Hello. I am Dr. Dongkyu Lee, an orthopedic specialist. With the recent pleasant weather for outdoor activities, we have seen many patients with ankle injuries. Ankle injuries are naturally common when enjoying hiking and various sports. Today, I will share first aid methods for a sprained ankle.
The ankle joint has more movement and bears more weight than other joints. Even small impacts or injuries can frequently cause ankle ligament sprains and tears. The most common symptoms of a sprained ankle are pain near the ankle when stepping and swelling. Ankle ligament damage is the most common injury, and in severe cases, avulsion fractures or fractures may accompany ligament tears. However, most people do not take ankle injuries seriously and leave them untreated, assuming they will heal naturally. In such cases, the ankle ligament may not heal properly, leading to chronic ankle pain or ankle instability. Early response when you sprain your ankle is the most important.
Proper early response to a sprained ankle can prevent it from becoming chronic pain. Most ankle sprains involve the outer sole lifting and twisting inward. In such cases, the ligaments attached to the malleolus can be damaged. There are 4 first aid steps for a sprained ankle, known as the RICE method. 1. R: Rest If the ankle is injured, continuing to use it will worsen the condition and increase swelling and soft tissue bleeding. Minimize weight-bearing activities as much as possible. Using a cast and crutches while keeping weight off the injured leg is recommended. 2. I: Ice bag massage Applying ice to the injured area promotes vasoconstriction to control swelling and bruising. It reduces the metabolic rate and oxygen demand of damaged soft tissues, blocking inflammatory cells. Ice also provides a local anesthetic effect to relieve pain at the injury site. For the first 24 to 48 hours (2 days), apply ice for 20 minutes, rest for 20 minutes, and repeat. Place a towel under the ice pack to minimize skin irritation. 3. C: Compression Compressing the injured area is also important. Compression helps prevent swelling at the injury site. However, compressing too tightly can be counterproductive, so moderate compression is best. 4. E: Elevation Elevating the leg above heart level helps reduce blood vessel pressure and decrease swelling. It promotes faster recovery of venous blood and lymph fluid. Please follow these early response steps for a sprained ankle and visit a nearby orthopedic clinic for proper examination and treatment.
