[Click! Health] To Enjoy a Pleasant Spring Outing, Beware of 'Twisted' Ankle Sprains

April has arrived, bringing with it the full bloom of spring flowers such as cherry blossoms and a surge in spring outing enthusiasts. However, during this time, many people experience difficulties such as sprains or fractures while hiking or enjoying flower viewing with a joyful heart.

[Photo by Gangnam Bedro Hospital]

According to the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service on the 13th, statistics show that every year, starting from March to April, there is a trend of increasing patients with ankle sprains, ligament tears, leg fractures, and related injuries. The problem is that many people take these injuries lightly and leave them untreated, which often leads to chronic conditions. Yang Gyu-hyun, an orthopedic surgeon at Gangnam Bedro Hospital, said, "Many people tend to overlook injuries such as ankle sprains experienced during outings, but this is a shortcut to gradual deterioration of joint health," adding, "If you suffer an ankle or joint injury, you must carefully check the condition and receive appropriate treatment to prevent the development of chronic diseases."

An ankle sprain is a condition where the ligaments supporting the ankle are abnormally stretched or damaged due to external forces, causing pain and instability. It mainly occurs when the ankle is severely twisted or rolled. It is a common injury, affecting about 2 to 7 people per 1,000 population annually. It occurs frequently during sports or outings and affects men and women equally. Also, since most injuries happen when the ankle bends inward, 80% of patients suffer damage to the ligaments on the outside of the ankle.

When an ankle sprain occurs, pain, tenderness, and swelling appear. The most common grade 1 sprain involves minor damage to the ligaments or surrounding tissues. Although the pain is not severe, if left untreated, it can develop into ankle instability or tarsal tunnel syndrome. Grade 1 sprains can be sufficiently improved with conservative treatment such as RICE first aid and management. The RICE method stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. It helps reduce pain and swelling immediately after the sprain occurs. Immobilizing the affected area with a cast or brace and using crutches also helps alleviate symptoms. Afterwards, physical therapy and rehabilitation are conducted to strengthen muscles and improve balance.

However, not all sprains are grade 1, and the severity of symptoms and pain does not always correspond directly. For proper treatment, it is important to accurately assess the degree of ligament damage and joint instability, so it is best to consult a specialist for diagnosis. In severe sprains, a popping sound may be heard at the moment of injury, and it may be difficult to bear weight if the ligament damage is severe. Surgical treatment may be performed if there are severe ligament tears or chronic instability. Therefore, more attention should be paid to symptom assessment and treatment for grade 2 sprains, where partial ligament tears occur, and grade 3 sprains, where the ligament is completely ruptured.

The best approach is to focus on preventing ankle sprains. When walking for long periods or using the ankles extensively, stretching with a towel or similar item beforehand can be helpful. When walking on uneven surfaces, it is advisable to walk slowly while paying attention to ankle movements. Above all, wearing shoes with non-slip soles and adequate cushioning to protect the ankles from impact is the best measure.