Table of Contents
Ankle Sprains
Overview
A sprained ankle is caused by an injury that tears the ligaments that connect the bones. A sprain can often occur in sports with a twist of the ankle, or just by bad luck – a misstep or tripping on uneven ground. Any abnormal movement that causes the ankle joint to move out of place, thereby stretching or tearing the ligaments, can cause a sprain.
Treating an ankle sprain depends on the severity of the injury. Sometimes rest and pain medications are all you need. To determine the severity of your sprain, it’s important to make an appointment with a foot and ankle specialist who can recommend the proper treatment. We can ensure your ankle will heal correctly, which can help reduce the risk of reinjury.
Symptoms
More often than not, people can typically pinpoint the moment they first sprained their ankle. The symptoms of an ankle sprain include:
- Pain or soreness in the ankle
- Swelling
- Difficulty walking
- Bruising
- Stiffness in the join
It should be noted, however, that for those who have previously sprained their ankle, the symptoms may be more subtle. Instead of pain, the ankle may feel more wobbly or unstable.
Treatment
If your doctor has said you can treat your ankle sprain at home, start with R.I.C.E.
- Rest: Rest your ankle as much as possible following a sprain.
- Ice: Ice the affected area every three to four hours, always ensuring to wrap the ice in a towel or cloth and never directly applying the ice to your skin.
- Compression: Either wrap an elastic bandage or wear a compression sleeve over your foot/ankle for two to three days following the injury. This can help reduce the swelling and shorten your recovery time.
- Elevate: In addition to rest, it’s important to elevate the ankle above the heart (if you’re able), resting the foot on a pillow. This is also a good time to ice the affected area.
Depending on the severity of your sprain, your doctor may also recommend that you get an X-ray, ultrasound, or an MRI to evaluate your sprain.
Depending on your podiatrist’s assessment, you may be given a special boot or soft cast to keep your ankle immobile while it heals. Anti-inflammatory medication may also be used.
Ankle Instability
Overview
Symptoms
Those with ankle instability struggle to balance and stabilize. Other symptoms include:
- An unsteady or wobbly feeling in the ankle
- Chronic discomfort or pain
- Persistent swelling or tenderness
- Frequent turning of the ankle
- Constant inflammation
Treatment
If you believe you’re suffering from ankle instability, it’s time to see a podiatrist! We will evaluate your ankle, and we may order X-rays or other imaging studies to help determine the correct diagnosis to set you on the best path for success.
- Ankle Brace: Wearing an ankle brace can help patients with their ankle instability and prevent the ankle from wobbling.
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is imperative to strengthening the muscles around the ankle. Proper exercises can retrain and strengthen the affected, weaker ligaments – therefore improving your balance and range of motion. Continually building physical therapy exercises into your daily routine can help prevent repeated ankle sprains.
- Anti-inflammatory medicine: Your doctor may recommend drugs like ibuprofen if you are suffering from pain or inflammation.
- Surgery: If you suffer from a severe case of ankle instability and conservative treatments haven’t worked, your podiatrist may talk to you about surgery. The goal of surgery would be to repair the weakened ligaments.
Talk to your podiatrist about the best treatment option for you. Without proper treatment, you are at risk for repeated ankle sprains or the need for surgery.
Protecting Your Ankle
To protect your ankle from sprains, which can lead to ankle instability, here are a few tips to be proactive with your foot and ankle health.
- Proper Footwear. Supportive, quality footwear can go a long way in protecting your ankles. It’s also important to have the right shoes depending on what activity in which you are participating. You’ll need different shoes for soccer than for dance, for example. All shoes should also be replaced at the first sign of being worn out. Wearing the same shoes for too long or too many miles can quickly lead to injury.
- Custom Orthotics. Custom orthotics play an important role in optimal foot health, as they can ensure your foot is in the proper position.
- Medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may be prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Strengthening Exercises. People often think of strengthening their “beauty” muscles when they think of exercising for their long-term health. But the feet are just as important! Ask your podiatrist about simple daily exercises you can do to strengthen your feet. They’ll have recommendations for you!
