Why does a sprain cause swelling?
Nov 28, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lin Yunfei
Introduction
In general, a sprained foot may cause strain to the ankle ligaments, leading to rupture of small blood vessels around the ligaments and resulting in bleeding within the surrounding soft tissues, which manifests as swelling of the foot. Meanwhile, the strained ankle ligaments quickly trigger a series of inflammatory reactions, forming inflammatory lesions with inflammatory factors accumulating around the injured ligaments.
After a sprain, swelling and discomfort may occur at the injured site due to local tissue damage, fluid exudation, or bleeding. Specifically:
In general, a foot sprain may cause ligament strain in the ankle, leading to rupture of small blood vessels around the ligaments. This results in bleeding within the underlying soft tissues, causing swelling of the foot. Additionally, the ligament injury triggers a rapid inflammatory response around the ankle ligaments, forming inflammatory lesions. Inflammatory mediators accumulate around the injured ligaments, potentially increasing vascular permeability and resulting in fluid leakage, which further contributes to swelling after a foot sprain.
To manage this condition, initial treatment should involve applying cold compresses to the injured area. Cold therapy helps constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling and pain. It is also important to avoid movement of the affected area as much as possible; continued activity may increase fluid accumulation and worsen swelling. It is recommended to seek immediate medical evaluation and, under a doctor's guidance, use oral medications such as acetaminophen tablets, Yunnan Baiyao capsules, or ibuprofen sustained-release capsules for treatment.
