Can Walking on a Sprained Ankle Make It Worse? Understanding the Dos and Don’ts of Ankle Injuries
It is inevitable that we will sustain injuries while going about our daily lives. Sprained ankles are among the most typical injuries. This kind of injury happens when the ligaments supporting the ankle are strained or torn, resulting in discomfort, oedema, and restricted mobility. Many people wonder if walking on a sprained ankle make it worse in during the healing process. The pros and cons of ankle injuries will be discussed in this article from sports massage clinic One Body LDN, including whether or not walking on a sprained ankle can be harmful.
Does walking on a sprained ankle make it worse or not? It’s crucial to first recognise the extent of your ankle sprain. Ankle sprains come in three grades: grade 1, grade 2, and grade 3. The smallest sprains, grade 1 sprains, involve ligament stretching. More serious grade 2 sprains involve partial ligament tearing. The most serious sprains, grade 3 sprains, involve a complete tear of the ligaments. The severity of your sprain will determine the course of treatment.
It’s usually okay to put some weight on your ankle and walk with a grade 1 sprain. However, it’s crucial to go slowly and avoid exerting too much pressure. Walking can aid in reducing swelling and boosting local blood flow, which can quicken the healing process. Utilising crutches or a walking aid will help relieve some of the pressure on your ankle.
On the other hand, walking on your ankle can be detrimental if you have a grade 2 or grade 3 sprain. Putting weight on an ankle that has been severely sprained can aggravate the ligament damage and slow the healing process. In this situation, it’s crucial to take care of your ankle by resting it and avoiding putting any weight on it until you’ve had the appropriate medical attention.
It’s crucial to seek medical advice if you’re unsure of the extent of your sprain. Your injury can be evaluated by a physiotherapist or sports massage therapist, who can then suggest the best course of action. Exercises to increase strength and mobility as well as rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) may be used in this situation.
In addition to seeking medical advice, there are several things you can do to help speed up the healing process and prevent further injury. These consist of:
Rest: Avoid putting pressure on your ankle, and take a break from any painful or uncomfortable activities.
Ice: Several times per day, apply ice to your ankle for 20 minutes at a time. This may assist in bringing down swelling and inflammation.
Compression: To support your ankle and lessen swelling, use a compression bandage or wrap.
Elevation: To help with swelling reduction, try to keep your ankle as high above your heart as you can.
Exercises: Your physiotherapist or sports massage therapist may suggest exercises to enhance strength and mobility in the injured area once your ankle has sufficiently healed.
In conclusion, if an ankle is severely sprained, walking on a sprained ankle make it worse. It’s critical to comprehend the gravity of your injury and, if in doubt, to consult a doctor. To hasten healing and avert further injury, use rest, ice, compression, and elevation. London physiotherapy clinic One Body LDN provides a variety of services to assist you in recovering from sports injuries and enhancing your physical wellbeing if you’re searching for sports massage or physiotherapy in London.
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