What is a sprained ankle?

The ankle is a complex and delicate structure, instrumental to movement in the lower part of the human body.

The joint capsule holds the ankle together and provides stability that allows us to perform daily activities including walking, jumping and running.

Excessive stress or movement beyond the body’s natural limitations can result in a sprained ankle causing damage to the joint, the joint capsule or the ligaments in the ankle.

A person’s movements are significantly restricted and immediate medical attention is highly recommended.

Sprained ankle

Symptoms Sprained Ankle

A sprained ankle or a rolling of the foot can cause the joint capsule to tear. The individual often experiences a sharp stabbing pain in the joint.

Often, there is accompanied bleeding and edema in the injured region. Bruising is also a typical sign of serious damage and may suggest underlying complications.

In mild cases, ample rest and stabilization through orthosis can restore the joint capsule back to normal function.

However, in severe cases, there could be serious underlying complications that need to be addressed by a health professional with targeted healing. If left unchecked, it could lead to degeneration of the joint.

Diagnosis Sprained Ankle

Practitioners rely on detailed physical examinations and sophisticated medical technology, like MRI and X-ray imaging, to determine the severity of the injury.

Sufficient prescribed physiotherapy, after the acute stage, in conjunction with the use of an ankle orthosis is highly recommended for a speedy and smooth recovery.

Patient being assessed for a sprained ankle

Sprained Ankle Treatment

Injury to the ankle is fairly common and treatment of an overturned foot is mostly conservative i.e. non-surgical. The primary course of treatment involves relieving stress from the joint and the joint capsule immediately.

First Aid

Immediate first aid measures are highly recommended after trauma. A good guideline to follow is the RICE rule:

Rest: The injured joint should be immobilized immediately. Rest should be prioritized, and no stress should be applied to the joint.
Ice: Cooling the joint is recommended. To prevent and minimize swelling, an ice pack, wrapped in a cloth, should be applied immediately after an injury.
Compression: Compression bandages, alongside medical ankle braces, can help relieve pain and reduce swelling. These provide support and prevent excessive stress and movement of the ankle joint.
Elevation: Elevation of the injured foot above heart level, preferably mounted, prevents further complications by managing and preventing edema.

Prescribed physiotherapy and rehabilitation

Anti-inflammatory and pain medications can be taken to help alleviate pain and discomfort of a foot overturn injury. Prescribed rehabilitation exercises are highly recommended in order to strengthen the joint and stabilize the capsule after the acute stage.

Remedial massage and hydrotherapy can be instrumental in managing the associated symptoms of edema and bruising. Physiotherapy is also very beneficial in the process of recovering the ankle’s strength and mobility.

Man exercising in the gym wearing a Bauerfeind ankle brace for a sprained ankle

Medical ankle braces

Ankle braces are helpful in smooth and effective recovery of a sprained ankle. After an injury, the joint capsule is compromised and is at a higher risk of further injury.
A sprained ankle can be very painful and treatment is a long process but crucial in restoring joint stability. An ankle brace can help in avoiding further shortening or stiffening of the ankle ligaments and muscles by boosting healing.
Wearing a Bauerfeind brace, like the MalleoLoc ankle brace, can minimize the chances of further injury by providing enhanced stability, proprioception and medical-grade compression.

Surgical Intervention

Contrary to belief, surgical paths of treatment are only necessary in cases of complications. In cases of a ruptured capsule, there could be internal complications like bone fragments from the injury, which would require surgery.

Treatment and Prevention of Sprained Ankle Through the Use of Braces

A sprained ankle is fairly common in sporting activities such as Soccer and Basketball sand can be easily avoided by taking a few precautionary measures.

Better awareness of the natural limitations of our joints and better proprioception can help avoid abnormal movements of the joint, thus preventing trauma.

Ensuring appropriate footwear and practicing care on uneven surfaces are also some helpful ways of reducing the risk of a sprained ankle injury. However, one of the most effective measures is the use of medical ankle braces.

Orthoses can help in facilitating healthy proprioception (body movement and posture) during strenuous activities like in sports and running. In cases of a tear in the joint capsule, an ankle brace is highly recommended for both prevention and recovery.

Braces for Sprained Ankle Treatment

The MalleoTrain Plus is a lightweight ankle brace that stabilizes the foot following twists or sprains. It helps in preventing twisted ankles. The brace features:

Three-dimensional active knit - for a perfect fit.
Anatomical shape - Conforms to your body for gentle compression that keeps the ankle in place and improves circulation.
Viscoelastic cushions - Increase your comfort with soft pads while stabilizing the ankle and reducing pain and swelling.

Orthosis for preventing Ankle Damage from Sprained Ankles

Bauerfeind’s MalleoLoc L ankle brace stabilizes the joint, relieves pain in the ankle joint and prevents it from careless movements, particularly in the acute phase of the condition.

The brace features a plastic shell which is anatomically shaped to conform to the outer side of the foot. This shell provides a high degree of medial and lateral stabilization, helps in preventing prains and rolling out movements of the foot.