School has started and for many families, fall sports are starting to kick off. Kids are active during the summer, and participating in sports and extracurriculars is a great way to keep them active all year. However, we often see an uptick in sports injuries this time of year. Primarily: ankle sprains.

According to fittoplay.org, "a sprained ankle is one of the most common sports injuries. In fact, every fifth sports injury is a sprained ankle.

To learn everything you need to know as a young athlete or the parent of one, keep reading!

Sprain v. Strain

What is the difference between an ankle sprain and an ankle strain?

Spraining a joint means that you have overstretched or even torn a ligament, or the fibrous band of tissue connecting bone to bone. A strain is an overstretching or tear of tendons, which connect bones to muscles. 

Sprains most commonly occur in the ankles, while strains are most common in hamstrings and the lower back. Additionally, the symptoms of each differ slightly, though they share some similarities.

Symptoms

So, what are the symptoms? Fortunately, sprains and strains are both relatively easy to diagnose. Healthline has a handy chart to explain the differences:

Common symptoms of sprains Common symptoms of strains
• bruising
• pain around the affected joint
• swelling
• limited flexibility
• difficulty using the joint’s full range of motion		 • muscle spasm
• pain around the affected joint
• swelling
• limited flexibility
• difficulty using the joint’s full range of motion

Preventing Ankle Sprains

One way to avoid an ankle sprain is to ensure your body is ready for whatever sport you're playing. Practice is for more than just learning drills; your coach should also have your team doing conditioning so that your muscles and joints are strong enough to support your movements during a game, match, or meet.

Additionally, be sure to use proper, well-fitted equipment. Follow our guide on picking good, supportive shoes. If you wear cleats, make sure they fit well and offer enough support. 

Always remember to schedule rest days, get enough sleep, and don't forget to warm up! Warming up and cooling down, according to Healthline, "gently stretches the muscles and increases your range of motion. A cool-down stretch helps strengthen your muscles for better joint support."

Check out our article 5 Ways Athletes Can Optimize Their Recovery

How to Treat Ankle Sprains

Most minor sprains can be treated at home through RICE therapy:

  • Rest - Stay off your feet for a few days or a week until pain and swelling subside.
  • Ice - Apply an ice pack to the affected area and leave it on for 20 minutes, then remove for 20 minutes; repeat as needed.
  • Compression - Wrap your ankle with an Ace bandage or trainer's tape being careful not to wrap it too tightly.
  • Elevation - Keep your ankle elevated above your heart by propping it up on a pillow.

For more severe sprains or if you try RICE therapy and don't notice any improvement, you should see a professional for an X-ray and possibly an MRI to rule out a complete tear. 

For fast healing with little to no downtime, Freeland Foot and Ankle Clinic has you covered. We are conveniently and centrally located less than half an hour from Saginaw, Midland, and Bay City. With our toolbox of state-of-the-art advanced treatments for heel pain, like laser therapy and EPAT, we will get you back on your feet in no time. The best part? We won't make you wait a month to be seen. Same-day appointments are available now, so give us a call or text us at 989-695-6788, and don't live with foot or ankle pain for another moment. 
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