What causes an ankle sprain?
You have a band of ligaments that are responsible for holding your ankle bones together. When you overstretch these ligaments and surrounding soft tissues, they can tear, either partially or fully.
While sprained ankles are among the most common sports injuries, anyone at any point can sprain their ankle. Common causes include:
- Missing a stair
- Walking on an uneven surface
- Landing incorrectly after jumping
- Slipping or falling
If you’ve had a sprained ankle in the past, you’re more likely to sprain it again in the future.
How can I tell if I sprained my ankle?
Usually, you know when you’ve sprained your ankle, but you might not recognize the severity right away. You could experience:
- Pain while bearing weight on the affected ankle
- Swelling or tenderness
- Bruising and inflammation
- Ankle instability
While some symptoms occur right away, others might not surface until the following day. Because sprained ankles often mimic symptoms of fractures, including hairline fractures, it’s important to schedule an appointment at Associated Podiatrists, P.C. as soon as an injury occurs.
How are sprained ankles treated?
During the first few days, minimizing any swelling and inflammation is key. It’s important to elevate your injured ankle, keep it wrapped, and apply ice regularly throughout the day. Your dedicated practitioner at Associated Podiatrists, P.C. can treat your sprained ankle by:
- Fitting you for supportive orthotics
- Placing your foot in a removable brace
- Prescribing anti-inflammatory or pain medication
- Teaching you stretching and strengthening exercises
Depending on the severity of your sprained ankle, it’s common to need physical therapy as well. While rare, some men and women do need surgery for a sprained ankle. You’ll usually only need surgery if your injury isn’t improving and you have a ligament that won’t heal with conservative measures.
If you recently injured your ankle and suspect a sprain, book an evaluation at Associated Podiatrists, P.C. through the online booking feature or by calling the clinic.
