Difference Between Ankle Sprain And Ankle Strain

The possibility of ankle injuries is simply mind-blowing as it is not just the sportsmen who can be harmed, but also busy men and women, or even the elderly. However, when you experience sudden pains, swelling or the inability to move your ankle, how do you tell the difference between a strain and a sprained ankle? Despite the fact that the two are used interchangeably, these two conditions have different tissues and must have different treatments.

Dr Rajesh Malhotra, an orthopaedic senior and ankle replacement specialist in Delhi, describes in this article the most significant differences between an ankle sprain and ankle strain, their causes, symptoms, and at what point a doctor should address them. 

What Is an Ankle Sprain?

A sprained ankle involves damage to the ligaments - the hard bands of tissue that join the bones together and hold the joints in place. The majority of the sprains happen due to twisting or rolling of the foot inwards, which causes stretching or tearing of the ligaments.

Common Causes:

• Stepping awkwardly on uneven surfaces
• Sports activities involving sudden direction changes
• Wearing improper footwear
• Accidental missteps or falls

Symptoms of a Sprain:

• Sudden pain around the ankle joint
• Swelling and bruising
• Difficulty bearing weight
• Joint instability
• Tenderness around the bone but not the muscle

Sprains can be grouped into grades depending on the extent of the injury: Grade I (mild stretching), Grade II (partial tear), and Grade III (complete tear).

Suggest to Read :- Understanding And Treating Complex Fractures

What Is an Ankle Strain?

Ankle strain, however, is known as an injury to the ankle muscle or tendons. Muscles are linked to bones through tendons, which are very crucial in ankle movement.

Common Causes:

• Overuse from running or jumping
• Sudden pulling or twisting motion
• Poor warm-up before physical activity
• Repetitive stress from high-impact sports

Symptoms of a Strain:

• Pain in the muscles or tendons area
• Swelling and muscle spasms
• Weakness or limited movement
• Pain while stretching or contracting the muscle
• Possible cramping in the lower leg or foot

Strains also range from mild overstretching to complete rupture of muscle fibres or tendons.

Sprain vs. Strain: Quick Comparison

Treatment Options

The majority of milder and moderate sprains and strains should be treated at home with the help of the R.I.C.E. approach:

• Rest: Do not bear pressure on the damaged ankle
• Ice: take 15-20 minutes with ice packs several times daily
• Compression: A little elastic band can be used to control swelling
• Elevation: Place your foot above heart level when resting

But when symptoms do not get better after a few days or when the injury is severe, visit an orthopaedic specialist.

When Is Ankle Replacement Needed?

Although surgery is seldom needed, recurrent injury can cause chronic instability and arthritis. Chronic instability can also result when ligaments are torn repeatedly or when progressive joint destruction develops. In severe cases, it might use ankle replacement surgery as the last solution in regaining movement and getting rid of the pain.

The process of ankle replacement in Delhi has also been continued to serve in a low-invasive and customised manner. It is suggested to:

• Arthritis at the end of the ankle
• Past surgeries that did not work out in the ankle area
• Physical disability with regard to pain that incapacitates the daily aspects of life
• Joint collapse deformities of the bones

A surgeon who is a pioneer of joint and ankle replacement in Delhi, Dr Rajesh Malhotra, provides a patient-centred surgical approach that focuses on faster recovery and long-term functioning of joints.

Conclusion: Know the Difference, Act Early

Knowledge of the steps between ankle sprain and strain can assist you in dealing with the proper response to any injury and prevent complications. Both of the conditions need treatment, but anything can change when you detect them early and approach the appropriate treatment.

In case you have been getting painful instances of ankle stiffness or you have been advised that you need surgery on the ankle, then do visit Dr Rajesh Malhotra, who is a name to reckon with in the field of ankle replacement surgery in Delhi.