Effective treatment strategies for rolled ankles

Ankle injuries turn out to be discomforting and painful, if not attended in time. As per a recent medical survey, an approximate 25,000 people in the U.S sprain their ankles on daily basis. More than a million people have to visit emergency rooms per year because of sprained ankles. This is indeed an alarming figure! The common idea is that athletes are more likely to suffer from ankle injuries. However this doesn’t mean that those not into sports are well protected from ankle sprains. It is believed that ankle injuries can happen to anyone, irrespective of age group. If not careful then the ankle may get rolled or twisted inwards, even while walking or carrying out normal activities.

Before talking about treatment for rolled ankles, it is important to discuss the primary cause behind this. Sometimes rolled ankles occur simply because the person was unmindful with his steps. However, if the problem keeps recurring then it has to do with muscle weakness and underlying foot conditions. People with flat feet or high arches tend to have foot pronation. Symptoms vary depending on severity of the injury. Usually the person suffers from swelling and bruises coupled with ankle pain or stiffness of the joint portion. While the first degree ankle sprain doesn’t cause much of discomfort and gets healed with rest and some basic treatments, pain becomes really unbearable with the third degree sprain when the patient suffers from a torn or completely ruptured ligament.

The basic problem with ankle injury is that the severity of the situation is often not realized at the onset. It may so happen that your ankle gets hurt in the morning but the pain and swelling set in by evening. People often try out painkillers or different home remedies on their own till the situation turns really critical. If it is a rolled ankle or any other kind of ankle sprain then don’t take any chance. You may not like to visit the doc on slightest instance but isn’t it a welcome option than limping rest of the life! So, seek medical advice as early as possible. Those looking for fastest recovery from rolled ankles or foot injuries should consult an expert podiatrist to get specialized injury treatment program. Let the medical practitioner decide whether you have first or third degree ankle sprain. If he feels that the condition is indeed serious then he may suggest certain preliminary tests like X-ray, ultrasound or MRI, based on which the diagnosis is confirmed. However if the injury is found to be of first degree then he might ask you to follow the R.I.C.E. method, i.e. complete rest of the ankle, putting ice pack, compressing the ankle joint with elastic bandage and elevating the ankle to a suitable level.

Specially designed orthotics is a good option for those susceptible to ankle injuries. Make sure to pick out the right orthotic shoe, after consulting an expert. Just keep in mind that your foot and ankle are as precious as any other body part and hence demand the same level of attention and care.