Answers To Two Of Your Questions About Sprained Ankles

Ankle injuries are common problems for individuals that are athletically active, but they can happen to anyone. Something as simple as a wrong step can result in you spraining your ankle. If you have only recently suffered your first sprained ankle, there is a strong chance that you do not know much about this type of injury. Luckily, learning the answers to these two common questions will help you better understand what needs to be done to heal this injury. 

Can A Sprained Ankle Cause Permanent Problems?

While it is true that a sprained ankle is usually considered a minor injury, it is essential to have it treated to ensure it heals correctly. When you sprain your ankle, you suffer substantial damage to the tissues that stabilize the bones in the ankle. As a result, if these tissues do not correctly heal, you may experience chronic ankle problems for years to come. 

In addition to experiencing chronic pain, individuals that do not have the ankle properly treated may find that they are far more likely to suffer this type of injury again. While this will certainly be a painful problem to have, it can also interfere with aspects of both your personal and professional life because you may not be able to perform certain tasks as easily. 

What Is The Best Approach For Treating This Type Of Injury?

One of the most important things you can do to help your ankle recover is allow it to receive plenty of rest. While most people do not enjoy being trapped in their bed or on the couch for several days, this is imperative for allowing the damages tissues to recover. Walking on the hurt ankle will only delay the healing process, and it can cause the tissue to grow back incorrectly, which will make chronic problems more likely. 

In addition to resting, you should also strive to keep the swelling under control. To do this, you should keep the ankle elevated, apply a cold compress to it. and wrap an athletic bandage or brace around the ankle to keep it stable when you move. 

Suffering a sprained ankle is something that most people will experience at some point during their lives. Sadly, some people are unaware of the basic steps needed to ensure the ankle heals correctly. Understanding these two common questions will help you make smarter choices when it comes to caring for your ankle, which can help to dramatically reduce the amount of time that you are sidelined due to this excruciating injury. If you have further questions, speak to experts like the Advanced Foot & Ankle Center of Palatine.