Ankle Strain

An ankle strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon that has been pulled too far. They can also be caused by chronic activities that overstretch the muscle fibers.

Depending on the severity of the injury, an ankle strain could be a simple overstretch of the muscle or tendon, or it could result in a partial or complete tear.

Symptoms:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Bruising of the ankle joint
• Overuse

Strain severity:

• Grade I ankle strain: a mild strain and only a few muscle fibers have been damaged. Healing occurs within two to three weeks
• Grade II ankle strain: a moderate strain with more damage to the muscle fibers. The muscle is not completely ruptured and can heal within three to six weeks
• Grade III ankle strain: a severe injury with a complete rupture of a muscle. This injury typically requires surgical repair of the muscle. It can take up to three months to heal

Early treatment:

• Rest: make sure you take all weight off of the affected area to prevent further injury
• Ice: icing your ankle strain will reduce swelling and pain
• Compression: by wrapping your injury tightly, you reduce swelling and provide some stability and movement control
• Elevation: elevating the affected area will reduce blood flow to the area as to reduce swelling and pain

When to see a podiatrist:

• The injury has deformities such as being crooked or having bumps you do not see on the uninjured joint
• You can not move the injured joint
• Your limb gives way or buckles when using the joint
• You have lasting numbness in any part of the injured area
• You have had an ankle strain multiple times before
• Redness or red streaks are spreading outward from the affected area

For more information on ankle strain treatment or to schedule an appointment, give us a call!