People often find it surprising that an athlete they've watched hobble off the field in pain from an ankle sprain is back to full activity within days, while the amateur suffers for what seems like an eternity before being able to run or play again. The difference is largely the result of what's done in the first few minutes following the injury. The professional athlete's injury is diagnosed and treated instantly; the amateur may hobble around for hours before obtaining effective treatment.
With sprains, the first few minutes are critical. If you can diagnose and treat your sprain immediately, you'll save yourself untold time and discomfort later.How do you know if you've suffered a sprain rather than some more serious injury like a fracture? Some rules of thumb:
- Did you try it? The first thing that most people do when they sprain their ankle is see if it works. Put a little weight on it; twist and turn it a little. It may hurt, but if you're able to do that, most likely you've only sprained your ankle. Most people have an inherent sense that prevents them from even trying an ankle that is significantly fractured. If it's broken, the chances are nine to one that something will tell you to stay off it. If you're afraid to even try it, better go to the emergency department.
- If you're really gutsy, and you try your ankle even though your better judgment advises against it, and you feel something grind in the ankle or feel a strange gravelly sensation, then you'd better get off it and go to the emergency department. It's something other than a sprain.
- If your friends help you off the field by supporting you on either side while you hop on your good foot, and your injured foot can't tolerate the jarring, better go to the emergency department.
- If the ankle feels numb or tingling, or if your foot feels initially cold, then you should go to the emergency department.
Otherwise, you almost certainly have a sprain. The above tests (with few exceptions) will point out a possible fracture.
First aid
For a sprained ankle, remember ICE. The "I' stands for cold which constricts blood vessels and other soft tissue to keep swelling to a minimum. Don't apply ice or cold directly to the skin but rather over a layer of elastic bandage. After a while your ankle will ache as though it's sprained again; later it may go numb. Whatever you do - don't use heat!
The "C" stands for compression. A simple way of counteracting swelling is taking a sock and folding it into the shape of a horseshoe. Place this "horseshoe" around the ankle knob, curved part down, then wrap the entire ankle, horseshoe and all, with an elastic (ACE) bandage. This applies compression to all areas of the ankle, not just the ankle bones.
The "E" stands for elevation. Initially, keep the ankle above the knee and the knee above the heart. Merely sitting in a chair with the foot raised on another chair or stool is not enough. Lie down with the foot propped up as described.