Weekly Check-Up with Dr. Sonnenberg

A sprained ankle is a common injury that can happen with any awkward twist, turn or roll of the ankle. Ligaments are tough, elastic bands that connect one bone to another. They help stabilize joints, preventing excessive movement.    If you turn or twist your ankle, ligaments can stretch or tear. This is called an ankle sprain.  If it is sprained, your ankle may hurt even if you aren’t standing on it. Your ankle may be swollen or bruised and you may not be able to move it very well.   The old adage RICE still holds true.  Rice stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation.  In this case rest means avoiding activities that cause pain, swelling or discomfort.  Putting ice on your ankle or immersing it in cool water for 20 minutes three times a day can help reduce the pain, swelling and inflammation.    A compression (ace) bandage or walking boot can also help protect it from further injury.  You can also help reduce swelling, by elevating your ankle above the level of your heart.  Gravity helps reduce swelling by draining excess fluid.

There are several ways to help prevent ankle sprains.  Make sure you stretch and warm up, before and after activity. Don’t play sports or participate in activities for which you are not conditioned.  Maintain good muscle strength and flexibility.   Practice stability training, including balance exercises. If you have had a sprain before, ask your doctor what you can wear to help support your ankle when you are active.  Wear shoes that fit well and are made for your activity level.  Avoid high heels.  Be careful when walking, running or working on uneven surfaces.

Usually, an ankle sprain itself does not require a trip to the doctor. The problem is how to tell a sprain from a more serious injury such as a fracture (break). You should contact you doctor if: pain is uncontrolled, despite the used of over-the-counter medications, elevation, and ice; the injured person is unable to walk or cannot walk more than a few steps without severe pain; the ankle fails to improve within five to seven days.   Remember prevention is the key to good health, and education is the key to prevention.  So, keep learning and live well!

Dr. Jill Sonnenberg is a physician with Chatuge Family Practice in Hayesville, NC. She practices with Dr. Teresa Heavner and Dr. Daniel Stroup, two physicians that have been in practice at Chatuge Family Practice for over twenty years.  Chatuge Family Practice has been serving the communities of Clay and Cherokee County since 1974. The practice was designated a Rural Health Clinic by the State of North Carolina Office of Rural Health and Community Service. Because of this designation the practice is able to offer high quality care at reasonable rates to individuals who have no insurance or do not quality for government assistance with their medical care. Chatuge Family Practice also provides a medication assistance program for patients with little or no medication drug coverage. The practice accepts all major insurances and welcomes new patients. Please call 828-389-6383 to make an appointment today or to learn about our different programs or visit us on the web at www.chatugefp.org.