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<\/p>\nAnkle sprains are a very common experience.\u00a0 In fact, most people will experience a sprained ankle at least once in their lives.\u00a0 These sprains occur when the ligaments in the ankle stretch beyond their normal limits.\u00a0 While ankle sprains are not life-threatening, severe sprains can lead to a weakened ankle, thus making some activities harder for the affected patient.\u00a0 Fortunately, as research on regenerative therapies has advanced, various forms of regenerative medicine may be able to help strengthen the ankle of those who have experienced sprains in the past.<\/p>\n
Sprained ankles are caused by ligaments being stretched too much.\u00a0 Ligaments exist in the body to help stabilize certain joints such as the ankle.\u00a0 However, during certain activities such as sports, during a fall, or even while walking on uneven ground, the ankle can be twisted in a way that stretches the ligaments too much.\u00a0 This is painful and ends up leading to a sprain.<\/p>\n
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Most sprained ankles are minor and, thus, recover with minor effort.\u00a0 In most cases, rest and ice, compression, and elevation are enough to help those with a minor sprain.\u00a0 Over the counter medicine can be taken for any pain.\u00a0 And typically, minor sprains heal within a couple of weeks.\u00a0 However, more serious sprains may call for crutches, physical therapy, and in extremely severe cases, surgery. Severe sprains may take six to twelve weeks to heal fully.\u00a0 Regardless of the level of sprain, rehabilitation is important to help strengthen the ankle joint.\u00a0 Patients who follow through with rehabilitation are less likely to have more sprains or suffer from joint instability in the future.<\/p>\n
One of the main reasons people experience recurring ankle sprains or instability is because once the ligaments are overstretched, it is very difficult for them to be fully strengthened again.\u00a0 One of the cutting edge medical technologies now in use is various regenerative medicine techniques.\u00a0 Platelet-rich plasma injections can help to regenerate tissue in the ligaments, thus strengthening the ligaments in a way that rest, ice, physical therapy, and surgery cannot.\u00a0 Harnessing the body\u2019s own healing capabilities to regenerate ligament tissue is an up and coming therapy that can add to the current methods of addressing ankle sprains.\u00a0 The ability to use a therapy such as platelet-rich plasma, which has very few side effects and risks, to help strengthen the ankle after a sprain is revolutionary.<\/p>\n