Ankle sprains often happen suddenly and unexpectedly when you’re just out walking, maybe going for an early spring run, or playing other sports. All it takes is one wrong step or foot roll, and you have overstressed the ligaments and tissues. Depending on the force being applied at the time of the injury, an ankle sprain can be relatively mild or very severe. Minor sprains can often be treated at home but a severe ankle sprain can be disabling and extremely painful and will require more immobilization for a longer period of time for proper healing to occur.
Ankle sprain symptoms
The ligaments and tendons that wrap around the ankle bones are susceptible to being stretched or torn due to excessive stress and twisting, causing a sprain. The symptoms of an ankle sprain include severe swelling, pain, and bruising around the ankle area and the inability to carry weight on your foot. This injury most often affects the outside of the ankle, but an opposite roll can cause a sprain of the inside of the ankle area. Sometimes a sprain occurs with an actual break, making an accurate diagnosis more complex, and requiring the intervention of your foot care professional.
Ankle sprain treatments
A minor ankle sprain can be treated with Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (the RICE method). If symptoms don’t begin to subside during the first 3 or 4 days, you may have a more severe injury requiring a cast boot to supply the necessary immobilization. Imaging studies such as x-ray and MRI need to be performed to rule out a stress fracture or soft tissue injury.
Slowly increasing the strength and flexibility of your foot muscles, ligaments, and tendons over time are essential to proper ankle rehabilitation, making a comprehensive physical therapy recovery plan with your foot doctor a high priority. If you are concerned about ankle pain, schedule an appointment with the Foot First Podiatry in New Albany, IN. Our highly qualified podiatrist Zahid Ladha, D.P.M. is dedicated to providing the best diagnostic care and medical treatment for you and your feet. Contact us at (812) 945-9221 and schedule an appointment today!