Cendant — What Are the Tell-Tale Signs of Ankle Sprain?

Of all the main sports-related injuries, ankle sprains are among the most common. As well as being common among the general population, ankle sprains affect both recreational and professional sports competitors. 

In the U.S. alone, it is estimated that around 25,000 people suffer an ankle sprain every single day. This painful and debilitating injury happens with the ligaments connected to the bone tear, pull, or stretch. Occasionally, ankle sprains are confused with strains, which are far less serious.

For most people, an ankle sprain can be treated at home with ice, elevation, and rest. It may also be necessary to take pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medication. 

But for the most serious ankle sprains, treatment from a qualified medical practitioner is required. Failure to seek treatment for a serious sprain can result in further damage and a longer-than-necessary recuperation period. 

To protect your long-term health, it’s a good idea to know the main signs of a serious ankle sprain so you can take the best course of action. 

1. Significant Pain in and around the Ankle Area

The pain caused by ankle sprains and strains can feel similar, but sprains are more likely to be responsible for more intense discomfort. Not only that, ankle sprains cause long-lasting pain that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter medications. And the pain can intensify when you try to put any weight on it. 

2. Reduced Mobility

When the ligaments in the ankle are stretched or torn, they simply can’t perform as well as they should. Mobility is greatly reduced in all directions. If your sprain is particularly serious, you’ll struggle to turn, bend, or flex the joint — even with support. 

For the most serious cases of reduced mobility, medical intervention is often the only way to fully cure the problem. Physiotherapy, surgery, or both are usually the options offered by traditional clinicians. But there is an alternative. Stem cell therapy is a regenerative medicine that can regenerate the dead and dying cells in your ankle ligaments — speeding up the body’s healing process. 

3. A Swollen Ankle Joint

If you’ve ever sprained your ankle, you’ll know exactly how bad the swelling can become. This is a natural part of the body’s healing process, but it can cause pain and immobility. When you tear an ankle ligament, the swelling can begin immediately. Less severe ankle sprains result in a more gradual swelling process. If the swelling in your ankle is severe, there’s a chance that the damage is severe, too. 

4. Instability

Ankle sprains can cause weakness and mobility issues in the joint. And while these issues often put themselves right over time, tears can cause chronic stability issues. 

You might feel unbalanced or a little shaky on your feet. And if the issue is serious, your ankle joint might completely give way — causing you to fall over. If this is the case, your clinician might recommend wearing a supportive brace until your ankle joint is healed. 

5. An Unusual Sound in Your Ankle

Did you hear a click or pop at the exact time of your injury? If so, there’s a very good chance you’ve suffered a serious sprain. This alarming sound may have been the result of the sudden tearing of your ligament. 

Do you recognize any of these symptoms? Are you not responding to traditional treatments? Or do you need to get back in the game as quickly as possible? The care team at Cendant might be able to help with an alternative treatment called stem cell therapy. Call us today to discuss your injury.