ANKLE SPRAINS MOST UNDERDIAGNOSED INJURY SEEN IN OR

I have always believed that ankle sprains are the most undertreated injury seen in the emergency room,” says Sheldon Laps, DPM, a DC podiatrist. “X-rays are usually taken, and if they are negative, patients are usually sent home with crutches and advised to ice the area and stay off it until they are able to walk on the foot.”

Dr. Sheldon Laps

Dr. Laps tells his patients to avoid exercise until they can walk briskly and pain-free on the ankle. He also suggests wrapping the ankle before exercising, and stretching before and after. After exercise, ice the ankle for five minutes if it still tends to swell after a workout. Runners especially should keep their mileage and intensity low when they start back, and run alternate days on a flat surface, such as an outdoor track, before resuming hard training or serious competition, he says.

Source: Marlene Cimons, The Washington Post [10/17/20]

Courtesy of Barry Block, editor of PM News