Sprained Ankle Specialist

What is a sprained ankle?

A sprained ankle occurs when you overstretch or tear the ligaments in your ankle. Ligaments are strong bands of connective tissue that stabilize and support the bones in a joint. 

You can sprain your ankle by twisting or rolling your ankle in an abnormal direction. You might sprain your ankle during a fall or by landing awkwardly when you jump or pivot, especially if you’re on uneven ground. Ankle sprains also result from collisions with other athletes or equipment. 

When you sprain an ankle, you might hear or feel a popping sound. You also have symptoms that might include:

• Pain 
• Tenderness
• Swelling
• Bruising

Your ankle may also feel unstable, and the swelling and pain can reduce your range of motion or ability to put weight on your foot.

Do I need to see a podiatrist for a sprained ankle?

While a mild ankle sprain might heal on its own, you should always talk to a podiatrist about a suspected ankle injury. If an injury — even a minor one — doesn’t heal correctly, you run the risk of future injuries and chronic pain.

The team at Foot Healers provides thorough exams, including X-rays and other diagnostic imaging studies, to confirm your injury and evaluate its severity. They provide personalized treatments and monitor your recovery to ensure you can get back to your regular activities quickly and safely. 

How do you treat a sprained ankle?

Treatment for a sprained ankle depends on the severity of your injury. Your podiatrist might recommend the RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) steps for minor injuries. Your foot doctor might prescribe medication or assistive devices like crutches to help you protect your ankle.

In severe cases, your podiatrist might suggest surgery to repair a torn ligament. The experts at Foot Healers are experienced foot and ankle surgeons and offer specialized procedures. You might need to wear an immobilizing device like a boot or air cast following surgery.

Physical therapy is another critical part of recovering from a sprained ankle or surgery. You practice exercises and stretches to restore strength, flexibility, and stability to your ankle. 

If you think you have a sprained ankle or another injury, call Foot Healers or make an appointment online today for expert diagnosis and treatment.