Don’t you just hate it when you’re running or maybe just going about your daily routine and you unexpectedly step in a small pothole twisting your ankle?

Not only is it painful to walk everywhere, but full recovery could also take as long as four months, depending on the severity, averaging at about two to four weeks for mild sprains.

Did you know that ankle sprains account for nearly 50% of all lower leg injuries in most sports?

That's why in this article we're going to discuss what ankle sprains are and how you can treat them.

What Are Ankle Sprains

Sprains are one of the most common injuries in the ankle where the ligaments are hyperextended to the point of tearing. Usually, a snap or pop sound will be heard when an ankle is sprained.

Athletes that frequently run and jump are more prone to this injury because of the constant stress from their foot being pushed inward and the ankle outward.

The people who partake in dancing, especially while wearing high heels or special shoes like ballet dancers, are also frequent victims of sprained ankle injuries. Luckily, there is something you can do to help relieve pain and recover faster.

To ensure that you don't end up with Ankle Sprains you can try our our Ankle Compression Sleeves from here.

Picture a chart of the different levels of injury in a sprained ankle. Classified as either mild, moderate or severe, each level corresponds with a specific method of treatment for the given ankle.

Types Of Ankle Sprains

• A Grade 1 sprained ankle, also known as a mild sprain, can still rotate and be used to walk on with minor discomfort. The affected area of the foot will have mild tenderness because the fibers in the ligaments only have minor damage or tearing.
  
  
• In a Grade II or moderate level sprain, the foot and ankle are barely stable and has distinct pain on the affected area, especially when touching or putting weight on the injured foot. The foot will feel sensitive and have moderate swelling and, in some cases, the affected area will have bruising.
  
  
• A Grade III or severe ankle sprain is unable to support itself and putting any kind of weight on the foot will be excruciatingly painful and almost impossible. This happens when the ligaments in the ankle are completely damaged. There will be severe bruising and swelling all over the affected area and will feel very sensitive to even the slightest touch.

Follow These Basic Steps To Treat An Ankle Sprain

When you find yourself or a friend in an unfortunate predicament, for example spraining an ankle during a hike or tripping on a curb, just think of the acronym ‘RICE’.

• The first step is REST and plenty of it; if the pain is tolerable it is best to avoid putting too much weight on the affected area to prevent further injury and to stimulate the recovery process.
  
  
• Next comes ICE; it is highly recommended that you regularly apply an ice or cold pack for the first forty-eighthours or until the swelling goes down. When applying the ice pack, it is best to do so in intervals of ten  to twenty minutes every two hours.
  
  
• Then comes COMPRESSION, wear compression garments or use an elastic compression wrap around the affected ankle for the first twenty-four hours to help decrease swelling, but please keep in mind not to apply the wrap too tightly.
  
  If you want to be preapred and treat your legs with the love that they deserve, you can try our Doc Miller's Compression Gear from here.
  
  Loosen the wrap if the foot experiences numbness or if pain and swelling continues below the area of the bandage.

• Lastly is ELEVATION, elevating the ankle above the level of the heart to help with blood circulation and reduce swelling and bruising.

When Would Be A Good Time To See A Professional?

If the pain in your foot is still causing discomfort, you may want to consider an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen, but be sure to follow the instructions on the label. If the swelling and tenderness intensifies and the pain becomes intolerable, see a physician to properly assess and treat your injury.

To prevent getting ankle sprains, wear proper footwear; do some foot exercises and warm-ups before jumping into any rigorous activity.

Want to learn more about compression sleeves and the benefits they can provide for lower leg injuries or even for prevention? Good news!

You can find a bunch of articles and conditions all in relation to compression garments RIGHT HERE.

Disclaimer: This article should not be construed as medical advice. Please contact a licensed physician for a proper diagnosis of your specific case.