Surgical and Non Surgical Treatments for Sprained Ankle

Any awkward step taken or landing on an uneven surface can lead to sprained ankle and so it is the most common orthopedic problem. While playing sports, especially the ones like basketball, the possibility is more that you land up on somebody elses shoes or other uneven things and get a sprain. But the severity of the sprain differs each time and based on the severity, the treatment also will differ. Different kinds of treatment for sprained ankle includes

  • Non Surgical Treatment
  • Surgical Treatment

Non-Surgical Treatment

Grade 1 sprain can be cured with non surgical treatment. Use R.I.C.E which can be elaborated as rest, ice, compression and elevation

  • Dont walk and give rest to your ankle.
  • Ice should be immediately applied continuously 20 – 30 minutes three or four times daily which keeps the swelling down. Pain, dysfunction and swelling can be reduced by combining ice with wrapping.
  • Ace wraps, compression dressings or bandages can be taken as an aid to immobilize and to provide support to the injured ankle.
  • Ankle should be elevated above the level of your heart 48 hours.

Surgical Treatment

Surgical treatment is not usually done for sprained ankle. It is reserved for injuries that do not respond to non-surgical treatment and the instability persists even after months of rehabilitation treatment.
Surgical options include:

  • Arthroscopy
  • Reconstruction

Arthroscopy

A surgeon sees inside the joint, to check whether any part of ligament or loose fragments of cartilage or bone is caught in it.

Reconstruction

Surgeons stitches or suture the torn ligament. If the ligament is surgeon other tendons or/and ligaments in the foot and around ankle to repair it.
Minimally invasive surgeries can be done. In these surgeries only smaller incisions are done which leads to faster recovery and allows you to return quickly to daily activities.