Ankle sprains are very common in daily life. Although they generally do not cause serious problems, the inability to move for several weeks can also affect work and life. To prevent sprained feet, you must first avoid uneven or slippery roads. In addition, there are several places where you need to be extra careful.
Sloping pavement under the stairs
Two patients once came to see a doctor. They were injured in the same place and both had torn ankle ligaments. This place is the ground under a flight of stairs. During the construction, the ground was not leveled. Instead, it creates a slope with a certain angle, which is difficult to detect when standing at a high place. When a person is in a hurry to go down the stairs, one foot steps on the uneven ground, and the ankle joint becomes unstable. suddenly inverts, causing Acute injuries are not uncommon.
Short Stairs
If you encounter stairs with only three or four steps, you should also pay attention. They are often more likely to sprain than those with eight or nine steps. This is because when there are too few stairs, it is difficult to visually judge the height.
Sidewalks with frequent parking
Normally, sidewalks are not designed for cars. Some sidewalks are full of vehicles at night. Be careful when passing by. The road surface may be uneven due to long-term running by cars, especially that kind of sidewalk. There are many potholes with a depth of more than 3 centimeters on paved sidewalks, which can cause tripping or spraining if you are not careful.
What should I do if I get a sprain?
In case of sprained ankle, don’t be too nervous. Most sprained ankles are caused by ligament damage or tear, and there are not many fractures. Ankle ligament tears are divided into three grades:
- htmlGrade 41: The ligament is stretched, or A minor tear with mild tenderness, swelling, and stiffness. The ankle feels stable, with moderate to moderate pain, but I can still walk normally. Treatment: rest, ice, compression and elevation. Apply ice to your sprained foot for 20 to 30 minutes each time, up to four times a day. The ankle should be elevated above the chest, immobilized, and given adequate rest. Try not to walk or bear weight. Compression dressings can also be used to fix and support the ankle. Most patients can return to normal activities after 2 to 3 weeks.
- html Grade 42: Partial tear of the ligament, associated with moderate pain, swelling and bruising. The ankle generally feels stable, but the damaged area feels soft to the touch, and I can still walk, but in pain. Treatment methods: In addition to rest, ice, compression and elevation for grade 1 sprains, plaster or splint is also required. Most patients can return to normal activities after 4 to 6 weeks.
- html Grade 43: Complete ligament tear with severe swelling and bruising. The ankle is unstable, you may be unable to walk, and you may experience severe pain in your ankle. This situation is more complicated and the possibility of fracture cannot be ruled out. Treatment methods: html Grade 43 sprains, if not treated in time, may cause permanent instability of the ankle. A cast or brace will be needed within a few weeks, and anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen can be used to relieve pain and inflammation. The patient may need surgery. Recovery time is usually over 3 to 4 months. When can
be run?
You cannot run immediately after recovery. If the sprain is severe, you need to obtain the doctor's permission. Before the follow-up visit, the patient can understand his recovery status through these points:
- Is there no pain at all, even when bearing weight? Down.
- showed no signs of bruising or inflammation, compared to another healthy ankle.
- Choose a flat road and run for a short distance. Do you feel any discomfort?
Medical science, for reference only.
