Is Your Sprained Ankle Getting Worse?

Why is your sprained ankle getting worse? The initial injury was painful but it seems as if the wound is not healing. Knowing the full extent of your injury, the timeframe for healing, and what to do if the pain intensifies is crucial.

Stay cognizant of how long you’ve been injured. Record symptoms and their duration. Sprains of this nature heal in four to six weeks. The pain, swelling, and bruising should subside as time passes. Physical activity that puts too much pressure on your wounded foot exacerbates the problem. Consult a physician if your injury is worsening.

A sprained ankle means that a ligament, in your ankle was damaged. Ligaments are flexible bands of tissue that connect bones. Despite their elasticity, a sudden, jerky movement can overstretch or rip them. As a result, the site of injury may pop, swell, or bruise.

The attending physician usually orders x-rays to ensure that surrounding bones are unbroken. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) allows visualization of the extent of damage. The wounds are graded by severity. Grade I and II sprains (overstretched ligaments) produce mild pain. Grade III sprains (torn ligaments) typically produce pain so severe that the sufferer requires crutches to walk.

Only the most extreme injuries necessitate surgical re-attachment of the ligament. With proper self-care, the damaged ligament will typically heal without extensive medical intervention. It should heal naturally in four to six weeks. Simple sprained ankle home remedies can aid recovery. Apply ice to the affected area for twenty minutes to treat pain and swelling. Initially, repeat every three to four hours until the pain subsides. Then reduce ice application to once a day. Wrapping your foot with an elastic bandage is another method to reduce swelling. Wrap backwards, from toes to leg. When resting, prop up your leg on a pillow. In addition, the physician may recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin for swelling.

Most importantly, give your strain ample time to heal. Rushing back to physical activity may prolong the injury. Take proper precautions. If pain persists or intensifies, consult a physician. Thoroughly report your symptoms. List physical activities that affect your leg. Further medical evaluations should reveal a cause for the sprained ankle getting worse and treatment to remedy it.