A sprained ankle is serious. If you ignore it, your joint may not heal, and your ankle becomes chronically weak, putting the brakes on your ability to walk, run, and jump as fast and comfortably as you usually do. Expert podiatrists Dr. Darren Silvester and Dr. Gregory Larsen can give your sprained ankle the comprehensive treatment you deserve. If you live in the San Antonio area, call or book an appointment online with the team at Next Step Foot & Ankle Clinic, with two locations in Universal City and Pleasanton, Texas.
What causes a sprained ankle?
Your ankle ligaments are made up of slightly stretchy connective tissues that connect one bone to another, stabilize your joints, and keep your bones in place. When these ligaments stretch past their normal range of motion, you get an ankle sprain.
What are the symptoms of a sprained ankle?
The symptoms of a sprained ankle vary depending on how severe it is. Typically, sprains are either mild, moderate, or severe.
If your ligaments are just a bit overstretched, you just might have a bit of swelling and inflammation. When there’s a partial tear in the ligaments, or if it’s torn completely, you might have bruising and won’t be able to put weight on your ankle.
If you feel and see the following symptoms on your ankle, you may have a sprain:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Bruising
- Stiffness
- Skin discoloration
- Inability to walk or put weight on the ankle
How do I treat a sprained ankle?
Immediately after you have an ankle sprain, get off your feet and use the RICE therapy for first aid. RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compress, and Elevate:
- Rest
- Ice your ankle
- Wrap your ankle in a compression bandage
- Prop your ankle on pillows or cushions to elevate it
Do I need medical attention for a sprained ankle?
Medical attention is not always required, especially if the sprain is mild. However, it’s vital that you seek medical care if the RICE therapy doesn’t work. Also, pain at your ankle doesn’t always mean that it’s a sprain. You might be experiencing a more severe condition.
At Next Step Foot & Ankle Clinic, your podiatrist gives you a comprehensive physical examination to check if a ligament is torn and determine the severity of your sprain. He checks your ankle to rule out a fracture and get a proper diagnosis.
Depending on the severity of your sprain, your doctor prescribes an ankle brace or cast to protect your joint so that it heals and allows you to participate in your usual activities without stress to the affected ankle.
Although your pain and swelling will eventually go away, if your sprain is severe, you might need exercises to strengthen the muscles around the affected ankle. Your medical team suggests when and how to perform the exercises right to prevent chronic pain and instability.
If you’re in the greater San Antonio area, the team at Next Step Foot & Ankle Clinic can help you prevent chronic ankle problems from untreated sprains. Call or schedule an appointment online today.
