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Ankle Sprains and Ankle Strains

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Ankle Sprains
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Ankle Sprains

Introduction to Ankle Sprains

An ankle sprain is a common walking and sporting injury. It can be a very painful experience and can significantly affect a patients lifestyle. It occurs due to the ankle twisting and causing damage to the soft tissues and ligaments. A ligament consists of several strands of tissue all compacted together to form a strong structure, similar to a rope.

Understanding this condition

An ankle sprain may result in a partial or complete tear of a ligament, which stabilizes the ankle joint. Once the ligament is torn, it becomes weak which in turn affects ankle stability.

The degree in which the ankle stability is affected is dependent upon the level of the tear. When an ankle sprain occurs, the usual scenario involves the athlete "rolling" his or her ankle while landing from a jump or running, followed by a sharp pain on the outside of the ankle. An audible "pop" or "snap" may accompany the injury, which sometimes signals ligamentous rupture. If the athlete can walk on the injured ankle, the likelihood of a serious injury is less, but athletic participation should be discontinued. Shoes should be kept on until examination and treatment. Symptoms include a swollen, painful ankle with possible bruising due to ruptured blood vessels.

Causes of Ankle Sprains

A sudden twist of an ankle may be caused due to: -
Sports
A biomechanical condition (an abnormality with a patients walking pattern). In most cases this is the underlying cause of the ankle sprain but orthotics stabilize your feet's biomechanical balance. They reduce sideways movement during walking, therefore directing more energy towards forward movement and preventing ankle sprains.
High heeled shoes effectively shortens the Achilles tendon. When the individual then takes up running in "flat shoes", the Achilles tendon is put under increased tension which can lead to ankle sprains.

Treatments for Ankle Sprains

The most common cause of a ankle sprain is overpronation, this is when your foot rotates in too much as you walk. You really need to treat the underlying cause of the ankle sprain as soon as possible to speed up recovery and prevent any further damage. View the Dr Foot Sport Insoles which are for sport shoes or the Dr Foot Pro Insoles for everyday shoes.

Apply ice to the area straight away or alternatively use a reusable hot and cold pack, alternating between hot and cold will speed up recovery, view the hot and cold pack here

You may need x-rays depending on the severity of the ankle sprain.

Do not follow any other treatment regimes until a diagnosis is confirmed by a doctor.

The R.I.C.E theory should be used, Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.

The recovery time is usually between 3-7 weeks; however; the swelling may last for a few months.

In severe cases surgery may be necessary to repair tendons around the ankle joint.

Dr Foot Recommends

Dr Foot's Sport Insoles (pair)

£ 25.00

Ankle Sleeve

£ 30.00

Review: Keep feet and lower body in proper alignment

Ankle sprains can be a result of improper arch support and misalignment of your heel and forefoot as you walk. Dr Foot Insoles provides a unique foot support system that realigns the lower body. The major cause of ankle sprains is overpronation (rolling over of the feet) which causes excessive pressure on the ankle bones and ligaments.

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Customer Review:

"I've been using your Insoles for 4 months. As an electricity meter reader & a keen sportsman walking up to 10km a day, I find they give more support & shock absorption than any other insole I've tried. I gave a friend a pair of insoles to try. He's had loads of problems with his ankles from running & has to wear orthotics. He now tells me because of great cushioning his running has improved & he hasn't had any injuries since using these. Thanking you."