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An ankle sprain, specifically ankle sprain, is the most common injury to the lower limb. It manifests as swelling accompanied by severe pain, making it difficult to move normally.
Sprained ankle – how is it formed?
An ankle sprain is damage to the anterior sagittal sagittal ligament or calcaneal ligament. Injury can occur when you excessively twist to the side, such as when you put a lot of pressure on the foot on its inside or outside edge. The pain is caused by a strain, rupture or rupture of a ligament, or damage to the talus capsule.
Sprain ankle – symptoms
Twisted ankle symptoms difficult to overlook. The trauma results in a sharp pain that intensifies when you move, swelling and inflammation appear, with reddening of the skin around it. If the injury has torn the fibers of the ligaments and located near blood vessels, a hematoma also occurs.
In rare cases ankle injury can damage muscles and bones.
Ankle sprain – treatment
Twisted ankle is classified as a minor trauma, however, it is necessary to perform an X-ray examination to exclude possible fractures. The first treatment step is to put a cold compress on the sprained ankle, which reduces both pain and swelling. Additionally, the place of the sprain can be smeared with joint injuries ointment.
Depending on the trauma, ankle sprain is classified into three degrees:
- Stage I – very light trauma that will help heal cold compresses (eg. Visiomed KINECARE VM-GB8 compress for ankle, wrist, elbows), stiffening the ankle with an elastic bandage and limiting physical activity;
- XNUMXnd degree – moderate trauma with the use of cold compresses, as well as gel preparations with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties (e.g. Fastum, Voltaren, Ketonal) and anti-swelling (e.g. Altacet). It may be necessary to wear a stabilizer with side braces;
- XNUMXrd degree – severe trauma requiring plaster or stabilizer. It is essential to administer anti-swelling and anti-inflammatory drugs.
In rare cases, an operation is required to reconstruct damaged ligament structures. After surgery, the leg is placed in a cast for 6 weeks.
Ankle sprain and compensation
Sprained ankle compensation should cover expenses related to treatment, rehabilitation, and also compensate for the income lost during them. If the patient has recommended physiotherapy treatments, then he / she may apply for reimbursement of costs related to travel to the rehabilitation site. The amount of compensation depends on the insurer. Where to ankle sprains happens at work, you can apply for compensation from ZUS, but it is necessary to draw up an accident report.