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.
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.
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.”
Lim Hye Jung, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM
press@hinews.co.kr
