Whether you sprain your ankle during sports activity or just while taking a leisurely walk, the pain and swelling can be as excruciating as with a fracture. Foot and ankle specialist Ian R. Hersh, DPM, FACFAS, at Ani Orthopaedics in Hazlet and Old Bridge, New Jersey, can help relieve your pain and provide expert treatment so you can regain optimal strength and function following an ankle sprain. Call Ani Orthopaedics or schedule an appointment online today.
An ankle sprain occurs when one or more of your ankle ligaments are stretched or torn. Sprains often occur when your ankle twists (usually while walking on uneven ground), you fall, or you land on your foot awkwardly and your ankle rolls.
Ankle sprains also frequently happen when you’re engaged in sports activities. You’re most likely to injure your ankle during activities that require quick, cutting actions or rolling your foot, like basketball, tennis, football, soccer, and running.
A sprained ankle causes symptoms that are similar to a fracture, including:
If your symptoms are severe or the swelling and pain last two to five days, it’s important to get an evaluation at Ani Orthopaedics so Dr. Hersh can determine the extent of your injuries, then start treatment to prevent complications like ankle instability.
Ligaments stabilize your ankle joint by connecting adjacent bones. When a sprained ligament doesn’t heal properly, it progressively weakens. As a result, it’s highly susceptible to recurring sprains, a condition called chronic ankle instability.
In addition to evaluating the severity of your sprain, Dr. Hersh may check for other foot injuries that commonly occur at the same time as an ankle sprain. After grading your sprain based on the extent of the ligament damage, he designs a customized treatment plan to reduce inflammation, alleviate your pain, and stabilize your ankle.
Mild sprains often respond to classic RICE therapy: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Dr. Hersh may need to immobilize your ankle with a brace or walking boot to give the ligament time to heal. Surgery is always the last option, but when the ligament is torn, you may need surgical intervention to repair the tissues and stabilize your ankle.
As soon as the swelling has gone down and Dr. Hersh determines it’s safe to start rehabilitation, he teaches you exercises or recommends physical therapy to improve your ankle’s range of motion, strength, and flexibility. The final step is a gradual return to activities.
If you have swelling and pain following an ankle sprain, call Ani Orthopaedics or book an appointment online today.
