Expert Care to Get You Back on Your Feet
Have you twisted your ankle? An ankle sprain is a common injury that occurs when the ligaments – the tough bands of tissue that connect the bones in your ankle – are stretched or torn. Whether it happens during sports, a misstep, or even walking on uneven ground, an ankle sprain can be painful and limit your mobility.
At Family Foot Care Group in New York, our experienced podiatrists provide comprehensive care for ankle sprains, from initial diagnosis to complete recovery. We understand the importance of proper treatment to alleviate pain, promote healing, and prevent long-term complications.
Understanding Ankle Sprains
An ankle sprain typically happens when your foot twists, rolls, or turns awkwardly, forcing the ankle joint out of its normal position. This sudden movement can damage the ligaments on the outer (lateral) side of your ankle, although sprains can also occur on the inner (medial) side.
Symptoms of an Ankle Sprain
The severity of an ankle sprain can vary, but common symptoms include:
- Pain: Immediate and often intense pain, especially when putting weight on the injured ankle.
- Swelling: Around the ankle joint.
- Bruising: Discoloration that may appear around the ankle and foot.
- Tenderness to the touch: Especially over the injured ligaments.
- Stiffness: Difficulty moving the ankle.
- Limited range of motion.
- Popping or tearing sensation at the time of injury.
- Difficulty bearing weight on the injured ankle.
When to Seek Podiatric Care for an Ankle Sprain
While minor ankle sprains may improve with home care, it’s essential to see a podiatrist if you experience any of the following:
- Severe pain that prevents you from bearing weight.
- Significant swelling or bruising.
- Obvious deformity of the ankle.
- Inability to move your ankle.
- Pain that doesn’t improve with home care after a few days.
- Recurrent ankle sprains.
How Family Foot Care Group Can Help Your Ankle Sprain
At Family Foot Care Group in NY, our podiatrists will conduct a thorough examination to diagnose the severity of your ankle sprain. This may include a physical assessment and, in some cases, imaging tests like X-rays to rule out a fracture. Based on the diagnosis, we will develop a personalized treatment plan to promote healing and restore function. Treatment options may include:
R.I.C.E. Therapy:
- Rest: Avoiding activities that put weight on the ankle.
- Ice: Applying ice packs for 15–20 minutes at a time, several times a day, to reduce swelling and pain.
- Compression: Wrapping the ankle with a supportive bandage to minimize swelling.
- Elevation: Keeping the ankle raised above your heart to help reduce swelling.
- Pain Management: Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications to alleviate pain and swelling.
- Immobilization: Using a brace, splint, or cast to support and protect the ankle, depending on the severity of the sprain.
- Physical Therapy: Once the initial pain and swelling subside, physical therapy exercises are crucial to restore range of motion, strength, balance, and proprioception (awareness of your ankle’s position in space).
- Injections: In some cases, injections may be used to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Surgery: Surgery is rarely needed for ankle sprains. However, it may be considered for severe ligament tears that don’t heal with conservative treatment or for chronic ankle instability.
Get Back on Your Feet with Expert Care
Don’t let an ankle sprain keep you sidelined. Seek expert care at Family Foot Care Group in New York to ensure proper healing and a full recovery. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!