What are ankle sprains and strains? What is the difference?

Ankle sprains and strains are common injuries that affect the ligaments and muscles around the ankle joint. They often occur due to sudden twisting or rolling of the ankle, resulting in pain, swelling, and difficulty walking or bearing weight on the affected ankle.

Ankle Sprains result when the ankle ligaments, which are bands of tissue that connect one bone to another) in the ankle become overstretched or torn. The function of ligaments is to provide stability to joints. When ligaments in the ankle are stretched or torn, the ankle becomes unstable, resulting in a sprain.
Ankle Strains refer to an injury to the ankle muscles or tendons (a band of tissue that connects a muscle to a bone). Similar to ankle sprains, strains occur when muscles or tendons are overstretched or torn.

What are standard methods for treating ankle injuries?

The type of products needed highly depends on the severity, or “grade,” of your ankle sprain or strain.

To treat ankle sprains and strains, you can consider several products and measures.

Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE): RICE is a common approach for managing ankle injuries. Rest the ankle, apply ice packs to reduce any swelling, use compression sleeves for gentle support, and elevate the ankle above the level of your heart to minimize swelling.

DARCO’s DCS Sleeve ($25) provides compressive support and therapeutic relief from various ankle and foot pains. Able to be worn under socks or braces, compression sleeves provide a suitable base layer to provide comfort while healing from ankle injuries. Read more.

Taping: Taping ankles can provide additional stability to ankles that are prone to sprains and strains or for people that are towards the end stages of recovery and ready to return to normal activity. Athletic tape, which is more rigid, and kinesiology tape, which is more flexible, are two taping options. In addition to providing stability,

To learn more about methods for taping ankles, read this article on Healthline for tips and suggestions.Looking for a kinesiology tape? Check our DARCO’s Body Armor Elastic Tape ($18).

Ankle Braces and Supports: Ankle braces or supports provide stability and protection to the injured ankle. They can be helpful during the recovery phase or for preventing further injury upon return to normal activities and sports.

The DARCO Web Ankle Brace ($50) offers adjustable ankle stability to provide a level of support that adjusts as you recover.

CAM Walkers: CAM Walkers are designed to immobilize the ankle, making them suitable options for moderate to severe ankle sprains or strains.

Learn more about CAM walkers and shop DARCO’s walker selection. Read more.

Crutches and Knee Scooters: If bearing weight on the foot is not advised, even when using one of the products described above, crutches or knee scooters may be advised to eliminate any weight being placed on the ankle.

DISCLAIMER: It is important to note that these guidelines are general, and your specific situation may require a tailored approach. Always consult with your healthcare provider for an accurate assessment of your condition and their recommendations for treating your particular ankle injury. DARCO Direct cannot dispense medical advice.