[Hinews] With the summer surge in outdoor sports and activities, injuries become more frequent, with ankle sprains among the most common. Clinically referred to as lateral ankle sprains, these injuries result from missteps, sudden changes in direction, external impacts, or twisting motions that stretch or tear ligaments.

South Korea’s Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service reports a 2.44% rise in hospital visits for ankle sprains from 2022 to 2024, with roughly 200,000 patients seeking treatment monthly. Experts caution that even minor sprains, if left untreated, can lead to chronic pain or recurrent sprains.

Ankle sprains are among the most common summer sports injuries, requiring prompt treatment and prevention. (Image: ClipArtKorea)
Ankle sprains are among the most common summer sports injuries, requiring prompt treatment and prevention. (Image: ClipArtKorea)


Classifying Sprains: Mild to Severe
Ankle sprains are graded into three levels based on ligament damage severity. Grade 1 sprains involve mild ligament stretching, typically causing pain but little functional impairment. Grade 2 sprains feature partial ligament tears, accompanied by swelling and difficulty walking. Grade 3 sprains, the most severe, involve complete ligament rupture and result in severe pain, marked swelling, bruising, and an inability to bear weight.

Mild cases often respond to conservative care such as the RICE protocol—Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation—to reduce inflammation and pain. Severe sprains, however, may require 4–6 weeks of treatment, and persistent joint instability could necessitate surgical intervention.

Dr. Woo Young Jang, Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Korea University Anam Hospital, emphasizes early treatment and rehabilitation for ankle sprains. (Photo: Korea University Anam Hospital)
Dr. Woo Young Jang, Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Korea University Anam Hospital, emphasizes early treatment and rehabilitation for ankle sprains. (Photo: Korea University Anam Hospital)


Prevention First: Strengthen and Stretch
Because ankle sprains frequently recur, prevention is essential. Maintaining balanced strength and flexibility in ankle-supporting muscles, coupled with thorough pre-activity stretching, is fundamental. Wearing activity-appropriate, supportive footwear is also critical.

Dr. Woo Young Jang, an orthopedic surgeon at Korea University Anam Hospital, underscores the risks: “Repeated ankle sprains can compromise joint stability and cause chronic pain. Strengthening and rehabilitating both ankles—not just the injured one—is highly effective in preventing recurrence and restoring function.” He adds, “Even minor injuries should not be overlooked—early treatment is the wisest course.”

키워드

#족관절염좌#발목부상주의#스포츠손상#운동전스트레칭#초기치료중요
저작권자 © Hinews 무단전재 및 재배포 금지
ad