May 17, 2023
Our ankles are prone to natural wear and tear just like our back, knees, and other joints. Sprained ankles are especially common and can occur to anyone, from athletes to everyday individuals. Twisting and rolling describe how ankles usually get hurt. This often damages the ligaments that support the ankle joint, resulting in pain, swelling, and difficulty walking or standing.
Choosing the right sprained ankle medical device can help you heal quickly and efficiently. A healing device, such as an ankle brace, splint, compression wrap, and/or therapeutic device, can alleviate pain, reduce swelling, and support the affected area.
It is necessary to treat sprained ankles quickly and effectively as soon as the injury occurs. This is because up to 40% of sprained ankles develop chronic symptoms, including pain, swelling, instability, and recurrence that can persist for at least 12 months post-injury.
But before we discuss different types of sprained ankle medical devices, let’s understand sprained ankles first.
Understanding Sprained Ankles
The anatomy of an ankle is unique. It consists of two joints – the upper and lower tarsal joints – along with four main ligaments: the deltoid, anterior talofibular, posterior talofibular, and calcaneofibular ligament. There are also several primary bones, including the fibula, tibia, and talus. There are a lot of parts to injury in your ankle!
An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments surrounding the ankle joint are stretched or torn. Sprained ankles can happen to anyone, but they are most common in athletes who participate in sports that require sudden changes in direction or jumping.
What are the Symptoms of Sprained Ankles?
- Typical symptoms include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Difficulty walking
- Trouble bearing weight on the affected ankle
In severe cases, you may experience a popping or snapping sensation at the time of injury. The severity of the sprain depends on the extent of the ligament damage.
The good news is proper treatment can help prevent long-term complications. Such things as sprained ankle medical devices and sprained ankle healing therapy can help with chronic pain or instability of the ankle joint. Of course, you should seek medical help as soon as possible.
Sprained Ankle Medical Devices
Sprained ankle recovery devices can aid in healing your hurt ankle. These devices can provide support, reduce swelling, and promote healing. Some of the most common include:
- Ankle Braces: These sprained ankle healing devices provide stability to the joint and prevent further injury. Ankle braces can vary in design, from simple slip-on to more complex lace-up braces that offer much better support.
- Splints: Splints help immobilize musculoskeletal injuries and prevent further damage. So, they are typically best suited for more severe ankle injuries. They are usually made from plastic or fiberglass.
- Compression Wraps: These sprained ankle recovery devices are elastic bandages that wrap around the ankle to reduce swelling and provide support. You can adjust these for varying levels of compression.
- Therapeutic Devices: As the name suggests, these devices are helpful in sprained ankle healing therapy. They help manage pain and reduce swelling. You can also use electrical stimulation devices to stimulate blood flow and promote healing.
Using a sprained ankle medical device can be highly beneficial. It can help you recover quickly and effectively. The four main benefits include:
- Reduces swelling and inflammation
- Helps regain the motion of your ankle
- Promotes healing
- Prevents further damage
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Sprained Ankle Healing Device
You have to be careful when choosing a sprained ankle recovery device. You will need a device that is effective and appropriate for your injuries.
These factors include:
- The Severity of Your Sprain: The severity of the sprain can impact the type of device you need. Mild sprains may only require a compression wrap or ankle sleeve, while more severe sprains may require a splint or immobilization device.
- Your Physical Activity: The physical activity you regularly engage in can also impact which sprained ankle recovery device you need. For example, athletes may require a more supportive and durable device because they engage in high-impact activities.
- Personal Preferences: Personal preferences matter when choosing a sprained ankle healing device. You will need to consider factors like comfort level and ease of use. It’s best to avoid using a device you don’t feel comfortable using. It may put more pressure on your ankle and even delay your recovery.
- Cost and Accessibility: These two are critical factors you can’t ignore. As you may already know, your insurance may cover a few sprained ankle medical devices, while others may require out-of-pocket expenses. Additionally, a few devices might not be available as readily as others.
- Device Quality and Service: Finally, check the device quality and service. You would want a sprained ankle healing device that can last a long time with minimal maintenance. Moreover, the manufacturer should extend the necessary after-sales support, should you need it.
Consult a healthcare professional before selecting a sprained ankle healing device. They can help you find the most suitable device. Plus, they will monitor your progress until your ankle recovers completely.
Gladiator Therapeutics Sprained Ankle Healing Device
The Gladiator CeraRecovery™ Ankle/Elbow recovery device helps prevent inflammation and pain for soft tissue injuries and pre or post-surgical procedures. It can be an excellent device for sprained ankle healing therapy.
The device comes with the following benefits:
- Reduces the need for pain medication or injections.
- Allows for more productive physical rehabilitation due to less inflammation.
- Increases blood flow to tissue for optimal perfusion before and after surgery.
- Assists in healing minor tears of soft tissue and cartilage.
How to Use the Gladiator CeraRecovery™ Ankle/Elbow Recovery Device
Take these precautions before using this device.
- First, make sure it’s been 24 hours since your surgical procedure.
- Second, be sure there is no bleeding at the site of surgery/injury.
- Third, drink plenty of water while using the device.
Keep the following in mind when using the device.
- You can place the device directly on your ankle bandage or over a thin layer of clothing.
- Your sprained ankle healing therapy may include using ice bags. But never use ice therapy on the device or simultaneously. You can use ice therapy alternatingly with the device.
- You cannot leave the device under any of your body parts.
- When you slide the device over your foot, rest it on the sprained ankle. Make sure the logo side is facing outward.
- Make sure you pull the strap to tighten the device around your sprained ankle. It shouldn’t be so tight that it stops circulation to your foot.
- Once in place, you can use the sprained ankle recovery device as long as you want. It is safe to use for 24 hours a day. The longer you wear it, the faster you will heal.
Regardless, consult a doctor before using this device. They can help you ensure that it is appropriate for your specific injury and that you are using it correctly.
For More On Recovery Devices for a Sprained Ankle, Contact Gladiator Therapeutics
A sprained ankle is more common than you think. It can lead to severe pain and inflammation. The sprain can lead to long-term complications if it’s not treated quickly and effectively. Thankfully, you can use a few sprained ankle recovery devices for faster, better, and more effective pain relief. Hopefully, this guide will help you understand your options, how to use the Gladiator CeraRecovery™ Ankle/Elbow recovery device, and its benefits.
Do you want to learn more about our therapy devices? Call us at +1-610-215-2004 or fill out our contact form. We’ll get in touch as soon as possible!
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