$Unique_ID{BRK00314}
$Pretitle{Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue}
$Title{Ankle Sprains and Treatment}
$Subject{sprain first aid ankle pain}
$Volume{M-17}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Ankle Sprains and Treatment


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QUESTION:  I turned my ankle several weeks ago, and still suffer from some
pain.  Why would a simple thing like a sprain take so long to heal and what
can I do to treat it?

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ANSWER:  Ankle sprain is not always the simple thing folks take it to be.
When one of the ligaments that help form the ankle ruptures or tears, home
remedies may not be sufficient to get the patient back on the foot rapidly.
Sprains can be classified into three grades of seriousness.  Grade 1 is where
there is no ligament tear, and there is mild tenderness and some swelling.
When there is a partial tear or rupture, and obvious swelling and
discoloration, difficulty in walking it ranks as a Grade 2.  When a ligament
is completely torn, and the ankle becomes unstable with the patient unable to
walk, it is classified as Grade 3.  Care is graded as well.  For the case of
Grade 1, elastic strapping or taping, elevation of the foot, followed by
gradual walking and exercise suffices.  For Grade 2 a below the knee walking
cast immobilizing the ankle for three weeks is advised.  Grade three is of
cause the most difficult to treat requiring casting and even surgery.
Arthrography, a special x-ray technique is used when surgery is considered, to
determine the exact state of the injury, and to help plan the surgical
procedure.  However this must be performed during the first days following the
injury to be of value.  Non-steroidal anti inflammatory medications (NSAID's)
help reduce inflammation and control pain.  In your case, it would seem that
an x-ray is in order to rule out any bony injury, and medical consultation and
advice about treatment is required.  You have gone too long to try home
remedies now.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
