderness to the touch, pain with passive and active ranges of motion, and swelling usually occurs on or around the ankle joint. Varying degrees of swelling can occur and in some cases may not be immediate but take time to develop. Bruising, called ecchymosis, can happen as well indicating damage to internal structures and associated blood supply. Depending on the severity of the sprain (grade I II III), a person may or may not be able to put any weight on the foot.
The RICE method – rest, ice, compression, and elevation – can effectively help deal with ankle sprains. Returning to your routine early from an ankle sprain just puts you at greater risk of suffering from another one, which could be even more painful and damaging to your ankle ligaments. Take it easy at first, slowly working back into your normal routine.
Let us help treat your ankle sprain and give you a plan of action to make sure your recovery goes as well as possible.
If you need treatment for an ankle sprain in Knoxville, TN, call us today at (865) 337-5574 to schedule an appointment!
8029 Ray Mears Blvd, Suite 300
Knoxville, TN
37919
Phone: 865-337-5574
Monday
7am-12pm & 1pm-6pm
Tuesday
7am-12pm & 1pm-4pm
Wednesday
7am-1pm
Thursday
7am-12pm & 1pm-6pm
Friday
7am-12pm & 1pm-4pm
Saturday & Sunday
Closed