If You Twist Your Ankle While Having Fun Water Play and It Hurts?

When walking or running on uneven ground, if the foot turns inward, there is a high risk of ankle sprain due to excessive stretching or tearing of the ankle ligaments.

Summer vacation valleys often have rugged terrain, making slip accidents common. Additionally, water parks, swimming pools, and water festivals expose people to slippery environments, so caution is needed to prevent ankle sprains.

Commonly referred to as "twisting the ankle" or "spraining the ankle," an ankle sprain means damage to the ligaments that maintain the ankle joint.

Pain, swelling, and tenderness appear at the injury site, and the pain worsens when standing or walking with weight on the foot. In cases where the ligament is completely torn, the entire ankle swells, bruises, and becomes unstable, making it impossible to bear weight.

Experts say that if an ankle sprain is not properly treated initially, it is prone to re-injury. Frequent injuries can lead to chronic sprains or ankle instability, and in severe cases, nerve damage may occur. Therefore, it is important to visit an orthopedic specialist early to accurately assess the extent of the injury and receive appropriate treatment.

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Dr. Seongho Yoo, head of the Joint Center at Daedong Hospital, said, “Even if the terrain is not rugged, during summer, people are often exposed to slippery conditions due to water play areas or heavy rain, and wearing flip-flops or slippers can make slipping more likely, so slip accidents should be more carefully avoided than in other seasons.”

He added, “If you suddenly twist your ankle, check for signs of injury by looking at the shape or direction of the twisted foot, and if there is any suspicion, it is best to visit an orthopedic clinic for diagnosis.”

Sprains are diagnosed based on the situation in which ankle pain occurs, symptoms, and physical examination. Medical professionals may perform X-rays to check for fractures or MRI scans to confirm fibular tendon injuries or osteochondral lesions.

If the sprain is mild, PRICE treatment is applied, which includes protecting the ankle with a brace, minimizing movement to rest, applying cold compresses to the injured area, using elastic bandages to compress the ankle, and elevating the ankle. Depending on the severity of symptoms, medication, physical therapy, or casting may be used.

Treatment can take from several days to several months, so it is important to actively follow medical advice. Folk remedies such as bloodletting should be avoided as they may lead to other problems.

To prevent ankle sprains, it is recommended to regularly stretch to maintain strength and flexibility around the ankle. This is especially important before and after exercise to relieve muscle tension.

Also, when active on uneven surfaces, special attention should be paid, and shoes with anti-slip features or those that support the ankle should be worn to protect the ankle accordingly.

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