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Key Points
- The article discusses how to identify a sprained ankle, a common injury during winter due to icy conditions.
- An ankle sprain is caused by the ankle rolling in one direction while the foot moves in another, causing ligaments to stretch or tear. Immediate pain and a possible twisting motion are indicators of a sprain.
- Sprains can sometimes be accompanied by a popping sound during the fall, but lack of this sound doesn't rule out a sprain. Severe pain could indicate a fracture instead.
- Physical signs of a sprained ankle include immediate swelling, possible bruising or redness, and difficulty with movement. Numbness could indicate a severe sprain or fracture and requires immediate medical attention.
- If a sprain is suspected, it's important to see a doctor for proper assessment and treatment, including pain management and immobilization for efficient healing.
Winter weather creates many seasonal hazards that you may not think to watch out for. A short walk that’s perfectly safe for most of the year can suddenly become hazardous when snow and ice are on the ground. If you’ve fallen, these signs will help you determine whether you have a sprain and how to handle the injury.
You Painfully Twisted Your Ankle
Ankle sprains occur when the ankle rolls one direction while the foot moves in the other. The ligaments stretch excessively or tear as a result of this movement, which causes the sprain. If you twisted your ankle in this fashion, you may have a sprain. If you’re experiencing pain but the ankle didn’t twist like this, it’s probably a different type of injury. Pain from a sprain begins immediately after the injury, so you shouldn’t have any question as to when or how it happened.
Sprains and strains are easily confused. A sprain is the result of a traumatic injury, like slipping and falling. A strain is the result of overuse of a muscle or tendon. If you fell on the injured area and felt immediate pain, you may have sprained it. If you sustained a minor fall in the course of a long day of strenuous activity and don’t notice pain until the morning, it’s more likely that you’re dealing with a strain instead.
You Heard a Noise as You Fell
With
some ankle sprains, you will hear a pop as you fall. You may also feel
the tear as it moves across the ligament. This doesn’t always happen
though, so a lack of this popping noise isn’t a sure indicator that you
don’t have a sprain. If you’re experiencing severe pain, the noise you
heard might indicate a broken bone rather than a sprain. You should seek
immediate medical attention for any injury that causes extreme levels
of pain.
The Ankle is Swollen and Discolored
A sprained
ankle usually begins to swell immediately after the injury. The area
will look and feel puffy. When you touch it gently you might notice it
feels hot. You may also see bruising or redness at the injury site,
though sprains do not always bruise. As you gently touch the injury, you
should always feel your hand. If your ankle or foot is numb, this is a
sign of a very severe sprain or fracture and requires immediate medical
attention.
You Have Trouble with Movement
It’s difficult
to walk with a sprained ankle. When you try to put weight on this foot,
you will feel pain. The ankle may also wobble from side to side and
refuse to support your weight. This is a result of the torn ligaments.
The harder it is to walk and stand, the more severe your injury is.
If you believe that you’ve sprained your ankle, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as you can. The doctor will assess the severity of the injury, help you manage the pain, and assist with properly immobilizing the ankle so it can heal quickly and efficiently.
Frequently asked questions
What are some common hazards during winter weather?
Winter weather can make simple tasks such as walking more hazardous due to the presence of snow and ice on the ground. These conditions can lead to slips and falls, potentially causing injuries like sprains.How does an ankle sprain occur?
An ankle sprain occurs when the ankle rolls in one direction while the foot moves in the other. This action can cause the ligaments to stretch excessively or tear, resulting in a sprain.What is the difference between a sprain and a strain?
A sprain is a result of a traumatic injury, like slipping and falling, whereas a strain is the result of overuse of a muscle or tendon. If you feel immediate pain after a fall, it's likely a sprain. If the pain is noticed after a long day of strenuous activity, it's more likely a strain.What are some signs that I might have sprained my ankle?
Signs of a sprained ankle include immediate pain after twisting your ankle, swelling and discoloration of the ankle, and difficulty walking or standing due to pain or instability. In some cases, you might hear a pop as you fall or feel a tear across the ligament.What should I do if I hear a noise as I fall?
If you hear a noise as you fall and are experiencing severe pain, it could indicate a broken bone rather than a sprain. In such cases, it's important to seek immediate medical attention.What does it mean if my ankle is swollen and discolored after a fall?
Swelling and discoloration of the ankle after a fall are common signs of a sprain. The area may look and feel puffy, and you might notice it feels hot. Bruising or redness may also occur, though not always.What should I do if my foot or ankle is numb after a fall?
If your foot or ankle is numb after a fall, this could be a sign of a very severe sprain or fracture. This requires immediate medical attention.What should I do if I think I've sprained my ankle?
If you believe you've sprained your ankle, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. The doctor can assess the severity of the injury, help manage the pain, and assist with properly immobilizing the ankle to promote quick and efficient healing.
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