Ankle Sprain

Description

Ligaments in your ankle connect the bones to each other. Ligaments are like rubber bands and when they get stretched too far, they lose their ability to function properly. Stretching of a ligament is what happens during an ankle sprain. When these ligaments are injured it can be painful and limit your ability to walk. Proper  and prompt treatment after an ankle sprain is key to avoiding long-term complications.

Symptoms

Symptoms include pain, swelling, redness, warmth, weakness, and impaired ability to walk or perform your normal day-to-day activities. Ankle sprains are often caused by a fall or a twisting of the ankle in an unusual way. Pain is often instant as is swelling and an inability to walk normally.

Treatment Options

Treatment of an ankle sprain will depend on the severity. First line treatments include rest, ice, NSAIDs, brace or cast, orthotics, and physical therapy. If the injury is not responding to these first-line treatments, surgery may be recommended.

Treatment Options Description (with Duration)

If you suspect you have an ankle sprain or injury, it is important to limit physical activity and reduce swelling. You can reduce swelling by icing, elevating, and taking ibuprofen. Make an appointment with your podiatrist so X-Rays can be taken and the extent of the injury can be properly evaluated. A compression device such as a brace, cast, or boot is likely needed to support your foot and keep it still while your ankle is healing. As symptoms improve, physical therapy can be initiated to aid in strengthening the weakened ligaments and improving your balance. In the event symptoms do not improve or you have recurrent ankle sprains, surgical repair or tightening of the ligaments may be required.

Expected Outcome

With proper treatment promptly after an injury, a patient can usually avoid long-term problems. If an ankle sprain is not allowed to heal properly, it can lead to chronic instability, which can increase the likelihood of rolling your ankle again and causing more damage over time.

Get Back To Your Active Lifestyle Quickly 

If you're suffering from an ankle sprain, or any other foot/ankle condition, our New York foot doctors can help! Serving the Downtown and Midtown Manhattan areas of NYC, we help you get back to healthy and happy living. Call us at 917-398-3668 or book an appointment online.