Ankle sprains are a common injury, particularly among athletes, weekend warriors, and anyone who enjoys a bit of physical activity. You’ve probably experienced it before – a sudden twist, a misstep, and boom, your ankle rolls to the side!
Initially, it can hurt like crazy, especially with the swells up, and you might be hobbling around for a few days or weeks. While that seems bearable, one should be concerned if the pain lingers for months. So, why does this happen, and what can you do about it? That’s what we are looking into in this article, including available ankle pain treatment in Malaysia.
Why is It Important to Address Lingering Pain?
Lingering and persistent ankle pain can signal that something more serious might be going on. It’s easy to dismiss it, hoping it will just go away on its own, but if left unchecked, you could end up with chronic issues that affect your mobility and quality of life.
Addressing the pain early can help prevent further injury and ensure your ankle heals properly. Plus, understanding why your ankle still hurts can give you peace of mind and guide you to the right treatment such as physiotherapy in Malaysia.
Reasons and Consequences of Prolong Sprained Ankle
In short, yes, a sprained ankle can still hurt months later. There are several reasons why this might happen. For starters, sometimes, the initial injury doesn’t heal completely. Ligaments, which connect bones to each other, can remain partially torn or stretched, leading to ongoing instability and pain. If the ligaments haven’t been fully healed, the ankle remains vulnerable to stress and movement, causing continued discomfort.
Next would be scar tissue formation formed after an injury as part of the healing process. This scar tissue can be less flexible and more prone to causing pain and stiffness. Scar tissue doesn’t have the same elasticity as healthy tissue, which can lead to restricted movement and persistent pain. A common effect for sportsmen, this demands a more specific type of treatment, a sports injury treatment in Malaysia to assure that a more curated form of treatment suitable to not only recover but get back into the sports can be given.
Another factor to look at is that repeated sprains or an inadequately healed ankle can lead to chronic instability. This means your ankle is more likely to give way, leading to more pain and further injury. When the ligaments don’t heal properly, the ankle can become weak and unstable, increasing the risk of future sprains and ongoing discomfort.
Occasionally, a sprain might be accompanied by a small avulsionthat was missed initially. This could explain prolonged pain. Tiny avulsions can sometimes be overlooked during initial examinations, and these undiagnosed fractures can contribute to ongoing pain and delayed healing.
Lastly, the initial sprain might have caused or masked other injuries, such as tendonitis or damage to other soft tissues around the ankle. Inflammation of the tendons (tendonitis) or injuries to other surrounding tissues can prolong pain and complicate the healing process. These additional injuries might not be evident at first but can become more apparent over time, leading to persistent ankle pain.
Management of Sprained Ankle that Refuses to Heal
Dealing with a stubborn ankle sprain can be challenging, but several steps can help you get back on track. If your ankle pain persists, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional. They can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend the best course of action. This might include imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs to rule out fractures or other soft-tissue related issues.
A physiotherapist can design a customized exercise program to strengthen the muscles around your ankle, improve stability, and promote healing. This often includes balance exercises, stretching, and strengthening routines.
Giving your ankle adequate time to rest and using protective gear like braces can help prevent further injury. Sometimes, wearing a brace or supportive footwear can provide the stability needed to heal properly.
Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage pain and inflammation. In some cases, a doctor might recommend stronger medications or injections to reduce pain and swelling.
Techniques like western needling (acupuncture), soft-tissue release, and ultrasound therapy might provide additional relief and promote healing by improving blood flow and reducing scar tissue.
In rare cases, if conservative treatments don’t work, surgery might be necessary to repair torn ligaments or remove scar tissue. This is usually assessed and examined by an orthopaedic surgeon as a last resort.
Spraining an ankle is a common injury, but dealing with lingering pain months later can be frustrating and worrisome. Ignoring persistent pain isn’t the answer – proactive steps and appropriate treatment can get you back on your feet, pain-free and active, sooner rather than later.
So, if your ankle is still giving you trouble months after a sprain, don’t ignore it. Seek the right help from your physiotherapist or orthopaedic surgeon and take the necessary steps to ensure a full recovery. Your future self will thank you!
