Ankle Sprains Specialist

What are ankle sprains?

Ankle sprains are common injuries affecting the joints connecting your feet to your lower legs. These joints consist of a network of ligaments that can stretch or tear if you twist or move your ankle with force. 

An ankle sprain happens when one or more of the ligaments within your ankle joint stretches beyond its capacity or tears. Treating an ankle sprain right away is essential for proper healing. Without treatment, the ligaments within your ankle can heal improperly and cause long-term complications. 

You’re at risk of spraining an ankle if you walk on uneven surfaces or participate in fast-paced sports that involve sudden movements. 

What are the symptoms of an ankle sprain?

Ankle sprains cause immediate pain and ankle instability. Other common symptoms of a sprained ankle include:

• A popping sound as the sprain occurs
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Stiffness
• Tenderness

Immediately after an ankle sprain, you may have trouble standing up and walking. You should avoid placing direct pressure on the injured ankle, so it doesn’t worsen the injury. 

What are the potential complications of an ankle sprain?

Without treatment, ankle sprains that heal improperly can lead to long-term ankle complications that will eventually need treatment of their own. If you didn’t initially seek professional care for an ankle sprain, or if you didn’t receive treatments that were effective for the injury, you might develop:

Chronic lateral ankle pain

Chronic lateral ankle pain involves long-term ankle instability and discomfort on the outer side of your ankle. Your treatment for it might include steroids, immobilization, ankle braces, or physical therapy.

Osteochondritis

Osteochondritis develops when loose bone or cartilage gets stuck between your joints and bones. These detached pieces often come from severe ankle sprains. With this condition, you’ll experience pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Dr. Raestas frequently treats complications like these at both VP Foot & Ankle Specialist locations. 

What are my treatment options for an ankle sprain?

At the moment of your ankle sprain, first aid is vital. You should seek professional care for your ankle as soon as possible without immediately attempting to continue walking or participating in your activity or sport. 

Dr. Raestas assesses your sprained ankle with a physical exam. He might also use imaging tests to make sure you don’t have broken bone or cartilage fragments within the joint or other structural complications that could impede your healing. 

Typically, he recommends a combination of non-surgical treatments for your sprain and home care first. In your case, this might include:

• The R.I.C.E. method (rest, ice, compression, elevation)
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
• Physical therapy
• Immobilization devices

If your ankle sprain involves a severe ligament tear that won’t heal on its own, surgery may be a necessary part of your care plan at VP Foot & Ankle Specialist.

Call VP Foot & Ankle Specialist for immediate treatment if you think you’ve sprained your ankle. Alternatively, you can request an appointment online.