ANKLE SPRAINS I fell down playing basketball or I was running and fell of the curb. Now my ankle is swollen, red and bruising. What should I do? Simple answer: Get an x-ray! Ankle sprains occur very commonly in athletic people, or those wearing inappropriate shoe gear or walking or running on uneven surfaces. Most people ignore the symptoms of an ankle sprain unless it is severe. This is unfortunate because ankle sprains can lead to chronic instability, arthritis and disability when treated improperly. What causes an ankle sprain? These often occur from a fall, sudden twist or blow that forces the ankle at an abnormal angle. If the bone doesnt break, the ligaments either stretch or tear causing an ankle sprain. The severity and long-term outcomes form an ankle sprain depend on whether the ligaments stretched, partially tore or are completely torn. There are also three ligaments that can be involved, so the number of ligaments affected also mediates outcomes. The symptoms of an ankle sprain are relatively straight-forward: pain, swelling, bruising, difficulty walking, and stiffness in the joint. This can be just slightly annoying or so severe you have trouble putting your foot on the ground. Treatment for ankle sprains include: RICE therapy (see acute inflammation section). You should start this treatment immediately then call your foot and ankle surgeon for an appointment. Often, a fracture of the ankle or foot can be involved and long-term outcomes hinge on proper

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