Ankle Sprain Specialist

What is an ankle sprain?

An ankle sprain is an injury that occurs in your ankle joint, which is the joint that connects your lower leg to your foot. It consists of bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. If you twist, turn, or roll your ankle, ligaments can stretch or tear beyond their usual range of motion. Ankle sprains often affect ligaments on the outside part of your ankle.

What are the symptoms of an ankle sprain?

Common signs and symptoms of an ankle sprain include:

• Ankle pain
• Pain with walking
• Ankle tenderness
• Bruising
• Swelling
• Ankle instability
• Restricted range of motion
• Popping sounds during the injury

Mild ankle sprains often heal over time with proper at-home care, but severe injuries may require medical intervention. 

What are the risk factors for ankle sprains?

Numerous factors can increase your risk of spraining your ankle. Examples include falling down, landing awkwardly after jumping, exercising on an uneven surface, and playing sports. Other risk factors include having a previous ankle injury, poor strength or flexibility, and wearing improper footwear. 

How does a podiatrist diagnose ankle sprains?

To find out if you have an ankle sprain and determine how severe it is, your podiatrist reviews your symptoms and examines your foot, ankle, and lower leg. 

They might press on different parts of your ankle to check for tenderness and ask you to move your foot to evaluate its range of motion. Your podiatrist may suggest you undergo an X-ray, MRI, CT scan, or ultrasound to get a better idea of the type of tissue damage you have.

What are common ankle sprain treatments?

Common treatments for ankle sprains include:

Home remedies

At-home care for an ankle sprain includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E.) to reduce swelling, inflammation, and discomfort. Taking over-the-counter pain relievers while you heal is often beneficial. 

Devices

Using an ankle wrap, sports tape, brace, cast, walking boot, or crutches until your ankle heals is sometimes needed if a sprain is severe or very painful.

Physical therapy

When pain and swelling subside after a sprain, complete a series of strength and stretching exercises in physical therapy to increase your range of motion, flexibility, stability, and strength.

Surgery

A severe ankle sprain may warrant surgery if other treatments haven’t worked. Ankle surgery for sprains is also common among athletes. Your podiatrist offers advanced surgical technology and techniques to repair or reconstruct ligaments and give you the best outcome.

If an ankle sprain doesn’t heal on its own or is severe, see the experts at Michigan Foot & Ankle Institute, PC. Request an appointment by phone or book online today.