Just how healthy are your muscles and joints?
Answer our questions and find out if your flexibility is compromised.
Find out how flexible you areAnkle sprains usually occur when you have torn or strained the ligaments in your ankle joint. The ankle can be sprained through vigorous exercise or an unexpected fall, and will typically start to swell up in order to protect the ligaments from further injury. On this page, our muscle and joint expert further explores the symptoms of ankle sprains and the herbal treatments available to soothe any inflammation or pain.
A sprained ankle is when you have damaged the tendons or ligaments in the ankle joint. Your ankle is a very flexible part of your body, allowing you to perform a range of movements, including running and jumping. This flexibility, and the fact that all your weight has to go through your ankle means that it is more prone to injury than some other joints; in fact it is the joint that brings the most number of people with sprains to A&E each year.
While sprains primarily affect the tendons and ligaments, the chances are quite high that you may experience some muscle strain. This is why these two conditions are often considered and treated together.
It is easy to sprain your ankle from running, jumping, or even just walking. These injuries are highly common if taking part in a sporting activity. If you land and your foot is rotated onto its side, this stretches the ligaments at the side of the ankle. Most people sprain the outside ligaments of their ankle by rotating their foot inwards, although it is possible to sprain the inside ligaments too.
Often once you have sprained your ankle, fluid and blood flow increases around the injured area to protect it from further damage, either from movement or knocks. This often leads to swelling and bruising.
The symptoms you experience will vary depending on how you have sprained your ankle and the severity of the injury. However, most people will experience immediate pain, which gets worse as you move your foot, tenderness to touch and perhaps some swelling. After a few days, bruising may also appear. The severity of sprains can be split into three categories to give the greatest understanding of the injury and how it should be treated:
There is nothing anyone can do to completely eliminate their chances of spraining their ankle. However, certain measures may reduce the likelihood. These include:
The type and severity of your injury dictates the sort of treatment you should have. Immediately after spraining your ankle you should follow the PRICE procedure, and within the next 72 hours you should also protect your injury against further HARM. This will provide the best start towards recovery and minimise pain and damage.
You may also find that pain killers and anti-inflammatories, including herbal remedies such as those containing arnica can help ease your discomfort.
For some injuries, particularly Grade 3 sprains, you may need to seek medical attention. It is important to give your injury adequate recovery time so that it returns to full strength and mobility.
Looking for a treatment to relieve pain in conditions such as muscle aches or pains, stiffness, rheumatic pain or after sporting injuries?
Buy now from your local store.
“Excellent product, really helps with pain relief.”
To find local independent stores in your area that sell Atrogel Arnica gel, simply type your postcode below.
Answer our questions and find out if your flexibility is compromised.
Find out how flexible you areAs the A. Vogel Muscles and Joints advisor, I recommend Atrogel® for the effective relief from aches and pains.
Learn moreA sprained ankle is more common than you may realise! It is estimated that 25,000 people sprain their ankle each day!
How to treat a sprained ankleDiscover the story of Alfred VogelNature is just about the best thing we’ve got!