Ankle Sprain: Symptoms and Negative Effects
An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments supporting the ankle stretch beyond their limits or tear. This common injury often happens during physical activities, particularly those that involve twisting or rolling your foot.
A sprained ankle can cause pain and limit your range of motion, interfering with everyday tasks like walking and climbing stairs. The severity of symptoms can vary depending on the extent of damage to the ligaments. For minor sprains, you might experience mild pain, swelling, and some difficulty in moving your ankle.
Moderate sprains can lead to more significant discomfort, noticeable instability when standing or walking on uneven surfaces, and a decreased range of motion. Severe sprains are characterized by intense pain akin to a broken ankle, substantial swelling and bruising immediately after the acute injury.
These negative effects extend further than immediate pain and discomfort caused by an untreated severe sprain could lead to chronic ankle problems such as persistent instability and long-term joint pain. More seriously, it may increase likelihood for future injuries. This is why early diagnosis through physical examinations followed up with imaging tests if necessary is essential for proper healing. Getting sprained ankle care early can help you avoid bigger problems in the future while relieving your pain.