What Does It Mean to Roll Your Ankle? 

Did you hurt your foot after walking on an uneven sidewalk or playing sports? Whatever the cause, rolling your ankle can lead to a serious injury that needs attention. Southern Maryland Medical Group helps patients who are dealing with a wide range of issues, including ankle injuries. Are you wondering whether you should walk it off or seek help from a healthcare provider? Keep reading to learn more about what it means to roll your ankle and when you might want to look for local primary care doctors in Greenbelt, MD who can help.

How Does an Ankle Roll Happen? 

Your ankle is a joint that supports your entire body weight. It helps you move smoothly and stay balanced. So, when you roll your ankle, the ligaments surrounding your joint can become stretched beyond their normal range. This usually happens when the foot twists too far inward or outward and causes strains on the ligaments that stabilize the ankle. A rolled ankle can occur in all kinds of situations. You could land awkwardly while running, misstep on stairs, or slip on a slick surface. It doesn’t take a lot of force for an injury like this to take place, especially if the muscles around your ankles are weak. Some people are more prone to ankle rolls because of foot structure or old sprains. If you’ve had one before, your risk of it happening again increases because the ligaments might have a difficult time regaining their full strength after healing.

What Causes a Rolled Ankle? 

There are a lot of different reasons why ankles roll, but here are the most common:

•  Poor Footing: Walking or running on grassy fields, rocky trails, or cracked sidewalks will increase your chances of stepping in a way that will cause your ankle to twist.
•  Weak or Tight Muscles: If the muscles around your ankle are weakened or overly tight, they might not provide proper support when you make a sudden movement.
•  Bad Footwear: Shoes that don’t offer good ankles support like sandals or high heels can make rolling your ankle more likely.
• Past Injuries: A previous sprain that isn’t properly rehabilitated can leave you vulnerable.
• Sudden Impact or Movements: Sports with quick changes in direction can put stress on ankles. So can accidental falls or collisions when walking.

What Should You Do After Rolling Your Ankle? 

The first few hours after an ankle injury are very important because they determine how well and how quickly you recover. If you think you’ve rolled your ankle, take the following steps to avoid more damage:

?       Rest: Sit or lie down to avoid putting too much weight on the ankle.

• Ice: Apply ice packs wrapped in a cloth for 15 to 20 minutes every few hours to reduce swelling.
• Compression: Use an elastic bandage to wrap the ankle lightly.
• Elevation: Keep your ankle raised above the heart level to reduce inflammation.
• Pay Attention: Mild pain and swelling are normal, but if it’s bruised, extremely swollen, or too painful to bear weight on, it could be a more serious problem. See a healthcare provider as soon as possible. They can determine if there’s ligament damage and check for fractures. 

How Can You Lower the Risk of Rolling Your Ankle? 

Some injuries are out of your control, but there are ways you can lower your risk of rolling them in the future:

•  Strengthen Your Ankles: Calf raises, balance drills, and resistance band workouts can improve your ankle’s flexibility and strength.
•  Wear Supportive Shoes: Choose shoes with good ankle support and cushioning. If you participate in high-impact sports, wear an ankle brace or taping for extra stability.
• Warm Up Before Activities: Stretch and warm up before exercising to loosen tight muscles and decrease injury from sudden movements.
•  Avoid Uneven Ground: If you're walking or running, stay away from rough terrain. Stay alert to avoid stepping into holes or tripping over unseen obstacles.

When Should You Get Medical Help? 

A minor roll can heal on its own, but if you have severe pain or difficulty walking, get medical attention. If you have persistent swelling or signs of a bacterial or viral infection, getting evaluated will make sure you get proper treatment before symptoms get worse. Whether you’re dealing with a mild sprain or a more serious injury, visit Southern Maryland Medical Group. Our primary care doctors provide quality care and will help you heal properly. Schedule an appointment to get back on your feet fast.